Ivy League Universities, USA: Rankings, Fees, Eligibility & More

For many students around the world, getting into an Ivy League university is one of the biggest academic goals. These eight schools, all located in the northeastern United States, are known for their competitive admissions, world-class education, and the life-changing opportunities they offer after graduation. But it is not just about the reputation or famous names like Harvard or Princeton. It is about being part of a tradition that has shaped leaders, researchers, and innovators for generations.

Although the Ivy League began as a sports conference, today it represents academic excellence, strong faculty, outstanding research facilities, and reliable financial aid support. That said, gaining admission is no small task. These universities look beyond grades. They look for students who are driven, curious, and involved in meaningful ways both in and out of the classroom. If you are hoping to be part of the Ivy League, your entire journey matters, not just your scores.

Keen to know more about these Top Universities in USA? Well then, let’s get started.

Table of Content

1. List of Ivy League Universities in USA
2. Scholarships in Ivy League Universities USA
3. Eligibility Criteria for Ivy League Universities in USA
4. Application Process for Ivy League Universities USA
5. FAQs

List of Ivy League Universities in USA

Before we delve into the specifics, skim through the list to see which Universities make up this Prestigious Group of in USA:

• Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
• University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Cornell University (Ithaca, New York)
• Princeton University (Princeton, New Jersey)
• Yale University (New Haven, Connecticut)
• Columbia University (New York City, New York)
• Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island)
• Dartmouth College (Hanover, New Hampshire)

We'll now explore a brief overview, popular courses, tuition costs, and more about all the above-mentioned universities so that it’s easier for you to pick the right one as per your profile.

✅Harvard University

Harvard University, a symbol of academic excellence and Innovation, stands as the oldest University of Higher Learning in the United States. Founded in 1636, its sprawling 209-acre Campus is home to 10 Degree-Granting Schools, including the esteemed Radcliffe Institute for advanced study.

Renowned worldwide for its Law, Business, and Medical Schools, Harvard boasts a rich legacy of Intellectual Achievement. Connected to over 45 Nobel Laureates, 30 Heads of State, and 48 Pulitzer Prize Winners, it has produced countless influential Leaders and Scholars. In addition to that, Harvard welcomes Students from 200+ Countries, fostering a vibrant International Community.

Popular Subject Areas

Harvard offers a wide array of Study Options, each with a strong focus on academic rigor and innovative research. Some of the most sought-after disciplines include:

• Computer Science
• Business Administration (MBA)
• Psychology
• Biological Sciences
• Law (JD)
• Political Science
• Economics
• History

Tuition Fees

Studying at Harvard comes with a significant investment, but many believe the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. The tuition varies depending on the program you choose.

For the most current and detailed information on course offerings and fees, visit Harvard’s official website. There, you can explore the wide range of academic programs and find the right fit for your educational and career aspirations.

✅University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is one of the Nine Original Universities founded before the United States became independent. While its origins date back to 1740, it was in 1749 that Benjamin Franklin organized 24 Trustees to create a formal Institution of Higher Education.

Located on an expansive 302-acre Campus with over 200 Buildings, Penn features several notable Landmarks. It is home to the nation’s first Student Union and the world’s first Collegiate Business School, The Wharton School.

The University has a rich Legacy, boasting affiliations with more than 25 Nobel Laureates. Among its Notable Alumni are William Henry Harrison, the Ninth President of the United States, and Kwame Nkrumah, the former Prime Minister, and President of Ghana. Both leaders earned multiple Degrees from this Prestigious University.

Popular Subject Areas

The University of Pennsylvania provides a wide array of over 80 majors across its Four Schools for Bachelor's Degrees. In addition to these diverse programs, it also excels in its Master’s Courses and professional offerings. Some of the popular study options include:

• Engineering
• Business (MBA)
• Nursing
• Law (JD)
• Psychology
• Economics
• Political Science
• Communication

Tuition Fees

The cost of tuition varies based on the program you select, reflecting the University’s dedication to offering a top-tier educational experience.

For specifics about available courses or tuition rates, it’s best to consult the official website of the university.

