If you are an exemplary scholar, have remarkable test scores, and partake in a number of extracurriculars, it is likely that your dream school is one of the Ivies. The Ivy League consists of Princeton University, Harvard University, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Dartmouth College, Brown University, and Cornell. These elite East Coast schools offer immense opportunities for growth; however, there are also many other institutions worth considering. Read further to discover the best non-ivy league schools that should be on the top of your list!
As more students apply to Ivy League institutions, many high-achieving applicants are opting for other selective universities nationwide. Just as selective and academically demanding as their Ivy counterparts, these schools empower students to excel in multiple disciplines.
The Best Schools Outside of The Ivy League
Although an Ivy League degree carries a certain prestige, many other schools are just as good or better. These amazing non-Ivy institutions boast high academic ranks, student satisfaction scores, diverse extracurricular activities, and ample career opportunities. To that end, we’ve curated a list of 10 highly selective schools not in the esteemed Ivy League circle.
MIT
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, commonly known as MIT, is a prestigious private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Established in 1861, MIT is considered to be one of the world’s most renowned institutions of higher education. Its faculty and alumni include numerous Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and MacArthur Fellows.
MIT is renowned for its cutting-edge research in science and technology, including advances in artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and aerospace engineering. It’s home to the Media Lab, a one-of-a-kind interdisciplinary research center where technology, media, and design converge. With an acceptance rate of just 7.3%, MIT is incredibly selective, attracting some of the brightest and most talented students.
Stanford University
Stanford, located in Silicon Valley, is an academic powerhouse which homes some of the brightest minds in the world. Founded in 1885, this prestigious institution boasts a long and illustrious history of academic excellence, scientific breakthroughs, and technological innovation. With an acceptance rate of just 4.3%, Stanford is one of the most selective universities in the world. Its distinguished faculty includes 21 current Nobel laureates, four Pulitzer Prize winners, and 33 MacArthur Fellows.
Additionally, Stanford is known for its cutting-edge research in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. The university’s sprawling 8,180-acre campus is home to world-class facilities. These facilities include a state-of-the-art medical center, a renowned law school, and a highly respected business school. Overall, Stanford is a beacon of academic brilliance that attracts the best and brightest from around the globe.
Caltech
Caltech, the California Institute of Technology, is a world-renowned, highly selective university located in Pasadena, California. With a stunning faculty-to-student ratio of 3:1 and a focus on science, engineering, and technology. Its emphasis in these fields has made Caltech a haven for those who crave intellectual rigor and academic excellence. Home to 46 Nobel laureates, the institute prides itself on pushing the boundaries of scientific research, offering students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects alongside renowned professors.
Furthermore, the undergraduate student body is small but mighty, with a focus on collaborative, hands-on learning. The campus also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which Caltech manages for NASA. If you are seeking an immersive academic experience that will challenge and inspire you, look no further than CalTech.
University of Chicago
The University of Chicago is a world-renowned institution that prides itself on its intellectual rigor and academic excellence. With an acceptance rate of only 6%, the university is highly selective, but it attracts the best and brightest minds from around the world. The school is known for its commitment to interdisciplinary education, and it offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in a wide range of fields, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
The university boasts 97 Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni, only second to MIT for most in the world. Additionally, the university is home to the prestigious Booth School of Business and the acclaimed Law School. With a campus situated in the vibrant city of Chicago, students have access to world-class education and a rich cultural experience.
Duke University
Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a private research institution that exudes academic excellence and a commitment to student success. Established in 1838, Duke boasts a rigorous academic program that includes undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across 10 schools and colleges. The university is renowned for its cutting-edge research, with faculty and students contributing to fields such as medicine, engineering, law, public policy, and the humanities.
Moreover, Duke is home to a thriving athletic program, with its men’s basketball team being one of the most successful in NCAA history. Prospective students would be interested to know that Duke has a highly selective admissions process and a competitive student body that fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and achievement.
Northwestern University
Northwestern is an eminent and highly acclaimed institution of higher education, revered for its intellectual rigor and unparalleled academic programs. Situated in the idyllic suburb of Evanston, Illinois, this prestigious university boasts a diverse student body and faculty hailing from every corner of the globe. With a reputation for excellence in a variety of fields, including journalism, law, medicine, and engineering,
Northwestern is a destination of choice for students who aspire to be leaders in their chosen disciplines. Its groundbreaking research initiatives and avant-garde educational practices make it a trailblazer in the academic landscape, consistently ranking among the top institutions in the nation. Furthermore, its notable alumni, including Pulitzer Prize-winning writers, acclaimed actors, and business leaders, attest to its unparalleled academic and professional standards. Northwestern is the place to be if you seek an intellectually challenging and rewarding experience.
Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, Maryland, is a world-renowned institution with a reputation for academic excellence and innovative research. Founded in 1876, the university has a distinguished history of producing leaders in medicine, science, and public policy. Today, it boasts over 260 undergraduate and graduate programs, including highly ranked programs in nursing, engineering, and public health.
With an endowment of over $9 billion, the university is able to provide exceptional resources to its students, including state-of-the-art research facilities and world-class faculty. Known for its academic rigor and cutting-edge research, Johns Hopkins attracts top students from around the world who are eager to join the ranks of its distinguished alumni. In fact, the list of alumni include 29 Nobel laureates and countless leaders in business, academia, and government.
Williams College
Williams College is a top tier liberal arts institution that boasts a rich history of academic excellence and innovation. Nestled in the verdant mountains of Massachusetts, Williams has been consistently ranked among the top undergraduate institutions in the nation. Known for its rigorous course work and small class sizes, Williams attracts students from around the world.
The college offers more than 40 majors and offers a unique opportunity for students to design their own course of study through the ‘concentration’ program. Williams’ alumni include several Nobel laureates, prominent business leaders, and acclaimed authors. The campus is home to world-class art museums, a renowned theater department, and state-of-the-art facilities. With a robust financial aid program and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Williams College is a destination for those who seek a transformative and enriching college experience.
Amherst College
Amherst College is a prestigious liberal arts college nestled in the idyllic town of Amherst, Massachusetts. Founded in 1821, this hallowed institution prides itself on its rigorous academic curriculum. The university features an 8:1 student-faculty ratio and a robust range of disciplines, including the arts, humanities, and natural sciences.
With an acceptance rate of just 7 percent, Amherst is renowned for attracting the brightest minds from around the globe. Amherst has produced a long list of distinguished alumni, including several Nobel laureates, Rhodes Scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, members of Congress, and even a US President. Boasting a picturesque campus and a vibrant student life, Amherst is a top choice for students seeking an unparalleled intellectual and social experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best non-Ivy League schools are just as renowned for their academic excellence. Furthermore, they all make advances in cutting-edge research and house world class professors. Whether you’re interested in science, business, politics or engineering there are choices to choose from.
