Ivy League Universities in USA: Rankings, Fees & Admission Requirements

The Ivy League is an elite group of eight private universities in the northeastern United States, known not only for academic excellence but also for their influence, wealth, and selectivity. Below is the official list of Ivy League schools, including their QS and THE rankings for 2025, and locations:

List of the Ivy League Universities

Eligibility & Admission Requirements in Ivy League Universities

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

If you're planning to apply to Ivy League universities for a bachelor's degree, here’s what top schools look for in 2025:

• SAT/ACT Scores: While most Ivy League schools are now test-optional, submitting a high score can give your application an edge. Aim for SAT scores above 1500 or ACT scores of 34+.

• High School Academic Performance: Students from CBSE/ICSE boards should target 95% or above, while IB curriculum students should aim for 40+ points out of 45.

• Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrated excellence in leadership roles, Model United Nations (MUNs), Olympiads, startups, or independent research significantly strengthen your profile.

• Application Essays: Personal and supplementary essays are critical. These must highlight your passion, personality, and long-term vision.

• Letters of Recommendation: Strong references from teachers, principals, or school counselors are essential to vouch for your academic and personal qualities.

• English Language Proficiency: International students must submit:

  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 100+

  • IELTS: Minimum 7.5 band score

Postgraduate Admission Requirements (MS, MBA, MA, PhD)

Planning for a Master’s or PhD program at an Ivy League school? Here’s what Indian students should prepare for:

• Academic Background: A bachelor’s degree from a recognized Indian university with a GPA of 8.0/10 or 3.5/4.0 and above is preferred.

• GRE/GMAT Scores: While many Ivy League grad programs are now test-optional, submitting a strong GRE or GMAT score can significantly improve your chances — especially for competitive programs like STEM or MBA.

• Statement of Purpose (SOP): This is your chance to articulate your academic interests, research goals, and professional ambitions. A compelling SOP sets you apart.

• Letters of Recommendation: Usually, 2 to 3 LORs are required from academic mentors or professional supervisors who can vouch for your skills and potential.

• CV/Resume: Highlight internships, research projects, work experience, and academic achievements that align with your program goals.

• English Proficiency Tests:

  • TOEFL iBT: Recommended score 100+

  • IELTS: Preferred band score 7.5 or higher

  • Duolingo English Test: Accepted by many Ivies for convenience and speed.

Documents Required to Apply to Ivy League Universities

For Indian students applying to Ivy League colleges for undergraduate (UG) studies, most applications are processed via the Common Application or Coalition Application. Here's the list of documents and eligibility requirements:

1. Academic Transcripts

• Academic records from Class 9 to 12 (CBSE, ICSE, State Board, or IB).

• Include predicted scores if applying before final board exam results.

• Transcripts must be signed and stamped by school authorities.

2. Standardized Test Scores

• SAT / ACT: Optional for most Ivy League schools in 2025, but competitive scores (SAT 1500+ / ACT 33+) greatly strengthen your application.

• AP Exams: Not mandatory, but Advanced Placement (AP) scores can improve your academic profile.

• SAT Subject Tests: Discontinued by the College Board; not required.

3. English Language Proficiency

• TOEFL iBT: 100+ preferred

• IELTS Academic: 7.5+ overall band score

• Duolingo English Test (DET): 120+ accepted by some Ivies like Yale, Brown, and Cornell

4. Letters of Recommendation

• 2 to 3 LORs from:

  • High school teachers (preferably core subject teachers)

  • School counselors or principals

• Should provide insights into your academic ability, leadership, and personal character.

5. Personal Essay / Statement of Purpose

• Required via Common App.

• Maximum 650 words.

• Should convey your personal story, interests, goals, and why you want to attend an Ivy League university.

6. Supplemental Essays

• Each Ivy League university has unique questions, e.g.:

  • “Why Columbia?”

  • “What matters to you and why?”

• These essays often hold significant weight in final admission decisions.

7. Resume / Extracurricular Activity List

• Submit a detailed activity list that includes:

  • Extracurricular achievements

  • Internships

  • Competitions

  • Volunteering

  • Awards & honors

• Accepted as a PDF resume or entered in the Common App Activities Section.

