Introducing the New Ivies
Discover the “New Ivies,” a group of prestigious U.S. universities recognized for academic excellence and selective admissions. Learn how these schools compare, their unique features, and why they’re becoming top choices for ambitious students.
Beyond the Traditional Ivy League
When you hear “Ivy League,” schools like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton probably come to mind. But did you know there’s a growing group of institutions known as the “New Ivies”? These universities aren’t officially Ivy League, but they offer comparable academic rigor, impressive faculty, and strong alumni networks. For students seeking elite education with slightly different flavors of campus culture, the New Ivies present exciting opportunities. This guide will introduce you to these schools, explore what makes them stand out, and help you determine if one might be your perfect fit.
What Are the New Ivies?
The term “New Ivies” was popularized to describe top-tier universities outside the traditional Ivy League. They combine academic excellence, high selectivity, and strong post-graduation outcomes. Think of schools like Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, and Pomona. While not officially in the Ivy League, they attract ambitious students, offer world-class resources, and compete with Ivy schools for faculty and research opportunities.
Key Characteristics of New Ivies
Academic Rigor: New Ivies maintain challenging coursework, competitive grading curves, and faculty who are leaders in their fields. Students often engage in original research early, preparing them for graduate programs or specialized careers.
Selective Admissions: Acceptance rates at New Ivies are typically below 15%, with some schools like Stanford and Duke under 5-6% for recent classes. Like Ivy League schools, they seek students who excel academically, contribute to their communities, and show unique talents.
Robust Campus Resources: From state-of-the-art labs to expansive libraries, New Ivies provide resources rivaling the best traditional Ivy League institutions. Career centers, study abroad programs, and innovation hubs give students the tools to thrive.
Top 20 New Ivies
Stanford University – Stanford, CA
- Overview: Stanford is globally recognized for its culture of innovation, research excellence, and entrepreneurial spirit. Students benefit from strong STEM and business programs, close ties to Silicon Valley, and world-class faculty.
- Tuition: ≈ $60,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Notable Features: Silicon Valley connections, cutting-edge labs, startup incubators
Duke University – Durham, NC
- Overview: Duke offers rigorous academics with a focus on interdisciplinary research and pre-professional programs. The campus balances strong athletic programs with opportunities in biomedical research and global initiatives.
- Tuition: ≈ $63,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Notable Features: Vibrant athletics, biomedical research, global study programs
Northwestern University – Evanston, IL
- Overview: Northwestern excels in journalism, engineering, and performing arts. Its co-op programs, research opportunities, and strong alumni network make it a top choice for students seeking real-world experience alongside academics.
- Tuition: ≈ $62,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Notable Features: Co-op and internship opportunities, strong alumni network
University of Chicago – Chicago, IL
- Overview: UChicago is renowned for intellectual rigor and analytical thinking. Students engage deeply with economics, law, and humanities programs while participating in a strong research culture.
- Tuition: ≈ $62,500/year
- Acceptance Rate: 6%
- Notable Features: Core curriculum, strong research opportunities
Pomona College – Claremont, CA
- Overview: Pomona is a top liberal arts college emphasizing small class sizes and close faculty mentorship. Students are encouraged to conduct research from their first year, fostering a collaborative and academically stimulating environment.
- Tuition: ≈ $58,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 7%
- Notable Features: Close student-faculty relationships, research opportunities from year one
Vanderbilt University – Nashville, TN
- Overview: Vanderbilt combines liberal arts and research-focused education. The university supports pre-professional tracks, honors programs, and study abroad opportunities while fostering a lively campus culture.
- Tuition: ≈ $61,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Notable Features: Honors programs, study abroad options, vibrant campus life
Johns Hopkins University – Baltimore, MD
- Overview: Hopkins is world-renowned for medical research, engineering, and international studies. Students benefit from access to leading research institutes and cutting-edge medical facilities.
- Tuition: ≈ $62,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Notable Features: Renowned research institutes, medical center access
Washington University in St. Louis – St. Louis, MO
- Overview: WashU offers strong academics across liberal arts, sciences, and pre-professional programs. Students engage in interdisciplinary research and benefit from high graduation and post-graduate success rates.
- Tuition: ≈ $61,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Notable Features: Interdisciplinary programs, high graduation rates
Rice University – Houston, TX
- Overview: Rice emphasizes STEM, social sciences, and entrepreneurship. The residential college system fosters a tight-knit community, while research and innovation opportunities prepare students for competitive careers.
- Tuition: ≈ $52,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Notable Features: Residential colleges, strong research opportunities
Williams College – Williamstown, MA
- Overview: Williams is a leading liberal arts college with small class sizes and strong faculty interaction. Students engage in tutorial-style classes and have access to significant research and study abroad programs.
- Tuition: ≈ $60,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Notable Features: Tutorial-style classes, strong research and study abroad programs
Carnegie Mellon University – Pittsburgh, PA
- Overview: Carnegie Mellon is recognized for computer science, engineering, and performing arts. Students benefit from research labs, industry partnerships, and innovation centers.
- Tuition: ≈ $61,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Notable Features: Research labs, innovation centers, industry partnerships
Columbia University – New York, NY
- Overview: Columbia offers world-class programs in humanities, STEM, and business. Located in NYC, students access global research networks and the Core Curriculum, providing a broad academic foundation.
- Tuition: ≈ $65,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Notable Features: Urban campus, global research networks, Columbia Core curriculum
Georgetown University – Washington, D.C.
- Overview: Georgetown is known for politics, international relations, and business programs. Students leverage Washington, D.C., for internships and career-building opportunities.