✅ Cornell University

Founded in 1865, Cornell is a private Ivy League University dedicated to its mission of ‘Discovering, Preserving, and Disseminating Knowledge.’ It boasts a global presence with Six Campuses, the main one located in Ithaca, New York, spanning 2,300 Acres in the picturesque Finger Lakes Region.

In addition to its Main Campus, Cornell has a Graduate School of Medical Sciences in New York City, and a campus in Rome that focuses on Art, Architecture, and Urban Planning. There is also a Medical College at Education City in Doha, Qatar, renowned for Quality Education.

Cornell is proud to have connections with 45 Nobel Laureates, highlighting its commitment to Academic Excellence. Notable Alumni include Tsai Ing-wen, the President-Elect of Taiwan, and Huey Lewis, the representative of the band Huey Lewis and the News. This Legacy of Achievement reflects the University's significant impact across various fields.

Popular Subject Areas

With over 4,000 courses offered across 100 academic departments, Cornell University ensures that it meets the diverse academic needs of its students. Below mentioned are some of the popular options available:

• Engineering
• Computer Science
• Business (MBA)
• Hotel Administration
• Agriculture and Life Sciences
• Architecture
• Veterinary Medicine
• Law (JD)

Tuition Fees

Although the financial investment is considerable, the value of a Cornell, along with its strong network and career prospects, makes it a worthwhile choice for your future.

For the full list of courses and the latest tuition fees, be sure to check out the official Cornell University website.

✅ Princeton University

Princeton University, one of the oldest Universities in USA, is regarded as one of the world’s most illustrious higher education institutions. Founded in 1746, it was originally known as the College of New Jersey but was renamed in 1896 in honor of its location.

At this prestigious Ivy League University, Residential Accommodation is guaranteed for all Undergraduate Students throughout their academic program, with more than 98% choosing to live On Campus. Additionally, a sizable portion of Graduate Students, approximately 70%, reside in Campus Housing designed to support their needs.

Princeton is also recognized as one of the world’s foremost Research Universities. It boasts connections to more than 40 Nobel Laureates, 17 Winners of the National Medal of Science, and Five Recipients of the National Humanities Medal. The University’s Distinguished Alumni include James Madison, Woodrow Wilson, Michelle Obama, Brooke Shields, Jeff Bezos, and Jimmy Stewart.

Popular Subject Areas

Across 36 Academics Departments, Princeton offers numerous Bachelor’s and Master’s Programs, each designed to meet current market demands. Given below are some of the most popular Programs:

• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Mathematics
• Economics
• Political Science
• History
• Public and International Affairs
• Architecture

Tuition Fees

Even though the Tuition Rates at most Ivy League Universities tend to be on the higher side, Princeton University offers some budget-friendly options to its students. Here’s an estimation to give you a better understanding.

For comprehensive information on all courses and their associated fees, the best source is the official Princeton University Website.

✅Yale University

Yale University is a private Ivy League Institution and the Third Oldest University in the United States. Founded as the Collegiate School in Saybrook, Connecticut, in 1701, it moved to New Haven 15 years later. The Campus covers over 206 Acres and consists of 14 Schools.

Around 1 in 5 Students at Yale is International, and more than half of the Bachelor’s Students receive U.S. Scholarships and Grants. A wide range of Master’s Students also benefit from various Scholarships and Fellowships, helping them fund their education more effectively demonstrate the University's Commitment to Diversity and Excellence. Yale’s Alumni and Athletic Teams are known as the ‘Bulldogs,’ and many Graduates have pursued successful careers in Science, the Arts, and Politics.

The University has educated over Five U.S. Presidents: William Howard Taft, Gerald Ford, George H. W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush. Furthermore, it is also home to over 20 Nobel Laureates and 32 Pulitzer Prize Winners.

Popular Subject Areas

Yale offers a range of programs across its various schools. Here are some of the most sought-after options preferred by students:

• Law (JD)
• Psychology
• Political Science
• Economics
• History
• Biological Sciences
• Architecture
• Drama and Theatre Studies

Tuition Fees

According to your course level, the Tuition Rate at Yale may vary. Here’s an estimation of what you can expect to pay as an International Student.

To explore all academic programs and current tuition details, please refer to Yale University’s official site.