8. Passport Copy

• Required for visa processing and for university documentation as an international student.

9. Financial Documentation

• Bank statements or sponsor letters to prove ability to pay tuition and living costs.

• For financial aid applicants: submit income proof, tax returns, and affidavit of support.

10. Portfolio (Optional)

• Mandatory for applicants in Art, Music, Theatre, Architecture, or Design programs.

• Upload via SlideRoom or university's admissions portal.

Best Ivy League for Indian Students – Program-wise

Not all Ivy Leagues are built the same. Some excel in STEM, while others are stronger in humanities, business, or law. Here's a quick guide for Indian students based on academic interests:

How to Shortlist the Right Ivy League?

Let’s face it — applying to all 8 Ivy Leagues isn’t realistic for most students. Here’s a simple strategy to find the best-fit university:

1. Define Your Goals

What do you want to study? What’s your long-term vision? Some Ivies are stronger in certain fields.

2. Location Preference

Do you prefer a city vibe (Columbia, UPenn) or a quieter college town (Dartmouth, Cornell)?

3. Class Size & Culture

For a collaborative and flexible learning environment, consider Brown. For rigorous academia, Yale or Princeton may suit you better.

4. Financial Aid Availability

All Ivies offer need-blind admissions for U.S. citizens. For international students, aid is need-aware, but generous.

5. Campus Life & Support

Look into clubs, mentorship programs, Indian student associations, and mental health support.

Tuition Fees & Cost of Studying at Ivy League Universities

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of studying at an Ivy League school in 2025:

Career Prospects After Ivy League Graduation

Graduates of Ivy League universities are often recruited by top companies, research labs, think tanks, and international organizations.

Top Employers:

• Google, Microsoft, Apple

• Goldman Sachs, McKinsey & Co.

• The World Bank, United Nations

• Amazon, Meta, IBM

• Academia & Research Institutes

Average Starting Salary: $75,000 – $120,000 (depending on program and role)

Many Indian students also stay in the U.S. post-graduation via OPT (Optional Practical Training) and later apply for H1-B visas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are there 12 or 8 Ivy League schools in the USA?

There are only 8 Ivy League schools. The term refers to a specific group of universities, not a general classification.

Why are they called Ivy League?

The term originated from an athletic conference formed in the 1950s. "Ivy" alludes to the ivy-covered buildings and long-standing academic traditions of these historic schools.

Why is Stanford not Ivy?

Although academically comparable, Stanford is not part of the Ivy League because it's located in California and was never part of the original Ivy League athletic conference.

What GPA is needed for Ivy League?

Typically, you need a GPA of 3.7–4.0 (out of 4.0). However, exceptional extracurriculars can balance a slightly lower GPA.

What’s the easiest Ivy League to get into?

In terms of acceptance rates, Cornell University is often cited as the "easiest," though no Ivy is truly easy to get into.

What is the weakest Ivy League school?

There’s no "weak" Ivy per se, but Dartmouth or Brown may rank lower in some international rankings. Still, they offer phenomenal education.

What’s the smallest Ivy League school?

Dartmouth College is the smallest Ivy in terms of undergraduate enrollment.

Is MIT an Ivy League?

No, MIT is not part of the Ivy League, although it is often considered more prestigious in STEM fields.

What is the cheapest Ivy school?

This depends on financial aid. However, Harvard is known for offering the most generous aid packages, sometimes making it more affordable than public universities.

What is the most difficult Ivy to get into?

Harvard University typically has the lowest acceptance rate, making it the hardest Ivy to get into.

Why is Dartmouth so prestigious?

Despite its small size, Dartmouth has a strong emphasis on undergraduate teaching, tight-knit community, and excellent alumni network — boosting its prestige.

Final Thoughts

Getting into an Ivy League university is a dream that demands dedication, strategic planning, and authenticity. These schools are looking for future leaders, not just perfect scores.

If you're an Indian student aiming high for 2025, now is the time to start preparing your academic scores, personal stories, and application strategy. Each Ivy has something unique to offer — choose the one that aligns best with your values, career goals, and learning style.