Perhaps you’ve heard of the prestigious Ivy League universities. But what are the Little Ivies? These highly respected institutions have earned a reputation for academic excellence, close-knit communities, and selective college admissions.
Whether you’re hoping to pursue environmental science, dive into philosophy, or simply enjoy the benefits of smaller class sizes, these colleges offer opportunities that rival the most elite universities.
Take some time to explore and see if one of these hidden gems could be the right match for your academic journey.
Complete Little Ivies List: 18 Schools with Stellar Programs
Little Ivies are a group of top liberal arts colleges with strong academics, prestige, and competitive admissions.
Below is an overview of the schools most often included in this group, each offering a rigorous education and a close-knit campus experience.
Amherst College
For two centuries, Amherst College has opened its doors to a host of renowned faculty members, researchers, and students who have since become some of the most influential individuals in the world.
Founded in 1821, it is one of the arts colleges in the Northeastern region that continues to shape global perspectives by inspiring change through undergraduate education. So, enrolling or transferring to Amherst College can be a great choice for your education.
Amherst College is also part of the Five Colleges consortium, an exclusive network made up of Smith College, UMass Amherst, Mount Holyoke College, and Hampshire College.
Bates College
If you love the outdoors, Bates College – the first coeducational college in New England—is your perfect choice.
Located in Lewiston, Maine, along the beautiful Androscoggin River, this prestigious institution offers a plethora of outdoor activities, including skiing, canoeing, and natural parks!
Whether you’re looking for a Bachelor of Arts or a science degree, Bates has something to suit all academic areas.
Bowdoin College
With its founding in the late 18th century, Bowdoin College stands proudly as one of America’s most iconic campuses.
Their mission to provide a comprehensive education is obvious; all students must complete courses on writing and quantitative reasoning, natural sciences, power dynamics and inequity studies, international affairs perspectives, plus visual or performing arts.
Here at this historic liberal arts college nestled in Brunswick, Maine, no student will go without experiencing an extraordinary breadth of knowledge!
Bucknell University
Founded in 1846 in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Bucknell University combines the intimacy of liberal arts schools with the resources of research institutions.
Students can choose from more than 60 majors across arts, sciences, engineering, and management, ensuring an education that is both versatile and career-oriented.
Life at Bucknell balances academic rigor with vibrant extracurriculars, including Division I athletics and a strong tradition of student-led organizations, all within a scenic Susquehanna River Valley setting.
Colby College
Established in 1813, Colby College is one of the top-ranking institutions that only enrolls undergraduates. Through its 57 majors and 36 minors, Colby provides students with innovative academic programs centered on the most pressing issues around the world.
Beyond academics, Colby emphasizes hands-on learning and global engagement, offering research opportunities, community partnerships, and study-abroad programs.
The college also fosters a close-knit environment where collaboration, innovation, and leadership are at the core of student life.
Colgate University
Located in the charming village of Hamilton, New York, Colgate University has been a leader in liberal arts education since 1819.
The school emphasizes critical thinking, global engagement, and small class sizes, giving students close access to faculty mentorship.
Beyond academics, Colgate is renowned for its strong alumni network, athletics, and the historic architecture with modern facilities.
Connecticut College
In 1911, Connecticut College for Women was established in response to Wesleyan University’s exclusion of female students.
After becoming a co-ed institution in 1969 and shortening its name accordingly, it has since become the perfect place to pursue a liberal arts education.
New London provides an inviting atmosphere with picturesque port views, while the 750-acre Arboretum offers numerous opportunities for study and entertainment.
Hamilton College
With a single-minded focus on undergraduates, Hamilton places immense emphasis on the fundamentals of communication, collaboration, and critical thinking.
To help students further hone their written and oral abilities, there is an array of dedicated learning centers devoted to this subject.
It should come as no surprise that Marc Randolph – co-founder of Netflix – highly attributes his success to the proficiency in speech and writing he obtained at Hamilton!
Haverford College
Haverford College is renowned for its Honor Code, a world-class education, and the Tri-College Consortium, providing students with an unparalleled opportunity to take classes at Swarthmore and Bryn Mawr Colleges.
With access to diverse courses across the consortium, Haverford students enjoy intellectual freedom while building lasting connections in a collaborative environment.