✅Columbia University

Founded in 1754 as King’s College, Columbia University is the Oldest University in New York State. Its most prominent Landmark is the Low Memorial Library, which houses the University’s central administration office.

Columbia’s Main Campus is located in New York City, with two additional facilities outside Manhattan: the Nevis Laboratories in Irvington and the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades. This private Research-Based University consists of 20 Schools, and its Sponsored Research generates more than $600 Million Annually.

Since 1901, more than 80 Faculty Members at Columbia University have been awarded the Nobel Prize. Notable recipients include Chemist Robert Lefkowitz, Economist Joseph Stiglitz, and U.S. President Barack Obama, who won the Peace Prize in 2009.

Popular Subject Areas

Columbia offers more than 80 Areas of Study to help Students achieve a Master’s Degree in their chosen Discipline, along with the opportunity to complete a Thesis or a Research Project. Here are some of the renowned options:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Business (MBA)
• Political Science
• Economics
• Law (JD)
• Journalism
• Architecture

Tuition Fees

Depending on the course or the degree level you opt for, the tuition fee may vary. This average will give you an idea:

To explore the detailed fist of Courses and their respective Tuition Fees, visit the official website of Columbia University.

✅Brown University

Brown University, founded in 1764, is the seventh oldest University in the United States. Its campus features 230 Buildings spread across 150 Acres, all within walking distance of downtown Providence. It prides itself on its Openness and was the first Ivy League member to accept students regardless of their Religious Affiliation.

A defining characteristic of Brown is the introduction of the Brown Curriculum, which significantly changed the landscape of Bachelor’s Studies. In addition to its focus on Student Learning, Brown is also a leading Research Institution. It boasts connections to Seven Nobel Laureates, including Craig C. Mello and Jerry White, who won prizes for Physiology and Medicine and Peace, respectively.

Notably, Emma Watson, known for her role as Hermione Granger in the ‘Harry Potter’ series, transferred from the University of Oxford to Brown, graduating in 2014.

Popular Study Areas

Brown University provides more than 2,000 Bachelor’s Courses and 36 Master’s Programs to support students in their academic pursuits. Some popular areas of study are given below:

• Computer Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Economics
• Public Health
• Applied Mathematics
• International Relations
• Environmental Science

Tuition Fees

At Brown, the Tuition Costs may be on the higher side, but the strong return on investment makes it a smart choice for students looking to build successful careers. Here’s an overview of the Average Tuition Fees:

To get the most current list of Courses and Fees, we recommend checking the Official University Page.

✅Dartmouth College

Founded in 1769, Dartmouth College is located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Its Undergraduate College offers over 50 Departments and Programs, alongside Graduate Schools in Engineering, Business, Medicine, and Arts and Sciences.

As the ninth oldest institution of higher education in the US, Dartmouth boasts an extensive campus network with 45 Faculty-Led Programs across more than 20 Countries. Its Geisel School of Medicine is the Fourth Oldest Medical School in the nation, and the Thayer School of Engineering is also among the oldest of its kind.

Notable alumni include Nelson A. Rockefeller, the 41st Vice President of the US, who graduated with a Degree in Economics in 1930. Other distinguished alumni include actor Connie Britton, former Hasbro CEO Brian Goldner, and Pulitzer Prize-Winning Poets Robert Frost and Richard Eberhart.

Popular Study Areas

With over 40 Academic Departments, Dartmouth offers Bachelor's Students the chance to explore various fields before declaring or designing their major. Some of the popular study areas include:

• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Business (MBA)
• Economics
• Government
• Psychology
• Biological Sciences
• History

Tuition fees

Outlined below is an estimated overview of the Tuition Fees for studying at Dartmouth College. These figures can vary based on the Program or Degree you choose, as well as other factors like additional Course requirements or specialized Programs.

For the latest details on program offerings and tuition, make sure to visit Harvard’s official site.

Earning a Degree from an Ivy League School often leads to better access to Top-Tier Positions in fields like Finance, Consulting, and Technology—sectors known for offering salaries that can rapidly surpass Six Figures. According to data from Opportunity Insights, students who attend an Ivy League Institution are about Three Times more likely to land Elite Jobs compared to those graduating from even Highly Competitive Public Universities.