- Tuition: ≈ $63,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Notable Features: Global internships, Washington D.C. connections
Amherst College – Amherst, MA
- Overview: Amherst emphasizes liberal arts with an open curriculum and strong research opportunities. Small class sizes allow students close interaction with faculty.
- Tuition: ≈ $61,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Notable Features: Open curriculum, small student body, tutorial-style classes
Bowdoin College – Brunswick, ME
- Overview: Bowdoin is known for liberal arts education emphasizing leadership, civic engagement, and research. The close-knit community fosters collaboration and academic excellence.
- Tuition: ≈ $61,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Notable Features: Strong sense of community, research opportunities, civic engagement programs
Swarthmore College – Swarthmore, PA
- Overview: Swarthmore combines rigorous academics with strong STEM and humanities programs. The honors program and research opportunities allow students to engage deeply in their studies.
- Tuition: ≈ $60,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Notable Features: Honors program, research opportunities, strong academics
Middlebury College – Middlebury, VT
- Overview: Middlebury emphasizes liberal arts with strengths in international studies, languages, and environmental sciences. Small classes allow personalized faculty guidance.
- Tuition: ≈ $60,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Notable Features: Language schools, global study programs, small class sizes
Claremont McKenna College – Claremont, CA
- Overview: Claremont McKenna focuses on government, economics, and public policy. Students benefit from consortium resources, leadership programs, and internships.
- Tuition: ≈ $58,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Notable Features: Consortium resources, strong internship programs, leadership emphasis
Haverford College – Haverford, PA
- Overview: Haverford emphasizes academics within an honor code system. Small class sizes and research opportunities foster personal growth and academic excellence.
- Tuition: ≈ $60,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Notable Features: Honor code, close student-faculty relationships, research opportunities
Bates College – Lewiston, ME
- Overview: Bates emphasizes rigorous academics, experiential learning, and a strong sense of community. Students engage in research and leadership opportunities across disciplines.
- Tuition: ≈ $58,000/year
- Acceptance Rate: 13%
- Notable Features: Inclusive community, research opportunities, strong liberal arts programs
| Rank | School | Location | Tuition | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stanford University | Stanford, CA | $60,000 | 4% |
| 2 | Duke University | Durham, NC | $63,000 | 6% |
| 3 | Northwestern University | Evanston, IL | $62,000 | 8% |
| 4 | University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | $62,500 | 6% |
| 5 | Pomona College | Claremont, CA | $58,000 | 7% |
| 6 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | $61,000 | 9% |
| 7 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | $62,000 | 11% |
| 8 | Washington University in St. Louis | St. Louis, MO | $61,000 | 11% |
| 9 | Rice University | Houston, TX | $52,000 | 11% |
| 10 | Williams College | Williamstown, MA | $60,000 | 13% |
| 11 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh, PA | $61,000 | 15% |
| 12 | Columbia University | New York, NY | $65,000 | 5% |
| 13 | Georgetown University | Washington, D.C. | $63,000 | 14% |
| 14 | Amherst College | Amherst, MA | $61,000 | 11% |
| 15 | Bowdoin College | Brunswick, ME | $61,000 | 9% |
| 16 | Swarthmore College | Swarthmore, PA | $60,000 | 8% |
| 17 | Middlebury College | Middlebury, VT | $60,000 | 12% |
| 18 | Claremont McKenna College | Claremont, CA | $58,000 | 10% |
| 19 | Haverford College | Haverford, PA | $60,000 | 17% |
| 20 | Bates College | Lewiston, ME | $58,000 | 13% |
Why Students Are Choosing New Ivies
- Flexibility: Many New Ivies encourage cross-disciplinary study, allowing you to combine interests in unique ways.
- Innovative Programs: Schools like Stanford excel at entrepreneurship, while Northwestern is a leader in media and communications.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Many New Ivies emphasize broad, inclusive campuses, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
- Career Outcomes: Graduates often secure positions at top companies or prestigious graduate programs.
Pro Tips for Applying
- Show Unique Strengths: Highlight what makes you stand out—research, community service, or unique hobbies.
- Visit the Campus: Each New Ivy has a distinct culture; visiting helps you find your best fit.
- Use Recommendations Wisely: Letters should reflect your character, not just your grades.
- Apply Early if Strategic: Some New Ivies offer early decision or early action options that can increase your chances.
Warnings & Considerations
- High Competition: Even strong students face rejection due to low acceptance rates.
- Cost: These schools often come with high tuition, though financial aid is generous if you qualify.
- Cultural Fit: Rigorous academics and intense student bodies may not suit everyone; assess your readiness.
Real-Life Stories
- Sophia at Pomona: She loved the small liberal arts environment and one-on-one mentorship. By engaging in research from her first year, she landed a prestigious internship in environmental policy.
- Raj at Duke: Interested in biomedical engineering, he benefited from Duke’s research labs and co-op programs, gaining hands-on experience that made him competitive for graduate school.
- Elena at Stanford: Passionate about startups, she joined the university’s entrepreneurship center and successfully launched a tech venture before graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a New Ivy different from a traditional Ivy League school?
New Ivies are not part of the official Ivy League but match or exceed them in academic rigor, faculty quality, and student outcomes.
Are New Ivies easier to get into than Ivies?
Not necessarily. Many New Ivies have highly competitive admissions, sometimes even lower acceptance rates than some Ivy League schools.
Do New Ivies offer financial aid?
Yes, most are need-blind or meet full demonstrated need, similar to Ivy League schools.
Can New Ivies prepare me for top graduate schools?
Absolutely. Graduates from New Ivies regularly attend prestigious law, medical, and business programs worldwide.
Is campus culture different at New Ivies?
Yes. Some emphasize collaborative learning, like Pomona, while others, like University of Chicago, prioritize intellectual intensity.