Lafayette College
Nestled in the heart of Easton, Pennsylvania, lies Lafayette College – a vibrant liberal arts college where tradition meets modernity.
With its stunning vistas of the Delaware River and an intimate student body that is just large enough to provide unique experiences across disciplines, it’s no wonder that students feel so connected to this welcoming community.
Middlebury College
Established over two centuries ago in the charming town of Middlebury, Vermont, Middlebury College is renowned worldwide for its esteemed Liberal Arts education.
As part of the Little Ivies, this college continues to be a trailblazer in language instruction, environmental studies, international programs, and experiential learning.
Swarthmore College
Established by Quakers in 1864, Swarthmore College was one of the pioneering coeducational Little Ivies in America.
Presently enrolling a select group of 1,500 students, they are given exclusive access to participate in the Quaker Consortium. This is an alliance between Philadelphia’s prestigious universities and the University of Pennsylvania, which is a part of the Ivy League.
You can consider the transfer to this school as well, but keep in mind that Swarthmore College’s transfer acceptance rate is pretty low.
Trinity College
Since its founding in 1823, Trinity College has established itself as a renowned private institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,159 students.
Boasting a semester-based academic calendar and collaborative environment for research and learning opportunities, Trinity College offers an unrivaled education to all who pass through its gates.
Tufts University
Tufts University is celebrated among professors, as it offers a thriving academic environment that features relentless academics, nourishing community support, and passionate students.
Tufts offers an opportunity for success to all types of students, boasting internships, over 90 undergraduates and 160 graduate programs.
Their impressive list of alumni includes Nobel Laureates, National Academy members, and even heads of state! With Tufts as your chosen future path, nothing stands in the way of achieving greatness!
Union College
Established in 1795, Union College in Schenectady, New York, holds a unique place in American higher education as one of the oldest Little Ivies.
Union is best known for blending liberal arts with strong programs in engineering and interdisciplinary studies, encouraging students to discover ideas across fields.
Its trimester-based academic calendar and distinctive Minerva House system foster an engaged, close-knit community where leadership and innovation thrive.
Vassar College
Situated in Poughkeepsie, New York – just 75 miles from the mecca of NYC – Vassar College was one of two educational establishments to grant degrees to women when it opened its doors in the 19th century.
Nowadays, this highly esteemed liberal arts college is home to almost 2,500 undergraduates and offers more than 50 majors.
Wesleyan University
Wesleyan stands out among the Little Ivies schools for its interdisciplinary liberal arts education, as well as its advanced engineering and dual degree programs.
For example, Wesleyan’s five-year engineering track is offered in partnership with the California Institute of Technology and Columbia University’s School of Engineering – allowing undergraduates to gain a B. A from Wesleyan whilst simultaneously achieving a B.S from either Caltech or Columbia!
Williams College
For the past 16 years, Williams College has held its place as the number one history arts college in America according to U.S.
News rankings, and an essential component of its success, is attributed to its Tutorial program, which defines a close relationship between students and faculty members.
For all these reasons, if you are contemplating a transfer to Williams College or you’re about to make an early decision on which college to enroll in, you should strongly consider this prestigious institution.
Now That You Know What the Little Ivies Are, Should You Apply?
Before you start filling out applications, ask yourself an important question: Are liberal arts colleges the right fit for you?
Since all Little Ivies follow this model, understanding its strengths and limitations is crucial. Your decision depends on your personal goals, learning style, and preferences.
These colleges are admired for their rigorous academics, small class sizes, and close-knit communities, but that also makes them highly competitive.
To help you weigh your options, here are some key points to consider:
Little Ivies might be right for you if:
- You prefer smaller campuses with strong faculty-student relationships.
- You value a collaborative and academically rigorous environment.
- You appreciate the unique benefits of a liberal arts education.
Consider other options if:
- You’d like a bigger university with more majors, clubs, and social opportunities.
- You want a broader range of academic programs or research universities.
- You thrive in a large, diverse community setting.
Your Education, Your Choice
Although it’s commonly assumed that Ivy League institutions offer higher education, this isn’t true. Little Ivies provide something unique while offering a more extensive college experience, like many of their “Big School” counterparts.
Ultimately, success in college depends less on the label and more on what you make of the opportunities available. With the right mindset, effort, and support from a college transfer advisor, any university can give you a great education!
