The famous Ivy League is the dream study destination of millions of students globally. Made up of 8 prestigious private institutions in the Northeastern United States, the Ivy League is considered the best university in the US.
More than 1/3rd of US presidents have attended an Ivy League school. They also have a huge list of Nobel laureates.
What is the Ivy League?
You can track the history of the Ivy League back to the founding of some of the oldest colleges in the US. Since their original days, the 8 universities have managed to maintain their prestige, reputation, academic rigor, and social elitism.
The term “Ivy League” dates all the way back to the 1930s, coined by a sports journalist while describing the “inter-college rivalry” existing between these 8 schools.
He was making fun of a tradition of planting Ivy that was a part of many universities during the nineteenth century. The term caught on and in 1954 the “Ivy League” athletic conference was formed.
The sport-based origins of the term “Ivy League” limit the membership to these 8 universities, it’s one of the most exclusive clubs in the history of education.
What are the Ivy League Universities?
Ivy League universities include 8 universities. 7 of those universities were founded during America’s colonial period, and they all have a reputation for academic excellence. All the schools are part of the Association of American Universities (organization the represents the best universities across America).
Here’s a list of the best IVY League universities:
- Harvard University – Massachusetts
- Yale University – Connecticut
- Princeton University – New Jersey
- Columbia University – New York
- Brown University – Rhode Island
- Dartmouth College – New Hampshire
- University of Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania
- Cornell University – New York
Overview of Ivy League Universities
1. Harvard University
- Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
- Number of Students: Approximately 20,000
- City: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Harvard University founded in 1636 is one of the oldest higher education in the United States. Harvard University is known for its Law, Business, and Medical schools. Harvard University has produced many Nobel laureates, U.S. presidents, and several industry leaders.
The campus environment at Harvard is vibrant and full of iconic traditions. Some of the most notable places for students to go to include:
- The Harvard Yard
- The Hasty Pudding Theatricals
2. Yale University
- Acceptance Rate: 4.6%
- Number of Students: Approximately 13,500
- City: New Haven, Connecticut
Established in 1701, Yale University is known for academic excellence. Yale University’s Drama and Music programs, Law school, and other courses attract a diverse pool of talented students all over the globe.
Yale’s campus has a rich history of traditions and student activities. The Yale Daily News is one of the oldest college daily newspapers, it serves as the voice of the student community.
The annual Yale-Harvard football game is one of the most sought-after college football games that generations of alumni and students wait for.
3. University of Pennsylvania
- Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- Number of Students: Approximately 22,400
- City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin is the top-most choice for students who want to study business. The Wharton School of Business is one of the leading business schools with famous alumni like Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
Penn’s campus traditions have a rich history of traditions that aim to build a sense of community and school spirit among the students. The Penn Relays is one of the oldest and largest track and field competitions in the US, it attracts athletes and spectators worldwide.
Spring Fling is another tradition of the University of Pennsylvania. It’s a weekend of concerts and events to celebrate the end of the academic year.
4. Princeton University
- Acceptance Rate: 4.0%
- Number of Students: Approximately 8,500
- City: Princeton, New Jersey
Princeton University founded in 1746, offers a strong emphasis on undergraduate education. Princeton’s programs in Public and international affairs are world-famous. The Princeton University has produced alumni with multiple Nobel laureates and the US presidents.
The unique culture at Princeton is built around its eating clubs, they act as social hubs for students. The Princeton Tiger (university mascot) is a symbol of the spirited athletic and academic achievements of its students.
The annual Reunions event is the highlight of the year as different generations of alumni visit the campus for a weekend of festivities and fun activities.
5. Columbia University
- Acceptance Rate: 5.4%
- Number of Students: Approximately 31,000
- City: New York City, New York
Columbia University (founded 1754) is the perfect place for students who want a dynamic urban educational experience. The Columbia Journalism School is one of the most reputed schools in the world with notable alumni like Barack Obama and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
The campus life is defined by the rigorous curriculum, offering a liberal arts education. Another tradition that’s loved by Columbia University students is “The Varsity Show”. It’s an annual student-run musical production, it showcases the creative talents of Columbia’s students and it highlights the university’s vibrant artistic community.
