What is Ivy League? Complete List of Ivy League Universities

Discover the Ivy League, a prestigious group of eight US universities celebrated for their academic excellence and historical significance. Originally an athletic conference, it now symbolizes top-tier education, attracting global talent.

Ayukta Zisha
Jun 22, 2025, 07:40 EDT
What is Ivy League?
What is Ivy League?

There is a group of eight elite private universities in the United States which is famous for their educational excellence, historical importance, and global reputation. Originally formed as an athletic conference, the Ivy League has become a symbol of prestige today, producing world leaders, Nobel laureates, and top industry professionals. These institutions are known for their selective entry, rigorous academics, and network of strong alumni. Located in the northeastern part of the US, Ivy League universities attracted thousands of students from all over the world every year, including many from India. Admission to an Ivy League School is considered a notable achievement, as these universities are associated with education, leadership, and opportunity in various fields and businesses.

Check Out: Which University Produces Most US Presidents?

List of Ivy League Universities

S.No

University Name

Location

Founded

1.

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

1636

2.

Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut

1701

3.

Princeton University

Princeton, New Jersey

1746

4.

Columbia University

New York City, New York

1754

5.

University of Pennsylvania 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

1740

6.

Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island

1764

7.

Dartmouth College

Hanover, New Hampshire

1769

8.

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

1865

Why is it Called the Ivy League? 

The word "Ivy League" originally referred to an athletic conference. In 1954, the eight were formed among the eight prestigious northeastern American universities. However, the deep roots of the term "Ivy" are associated with Ivy plants. Traditionally is a symbol of age, tradition, and educational excellence, growing on the walls of old university buildings. The romantic image of Ivy League-covered complexes helped to strengthen cooperation in the education of the elite. Over time, the "Ivy League" evolved beyond the game and became a cultural term, reflecting top academic standards, specificity, and inheritance. Although universities differ in focus and history, they share a reputation for being highly selective, producing influential graduates, and offering extraordinary education, now firmly associated with the name "Ivy League".

Key Features of Each Ivy League

1. Harvard University

Harvard is the oldest university in the United States, established in 1636. It is famous globally for its law, business, and medical programs. The university has produced many world leaders, Nobel Prize winners, and CEOs, and is known as one of the world's most influential alumni networks.

2. Yale University

Yale is known for its prestigious Law School and its acclaimed Drama School. It attains excellence in political science, history, and literature, and has a strong tradition in liberal arts. Yale is widely respected for the cultivation of leaders in public service and art.

3. Princeton University

Princeton is considered to be highly esteemed for its excellence in mathematics, physics, economics, and public policy. It is known for focusing strongly on graduate teaching and its generous financial support packages. Ceren Campus supports deep academic investigation and research.

4. Columbia University

Located in the city of New York, Columbia provides a dynamic urban experience with an academic reputation. It is known for its Journalism School, which administers the Pulitzer Award, and also stands out in international affairs, science, and medicine. Columbia is one of the oldest and most respected core courses in the country.

5. Pennsylvania University 

Apna Wharton is the school home, which is one of the top business schools in the world. It is also known for its strength in health science, technology, law, and finance. Installed by Benjamin Franklin, the university promotes interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

6. Brown University

Brown is known for its open course, which allows students to design their own educational path without main requirements. It encourages creative thinking and freedom, and is particularly strong in the humanities, literature, and arts. Brown promotes a generous, student-centric learning environment.

7. Dartmouth College

Dartmouth Graduate is known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education. It excels in environmental studies, business (Tuck School), and global language programs. With its small square size and rural campus, Dartmouth provides close faculty conversations and a tight-knit community.

8. Cornell University

Cornell is the largest Ivy League University and is unique for its combination of private and public colleges within an institute. It tops engineering, agriculture, architecture, and hotel administration. Cornell offers a huge range of courses and also has a technology-centric campus in New York City (Cornell Tech).


Ayukta Zisha
Ayukta Zisha

Content Writer

    Ayukta Zisha is a Content Writer and Published Author with a Master’s degree in English Literature. She also holds a certification in Digital Marketing from IIT Delhi. Deeply passionate about art, aesthetics, and literature, Ayukta brings a unique creative flair to her writing. A dedicated bibliophile, she continues to explore and share her love for words through engaging and insightful content. You can reach out to her at ayukta.jisha@jagrannewmedia.com

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