Choosing a good university is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. It requires a lot of research and patience in order to know exactly what you want and what each university offers. We all have different needs, and we choose our preferred institution according to these needs. It is important to know if your university offers a good programme for the school you want to join if you can afford it, and if you can commute comfortably. For example, Casita offers several accommodation options near these universities that facilitate the moving process for the students. Of course, you will also check each university’s ranking! You will almost certainly come across Ivy League universities while doing so. We’ve all been there, and it’s a little confusing at first! 

Even if you don’t know what Ivy League universities are, you've probably heard of them! Regardless, most of those who cannot name at least one or two universities will still assume that Ivy League universities are prestigious universities and high-quality research institutions. Ironically enough, this is not exactly what these universities are about! The Ivy League is not concerned with education or research! So, what does that even mean?

What Are Ivy League Universities? 

The Ivy League has nothing to do with education; it is all about sports! It is the sports conference for eight private universities in the northeastern United States. The universities all compete against each other across the full range of student athletic events and are ranked subjectively because each school has strengths that set them apart from the others. 

The Ivy League was founded in 1954; however, the term has been used since 1930! There was a tradition of planting ivy in many universities during the nineteenth century. There are also several stories and myths surrounding these Ivy League universities, but one fact is that this term was first used as an insult! The term started as a way of referring to the sporting rivalry between these universities, using “Ivy League” to suggest that the universities were more famous for foliage-covered walls rather than sports. 

Why Are Ivy League Universities Famous?

Yes, the Ivy League is not really concerned with education. Still, these universities in the USA boast a tremendous academic reputation and tradition. In addition, they have big endowments, ensuring continued investment. It is said that these universities control endowments worth nearly $150 billion, and Harvard alone has more than $40 billion. 

As a result, this creates a high demand for places there. For every student accepted, there will be at least nine rejected, which is extremely selective. By being selective, they ensure that their students are the best to maintain not only their academic records but also to ensure continued donations and a good reputation.

Best IVY League Universities

Now that you know what Ivy League universities are and how they work, it is time to know what the best Ivy League universities are. Needless to say, all Ivies are old and prestigious universities. One thing worth mentioning is that there is no single agreed-upon list of Ivy League rankings, partly because they have relative strengths. This list of universities is based on the general ranking, the acceptance rate, and the yearly fees.

Princeton University

Princeton University is a private Ivy League research university in Princeton, New Jersey. The university was founded in 1746 and is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Princeton University is considered one of the best universities in the United States and the world. If you ever consider attending this university, Casita offers accommodation near Princeton University.

The university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 5,548 and a total graduate enrollment of 3,157. Princeton University offers various degrees, and many students study hard to be able to apply there in the future. The university is well-known for having many majors, including Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Physical Sciences, History, Foreign Languages, Literature, and Linguistics. The acceptance rate at Princeton University is 5.6%, which is very selective. 

The standard tuition for an academic year at Princeton University is around $56,010 without any financial aid. It is considered one of the most expensive universities in the world! However, Princeton University offers financial aid packages that are built on grants rather than loans, which allow students to graduate debt-free. Princeton University is one of the top private research universities in the USA and the world. 

Harvard University

Harvard University is a private Ivy League research university in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was the first college in the American colonies and was founded in 1636 as Harvard College. Harvard University is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and one of the most prestigious and highly-ranked universities in the world. 

The university has over 35,276 students enrolled there because of its high-quality education, renowned position, and variety of degrees. Harvard offers 12 degree-granting schools and several non-degree programmes for professionals. The university is ranked in third place in the World University Rankings 2023.

The standard tuition for an academic year at Harvard University is around $52,659 without any financial aid, which is very expensive. It is well-known that Harvard pays its professors and faculty members competitive wages in order to keep them there, which is part of the reason why it is so expensive. Harvard University’s acceptance rate is 4%, which is extremely selective. Casita offers accommodation near Harvard University in case you decide to study there.

Yale University

Yale University is a private Ivy League research university in New Haven, Connecticut. The university was founded in 1701 and is the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. Yale University is considered one of the best universities in the world. Casita, a student accommodation marketplace, offers several accommodation options near Yale University. 

The university has over 9,274 undergraduate students and 8,031 graduate students. Yale University is famous for its majors and schools, including Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, History, Engineering, Psychology, and Gender Studies. The university is one of the top universities in the world!

The standard tuition for an academic year at Yale University is around $59,950 without any financial aid. All financial aid for Yale University is awarded in the form of grant aid, which includes the need-based Yale Scholarship and funds from external sources. The university has an acceptance rate of 6.5%, which is very selective.

Brown University

Brown University is a private Ivy League research university in Providence, Rhode Island. The university is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States. It was founded in 1764 as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Casita’s student accommodation options are just a short walk away from Brown University. 

The university has over 10,333 students. Brown University is well-known for being very prestigious, with several majors, including Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Biological Sciences, Engineering, History, and English Language and Literature. The university is considered one of the best universities in the United States and the world. 

The standard tuition for an academic year at Brown University is around $62,680 without any financial aid. Brown University meets 100% of each student’s demonstrated financial needs, and scholarship grants do not have to be repaid. With an acceptance rate of 6.9%, Brown University is one of the hardest universities to get into. 

Columbia University 

Columbia University, also known as Columbia, and officially as Columbia University in the City of New York, is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. It is one of nine colonial colleges founded prior to the Declaration of Independence. The university was founded in 1754 as King's College by the royal charter of King George II of England. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of New York and the fifth-oldest in the United States.

The university has over 6,398 undergraduate students and about 6,600 graduate students. Columbia University offers a wide range of majors for you to choose from according to your passions. These majors include Computer Science, Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Political Science and Government, and History. Casita also offers several accommodation options that are a short stroll away from Columbia University. 

Columbia University’s yearly tuition fees are around $65,524; this is considered one of the most expensive fees for a university in the world. Columbia University costs $21,828 after scholarships and grants, with 48% of students receiving financial aid and an average aid package of $67,818. Columbia University’s acceptance rate is 6.1%, and it offers MBA, MS, MIM, and BSc degrees to its students. 

When it's time to decide which colleges to apply to, the ranking systems are a great place to start your research. Still, you should be considering so much more alongside the ranking. For example, consider what you want to study, the school's location, class sizes, and the educational and extracurricular opportunities it offers. Of course, there are other really good universities that will provide you with a good education! 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best Ivy League university?

The two best of the eight Ivy League universities are Princeton and Harvard, followed by Brown and Yale, which are the most elite and prestigious. 

2. Do I have to have a high GPA to go to an Ivy League University?

Yes, you have to have a high GPA. Of course, it differs from one university to the other, but the differences are really minor. 

3. Can I find a Job if I didn’t go to an Ivy League University?

Yes, you can! An Ivy League university is a huge plus; however, plenty of brilliant and successful people did not go to an Ivy League university.