The New Ivies: A Complete List
Dreaming of an elite education, but maybe the Ivy League feels a little out of reach? The admissions process at those prestigious schools is famously competitive. But did you know that there’s a list of institutions offering an Ivy-caliber education, minus the stress (and sometimes, the fees) of the traditional Ivy League schools?
These are the New Ivies, and they might just be the perfect fit for you. These schools consistently rank high in academics, faculty, and student experience. In this post, we’ll share everything about the New Ivies and give you a list of these top-ranked schools.
What are the New Ivies?
The term “New Ivies” was coined by Newsweek in 2006 to designate a group of colleges and universities that rival the Ivy League in academic prestige and faculty renown. These institutions share many of the hallmarks of the Ivies, including rigorous curricula and talented professors.
However, unlike the traditional Ivy League schools, which are all concentrated in the Northeast, the New Ivies are geographically diverse. They range from the Claremont Colleges in California to New York University in Manhattan.
Ivy League vs. Public Ivies
The Ivy League is a formal athletic conference comprising eight private universities in the Northeast US: Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale. Founded in 1954, these schools boast rich histories, prestigious reputations, and highly selective admissions processes. They tend to be large research universities with strong programs across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
On the other hand, the New Ivy is not an official designation. It’s a term used to describe colleges and universities that offer an Ivy League-caliber education outside the formal league. These schools are typically private institutions with rigorous academics, selective admissions, and strong alumni networks. However, compared to the Ivies, they often have smaller student bodies, a more intimate learning environment, and a less traditional campus feel. Additionally, some New Ivies may be located outside the Northeast.
A List of New Ivies
There’s no official list of “New Ivies,” but several colleges and universities are frequently mentioned in this category. The following list includes some of the most commonly cited colleges and universities, though this list is not exhaustive:
| Boston College | Reed College |
| Bowdoin College | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Rice University |
| Colby College | Skidmore College |
| Colgate University | Tufts University |
| Davidson College | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Emory University | University of Michigan |
| Harvey Mudd College | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill |
| Kenyon College | University of Notre Dame |
| Macalester College | University of Rochester |
| New York University | University of Virginia |
| Olin College of Engineering | Vanderbilt University |
| Pomona College | Washington University in St. Louis |
How to Get Into the New Ivies
New Ivy League schools share the high level of competitiveness and selectivity of their traditional Ivy League counterparts. While acceptance rates for New Ivies tend to be slightly higher than schools like Harvard and Yale, the majority still fall well below 50%, making admission highly competitive.
To be considered a strong applicant for most New Ivy schools, a strong academic record is essential. Ideally, your SAT score should be well above 1400, with a target range closer to 1500. If you’re taking the ACT, a score in the 30s will significantly strengthen your application. To give you an idea of the benchmarks, Colby College, a New Ivy with a particularly low acceptance rate, saw successful applicants in 2023 with middle 50% SAT scores between 1440 and 1530 and ACT scores between 32 and 34.
However, top grades are just one component of the admissions package. Competitive schools seek well-rounded students who not only excel academically but also show a passion for extracurricular activities and interests outside of the classroom. A strong and compelling application is crucial, so invest the necessary time and effort to tailor each application to the specific school.
Remember that colleges prioritize applicants who show a genuine interest in their institution. Sending a generic application to multiple schools creates the impression that you haven’t properly researched their requirements or haven’t put in the effort to show why you’d be a good fit for their campus community. Take the time to understand what each school values and personalize your application to reflect how your experiences and goals align with their programs and offerings.
Why Should You Apply to New Ivies?
There are several compelling reasons to consider applying to New Ivies alongside, or even instead of, traditional Ivy League schools:
- Excellent academics at a lower cost: New Ivies offer a rigorous academic experience comparable to the Ivies, but often with more affordable fees. This can be especially true for public New Ivies, where in-state tuition can be significantly lower.
- Diverse campuses and locations: The New Ivy designation includes a wider range of schools geographically. This offers you the chance to find a campus environment that suits your preferences. Whether you want the energy of a big city or the charm of a college town, there’s likely a New Ivy that fits you. Additionally, New Ivies often boast more diverse student bodies than traditional Ivy League schools.
- Strong alumni networks: New Ivies are building strong alumni networks, which can be helpful for career opportunities and mentorship after graduation. While not yet at the level of established Ivy League networks, these connections are growing in power and influence.
- Focus on specific strengths: Many New Ivies have become known for particular academic or research strengths. If you have a specific interest in a field like engineering, technology, or business, a New Ivy might have a particularly strong program that aligns with your goals.
- Less competitive admissions: While still selective, New Ivies may have slightly higher acceptance rates than Ivy League schools. This can give you a better chance of admission, especially if your profile isn’t a perfect fit for the very competitive Ivy League applicant pool.
From the Desk of Yocket
The rise of the New Ivies is an interesting trend in higher education. These are an incredible alternative to traditional Ivy League schools. They offer a strong academic experience with a focus on research and student outcomes, often at a more affordable cost. The wider range of colleges across the US allows for geographic diversity in your college search. While the admissions process remains competitive, it can be slightly less so than at Ivy League schools.
However, it’s important to remember that the New Ivy label is not an official designation. There’s no single criteria that defines a New Ivy, and the label can be subjective. Additionally, some argue that these schools may not hold the same historical prestige or brand recognition as the traditional Ivy League.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are New Ivy schools?
New Ivies are universities not part of the Ivy League but considered to be on par academically. These schools boast excellent faculty, strong research programs, and a reputation for producing successful graduates. They can be public or private and are often located outside the northeastern US.
What are some examples of New Ivy schools?
Some popular New Ivies include Carnegie Mellon University, Vanderbilt University, the University of Notre Dame, Emory University, Tufts University, Rice University, and New York University. This is not an exhaustive list, and many other excellent universities are considered New Ivies.
Are New Ivies as selective as Ivy League schools?
Generally, New Ivies have slightly higher acceptance rates than Ivy League schools. However, they are still highly competitive and selective, requiring strong academic records and well-rounded applications.