Ivy League Universities Ranking and Fees for USA in 2024

Before the American Revolution (1776), seven out of the eight colleges that constitute the Ivy League were established, making them the oldest universities in the United States. 

These universities have consistently held high rankings nationally and globally, making them desirable choices for students seeking to study abroad. Now, let’s delve into a detailed discussion of Ivy League Universities. 

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Here is a list of Ivy League colleges:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• The University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

For an Indian student, getting accepted into one of the Ivy League Universities is nothing short of their version of the American Dream.

What is the Ivy League?

The cluster of Ivy League Universities USA was formed in 1954, it was an inter-college athletic group of eight colleges of the Northeastern United States of America aimed at promoting sporting and athletic ties between the participating colleges.

The Ivy League is a bunch of eight prestigious colleges and universities in the US, known for their academic excellence, prosperous history, and particular admissions process with a legacy that spans centuries.

The participating universities engage in friendly competition across a range of student athletic events. 

If you look at the Ivy League website, it has a plethora of sports news but offers limited insights into the academic aspects of college and Ivy League University life.

Even though the Ivy League officially started in 1954, people already used the term in the 1930s. It comes from a tradition of planting ivy at many old universities in the nineteenth century.

Sportswriters used “Ivy League” to talk about the friendly competition between these colleges. This term makes it an exclusive group, including only those eight Ivy League universities in the USA with a shared history and location.

What are the Ivy League Universities?

Thanks to Sports, the participating Ivy League universities in the USA got themselves an exclusive group. 

These Ivy League universities are old, reputed and highly regarded. Although they are all members of the Association of American Universities, representing the best universities in America, Ivy League universities are often considered the best America has.

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Ivy League Universities Ranking

Below are the eight Ivy League Universities and their QS World University Ranking for 2024 and the acceptance rate:

Did you notice the low acceptance rate of these prestigious colleges?

Well, the numbers show how challenging it is to gain admission to these universities. So, proper planning and high academic scores are the best facets to enter these colleges.

Ivy League Universities: Explained

Welcome to the world of Ivy League universities – where excellence meets education in a league of its own. 

In this section, we’ll have a look into the details of these prestigious institutions that make up the Ivy League universities in the USA that are beyond their storied histories and reputations.

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1. Harvard University

Harvard consistently secures the top positions among US and international educational institutions. Boasting an impressive endowment of approximately $50 billion, Harvard stands as the world’s wealthiest university.

This financial strength facilitates a world-class faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and the provision of free tuition for students from modest-income families. Nestled in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard’s academic prowess is synonymous with its global reputation.

Here is a table mentioning popular courses, tuition fees and tests required:

2. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, known as U Penn, excels in fields such as medicine, dentistry, design, business, law, communications, nursing, veterinary science, social sciences, and humanities.

Consistently ranking among the top research universities globally, Penn’s urban campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, teems with diversity, hosting nearly 25,000 students.

Here is a table mentioning popular courses, tuition fees and tests required:

3. Cornell University

Unique among Ivy League institutions, Cornell’s agricultural program is integrated into the state school system. Positioned in the scenic Finger Lakes region of central New York in Ithaca, Cornell is renowned for its schools of engineering and hotel management.

Here is a table mentioning popular courses, tuition fees and tests required:

4. Yale University

Yale stands out in the Ivy League with an endowment exceeding $40 billion and a remarkable 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Situated in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale boasts a vast library holding over 12.7 million volumes and fields 35 varsity athletic teams.

Here is a table mentioning popular courses, tuition fees and tests required:

5. Princeton University

Nestled in Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton University offers undergraduate and graduate courses in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. Distinguished by its absence of schools in medicine, law, divinity, education, and business, Princeton focuses on academic excellence.

Here is a table mentioning popular courses, tuition fees and tests required:

6.Columbia University

As a distinguished Ivy League institution, Columbia holds a rich legacy in research and education. Situated in the heart of upper Manhattan, New York, Columbia is renowned for its liberal arts and sciences programs.

Here is a table mentioning popular courses, tuition fees and tests required:

7. Brown University

Known for its liberal ethos, Brown University stands out as the most progressive among the Ivy League universities in the USA. Renowned for its open curriculum, Brown emphasises undergraduate education over graduate studies, fostering a student-driven approach to learning.