Even before you think of the earnings after graduation, here’s how you can access monetary support while pursuing your studies here.

Scholarships in Ivy League Universities USA

Ivy League Universities offer financial aid to international students, but it’s based entirely on demonstrated financial need. Instead of traditional scholarships, they provide grants, making education more accessible for those who qualify. But it’s important to note that the Ivy Leagues Universities do not offer merit-based scholarships.

Apart from the need-based aid, these universities also accept external scholarships. However, how those funds are used can vary depending on each school’s financial aid policy, so it’s important to check the details with the university’s financial aid office.

Let’s now look at what it takes to earn a Letter of Acceptance from this highly respected group of universities in the United States.

Eligibility Criteria for Ivy League Universities in USA

We all know that securing a place in Ivy League Universities is no easy feat. As an international student, you need to stand out with exceptional academic performance and strong Interpersonal skills to study in USA at prestigious group of Universities.

In this section, we will discuss the general Admission Requirements for both the Bachelor’s and Master’s Levels.

For Bachelors

• Academic Requirements
  • Applicants must have completed a Secondary School Program equivalent to a U.S. High School Diploma.
• English Proficiency & Standardized Test Requirements
  • SAT or ACT Scores are not required for admission as they are optional, though applicants may choose to submit them if they believe it will enhance their Application.
  • For those who submit scores, a competitive SAT Score typically falls between 1460 and 1570, and for the ACT, it’s around 32 to 35.

For Masters

• Academic Requirements
  • Applicants need to hold a Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution. The degree should ideally be in a field relevant to the intended Graduate Program.
  • A strong Academic Record is typically expected, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 Scale, though more competitive programs may require a higher GPA.
• English Proficiency & Standardized Test Requirements
  • Generally, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT, TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo Test Scores are required. The specific score requirements can vary depending on the Program students apply to.

Once you know you are eligible, the next thing to do is start getting your application ready for the University you’ve chosen. Here’s how you can do that.

Application Process for Ivy League Universities USA

Ivy League universities follow a holistic admissions process that considers both academic performance and other attributes.

Common requirements include:

• Strong Academic Performance
• Valid Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT for Bachelors or GRE/GMAT for Masters)
• Well-Crafted Essays or a clear Statement of Purpose
• Impressive Recommendation Letters
• Meaningful Extracurricular & Voluntary Involvement with notable impact

Bachelor’s Applications are submitted through the Common App, while Master’s applications are completed via the University’s Official Portal. Applicants need to upload all required documents, fill out financial aid forms and face interviews as required.

Once submitted, applications are reviewed in full, and decisions are shared according to each University's timeline. To streamline the application process, it is a promising idea to seek guidance from someone familiar with the ins and outs of these Prestigious Institutions.

FAQs

1. Are there Opportunities for Undergraduate Research at Ivy League Schools?

Yes, Undergraduate Research is strongly encouraged at Ivy League Universities. Students often have access to Cutting-Edge Labs, Funding for Independent Projects, and Mentorship from the World-Renowned Faculty. Research Opportunities span many disciplines, from STEM Fields to Social Sciences and Humanities, and can significantly enhance a student’s Academic Experience and Career Prospects.

2. What is Campus Life Like at Ivy League Universities?

Campus Life at Ivy League Schools is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of Clubs, Sports, Cultural Organizations, and Social Events. Students can participate in everything from Varsity Athletics to Arts and Theater. Residential Colleges or Dormitories often create tight-knit communities, and schools emphasize both Academic Excellence and Personal Growth through Extracurricular Engagement.

3. Can Ivy League Students Participate in Study Abroad Programs?

Yes, most Ivy League Universities have well-established Study Abroad Programs. Students can spend a Semester or a Year at Partner Universities worldwide, gaining International Experience and broadening their Academic Perspectives. These Programs are usually flexible and can count toward Degree Requirements.

4. How Important is the Alumni Network After Graduation?

The Alumni Network at Ivy League Schools is considered one of the most valuable assets for Graduates. These Networks provide Mentorship, Job Referrals, Networking Opportunities, and Access to Exclusive Events and Clubs worldwide. Many Alumni hold Leadership Positions in Top Companies, Governments, and Academia, helping Graduates secure Influential Roles early in their Careers.