6. Brown University
- Acceptance Rate: 6.9%
- Number of Students: Approximately 10,000
- City: Providence, Rhode Island
Brown University (founded 1764) is located in Providence, Rhode Island, and is famous for its unique ‘open’ approach to learning. The university allows students to choose their own curriculum based on their interests.
Some of the notable alumni of Brown University include John F. Kennedy Jr. and Emma Watson. The culture at Brown University focuses on students focusing on the spirit of independence and creativity.
The Brown University has some great traditions, such as The Van Wickle Gates which are opened twice a year, signalling the beginning and end of a student’s time at Brown.
7. Dartmouth College
- Acceptance Rate: 9.2%
- Number of Students: Approximately 6,500
- City: Hanover, New Hampshire
Founded in 1769, Dartmouth College is famous for its focus on liberal arts education. Dartmouth has been the home to famous alumni like Nelson Rockefeller and Dr. Seuss. The campus is culture is connected to its natural surroundings.
The Dartmouth Outing Club is the oldest collegiate outing club in the US, it promotes outdoor activities and adventure. The Green is a central grassy area on campus, which serves as a gathering place for students and builds a tightly knit community.
8. Cornell University
- Acceptance Rate: 10.7%
- Number of Students: Approximately 24,000
- City: Ithaca, New York
Founded in 1865, Cornell University is a distinctive blend of private and public education. It is widely recognized for its excellence in Engineering and Hospitality programs, boasting notable alumni such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Toni Morrison.
Campus life at Cornell is shaped by rich traditions that celebrate both academic and social achievements. Slope Day, a year-end festival filled with music and entertainment, marks the close of the academic year with a lively celebration.
Dragon Day, led by Architecture students, features an impressive dragon parade that highlights their creativity and school spirit. Adding to the university’s charm, the Cornell Chimes ring from McGraw Tower daily, echoing its deep history and dynamic campus atmosphere.
5 Fun Facts About Ivy League Schools
The Ivy League is full of history, prestige, and quirky traditions. While these universities are known for their academic excellence, they also have some interesting (and surprising) stories. Here are five fun facts about the Ivy League you might not know!
- The Name ‘Ivy League’ Started as an Insult
The term “Ivy League” originally had nothing to do with academics—it was about sports. A journalist first used it while covering a Columbia vs. Pennsylvania football game, but he wasn’t a fan.
As a graduate of Fordham, a university with a strong football program, he wasn’t thrilled to be reporting on Ivy League teams. His use of “Ivy League” was meant to be dismissive, suggesting these schools were better known for their ivy-covered buildings than their athletic abilities.
- The ‘Ancient Eight’ Aren’t That Ancient
Despite the nickname, the Ivy League schools aren’t the eight oldest universities in the world—or even in the U.S. While Harvard (founded in 1636) holds the title of America’s oldest university, Cornell, the youngest Ivy, wasn’t founded until 1865.
In fact, several U.S. universities, including the College of William & Mary (1693), are older than some Ivy League institutions.
- Most Ivies Were Founded Before America
Seven of the eight Ivy League schools (all except Cornell) were established before the United States became a country. These were known as colonial colleges, founded before the Declaration of Independence.
The University of Pennsylvania was even started by one of America’s Founding Fathers—Benjamin Franklin. Columbia University also has royal roots; originally founded as King’s College, it changed its name after the American Revolution.
- Brown Offers a ‘Build-Your-Own’ Degree
Brown University takes academic freedom to another level with its open curriculum. Students can design their own education, with minimal requirements beyond completing 30 courses and choosing a concentration (major).
Each semester starts with a “shopping period” where students can sample courses before committing. With few prerequisites and even some master’s-level courses available to undergraduates, it’s possible to create a one-of-a-kind degree.
- Harvard’s ‘Primal Scream’
Ivy League schools love their traditions, and some are pretty unusual. At Harvard, students once released stress before exams by screaming from their dorm windows for 10 minutes—a practice known as the ‘primal scream.’
While the yelling has faded, streaking has become a new stress-relief ritual. Cornell has its own pre-exam tradition, where the university band takes over the library for an hour, making last-minute cramming nearly impossible. And at Penn, students throw bread onto the field during football games to ‘toast’ their team!