Here is a table mentioning popular courses, tuition fees and tests required:

8. Dartmouth College

Dartmouth, the smallest of the Ivy League schools, combines the academic breadth of larger institutions with the intimate feel of a liberal arts college. Located in Hanover, New Hampshire, Dartmouth leads the Ivy League in the percentage of international students and boasts a robust athletics culture.

Here is a table mentioning popular courses, tuition fees and tests required:

Why are Ivy League universities so good?

So, why do people think Ivy League universities are fantastic? Well, these are some of the well-reputed universities in the US. They’re known for their excellent academics and a long history of being really good at what they do. But it’s not just that – they also have continued investments to keep things going. 

Did you know? Altogether, they have about $150 billion in the establishment, with Harvard having more than $50 billion all by itself.

Because of their great reputation, lots of people want to go there. But, here’s the thing – they don’t take everyone. For every person they let in, they have to say no to at least nine others. And that ability to be selective helps ensure a good supply of students to maintain academic records and ensure continued donations!

When you’re looking for colleges, these Ivy League universities in the USA are usually the first ones you notice. There are a couple of reasons for that. First off, they put in a ton of effort to get really smart, hardworking students worldwide. Secondly, these Ivy League Universities support your career.

Whether you’re into Law, Medicine, Electrical Engineering, or Business – Ivy League universities are the big shots in these areas. Having a degree from one of these places can open up many opportunities for you down the road.

Did you know that Ivy League graduates earned $161,888 or INR 1.3 CR mid-career compared to $101,777 or INR 84 L for those from other institutions?

Requirements For Ivy League Universities

When considering admission to Ivy League universities, understanding the specific requirements is essential.

These prestigious institutions, being private, have unique application processes that can differ for every university. For instance, Harvard’s various graduate schools manage individual admissions and criteria. Submitting an incomplete or inaccurate application can jeopardise your chances of securing a spot.

While Ivy League schools have distinct processes, they share commonalities with other top-tier universities. Regardless of your destination, creating a stellar application is a mindful approach.

What are the key factors you should consider?

Maintain a Strong Academic Record

Despite their athletic origins, Ivy League universities distinguish themselves through academic excellence. Meeting high academic standards is crucial. For graduate courses, a minimum GPA of 3.7 or equivalent in an undergraduate degree is typically expected.

Secure Strong Recommendations

Letters of recommendation hold significant weight in applications. While most universities request one or two, Ivy League universities in the USA applications often require three. These letters should emphasise academic potential and present you as a well-rounded individual.

Write an Impressive Application

Your resume and personal statement allow you to showcase yourself. Highlight experiences or activities that set you apart. Focus on achievements and leadership roles rather than sheer participation in clubs.

Address Additional Requirements

Certain courses may necessitate additional documents, such as essays, reflecting the course’s nature or the school’s ethos. Relevant professional experience, demonstrating practical foundations for the course, is often a requirement.

Some additional requirements can be:

1. Passport Requirements:

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended course completion date.
• Example: If your 2-year course starts in August 2024 and ends in August 2026, your passport should be valid until February 2027.

2. Standardised Test Scores:

• It’s advisable to have your SATs/ACTs (for undergraduates) or GMAT/GRE (for graduate studies) scores ready before applying.
• Some universities may accept applications if you plan to take these tests later, but having your scores ready is better.
• Be prepared to share the reference number of your scorecard with the university.

3. Proof of Funds:

• Provide detailed financial information about your family; actual proof is not required.
• Include relevant documents like tax returns.
• Communicate your funding needs, as this information is used to assess eligibility for scholarships and determine your ability to afford the education.

Final Thoughts

The Ivy League universities in the USA symbolise excellence, prestige, and a rich history that exceeds borders in higher education, consistently occupying top positions in the QS World University Rankings for 2024. 

For an Indian student, gaining admission into one of these revered institutions becomes a high aspiration similar to achieving the American Dream. 

These universities offer a broad spectrum of majors, from Biology to Economics, History to Political Science, reflecting their dedication to nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges.

Whether it’s the hallowed halls of Harvard, the vibrant streets of Columbia, or the progressive spirit of Brown, each Ivy League institution contributes to education that has influenced generations and will continue to shape the future.

Want to take a step towards these premium universities? Leap Finance can help you finance your dream of studying abroad in one of these Ivy League universities.

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