25 Best Non-Ivy League Schools in 2024
If you've been striving for excellent grades, top test scores, and a stellar list of extracurricular activities, your sights might be set on the Ivy League.
The Ivy League, comprising eight prestigious East Coast schools including Harvard University, Yale University, and Princeton University, holds an undeniable allure. However, as applications to Ivy League institutions soar, many high-achieving students are exploring other outstanding colleges and universities across the nation.
These institutions, often just as selective and academically rigorous as the Ivies, offer pathways to success in various fields—from law to medicine to business. Surprisingly, 89% of Fortune 500 CEOs are alumni of non-Ivy League institutions, according to recent research. Here, we'll delve into the top non-Ivy colleges to consider adding to your list.
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25 Top Non-Ivy League Schools in 2024
1. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, CA
Acceptance rate: 4%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1570 SAT, 34-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,800
Stanford University ranks 6th on US News & World Report's list of national universities, surpassing several Ivy League counterparts. Renowned for its exceptional academic programs, Stanford offers intimate class sizes and ample opportunities for research collaboration with faculty.
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Location: Cambridge, MA
Acceptance rate: 4%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1510-1580 SAT, 34-36 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 4,500
Tied with Columbia for 3rd place in national universities, MIT is a hub of cutting-edge research and innovation. Students benefit from world-class facilities and diverse academic offerings, including strong programs outside of STEM fields.
3. Duke University
Location: Durham, NC
Acceptance rate: 9%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1460-1550 SAT, 33-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,000
Duke boasts 53 majors and 52 minors, along with unique programs like Program II for interdisciplinary studies. The Robertson Scholars Leadership Program offers selected students prestigious scholarships and exclusive opportunities.
4. University of Chicago
Location: Chicago, IL
Acceptance rate: 7%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1510-1580 SAT, 33-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 8,300
Known for its unconventional approach to education, UChicago emphasizes research across various disciplines. With over 50 majors and 400 student clubs, it offers a vibrant academic and extracurricular environment.
5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Location: Pasadena, CA
Acceptance rate: 7%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1530-1580 SAT, 35-36 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 900
Caltech's focus on science and research attracts students passionate about exploration. Home to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, it provides unparalleled opportunities for hands-on experience in scientific inquiry.
6. Northwestern University
Location: Evanston, IL
Acceptance rate: 8%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1570 SAT, 34-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 9,900
Northwestern offers 112 undergraduate degrees, with notable strengths in journalism and study abroad programs. Its emphasis on research and diverse academic offerings make it a top choice for ambitious students.
7. Rice University
Location: Houston, Texas
Acceptance rate: 9%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1490-1570 SAT, 34-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 4,300
Rice's residential college system fosters a close-knit community, complementing its rigorous academic programs. With a low student-to-faculty ratio and diverse majors, Rice provides a supportive environment for student success.
8. Williams College
Location: Williamstown, MA
Acceptance rate: 9%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1410-1560 SAT, 32-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,000
Williams College offers a personalized liberal arts education, emphasizing tutorial-style learning and outdoor activities in Western Massachusetts. Generous financial aid ensures accessibility for all students.
9. Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, TN
Acceptance rate: 7%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1480-1570 SAT, 34-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,200
Vanderbilt's immersive learning experiences and vibrant campus community set it apart. With ample research opportunities and a diverse range of student organizations, it fosters holistic student development.
10. Pomona College
Location: Claremont, CA
Acceptance rate: 7%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1570 SAT, 33-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,500
Pomona offers a comprehensive liberal arts education in a small, supportive community. Its focus on undergraduate research and intimate class sizes ensures personalized attention for every student.
11. Bowdoin College
Location: Brunswick, ME
Acceptance rate: 9%
Middle 50% SAT: 1330-1510
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,800
Bowdoin College emphasizes community and contribution to the greater good. With its mission centered around inclusivity and exploration, Bowdoin offers a diverse range of programs and a welcoming environment for students to pursue their academic and personal interests.
12. Johns Hopkins University
Location: Baltimore, MD
Acceptance rate: 8%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1470-1560 SAT, 33-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 8,400
Renowned for its medical programs, Johns Hopkins University also offers strong programs in humanities and social sciences. Generous financial aid and robust research opportunities make it an attractive choice for ambitious students.
13. University of Notre Dame
Location: Notre Dame, IN
Acceptance rate: 15%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1410-1550 SAT, 33-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 9,000
With a focus on research and a strong sense of community, the University of Notre Dame offers students a well-rounded education. Its emphasis on holistic development and commitment to service make it a standout institution.
14. Washington University in St. Louis
Location: St. Louis, MO
Acceptance rate: 13%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1490-1570 SAT, 32-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 8,600
Washington University in St. Louis boasts an engaged student body and a collaborative academic environment. With ample research opportunities and a commitment to community betterment, it provides a holistic education experience.
15. Amherst College
Location: Amherst, MA
Acceptance rate: 13%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1390-1540 SAT, 31-34 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,855
As one of the Hidden Ivies, Amherst College offers a liberal arts education without general education requirements. Its commitment to financial aid ensures accessibility, and its partnership with the Five College Consortium provides additional academic opportunities.
16. Wellesley College
Location: Wellesley, MA
Acceptance rate: 16%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1400-1540 SAT, 31-34 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,400
Wellesley College focuses on empowering women to make a difference in the world. With strong programs across various disciplines and a commitment to financial inclusivity, it offers a supportive environment for academic and personal growth.
17. Claremont McKenna College
Location: Claremont, CA
Acceptance rate: 11%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1420-1530 SAT, 32-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,400
Ranked among the best liberal arts colleges, Claremont McKenna College offers a tight-knit community and diverse academic opportunities. Its collaboration with other Claremont Colleges expands academic options for students.
18. University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rate: 13%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1410-1510 SAT, 32-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 20,700
With its prestigious academics and vibrant campus culture, USC offers students a rich college experience. Its extensive alumni network provides valuable connections for future endeavors.
19. Tufts University
Location: Medford, MA
Acceptance rate: 11%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1440-1550 SAT, 33-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 6,600
Located near Boston, Tufts University fosters collaboration and experiential learning. Its innovative programs and global engagement opportunities prepare students for success in a rapidly changing world.
20. Swarthmore College
Location: Swarthmore, PA
Acceptance rate: 8%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1430-1560 SAT, 33-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,600
Swarthmore College offers a serene campus setting and a strong focus on undergraduate research. Its connection to the Tri-College Consortium expands academic opportunities for students.
21. Georgetown University
Location: Washington D.C.
Acceptance rate: 12%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1410-1550 SAT, 32-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 7,500
Georgetown University, situated in the heart of the nation's capital, offers renowned programs in political science and international relations. With various schools dedicated to specialized subjects, Georgetown provides a rich academic environment enriched by its location and numerous experiential learning opportunities.
22. University of Michigan
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Acceptance rate: 20%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1340-1520 SAT, 30-34 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 32,200
The University of Michigan, often referred to as a "Public Ivy," offers an extensive array of majors and a vast alumni network. With its size and resources, UMich provides students with unparalleled opportunities for academic exploration and personal growth.
23. Middlebury College
Location: Middlebury, VT
Acceptance rate: 13%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1380-1530 SAT, 32-34 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 2,800
Middlebury College stands out for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Nestled in the Champlain Valley, Middlebury offers a serene environment conducive to academic excellence and personal development.
24. Washington and Lee University
Location: Lexington, VA
Acceptance rate: 19%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1410-1530 SAT, 32-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,800
Washington and Lee University offers a unique liberal arts education with a curriculum focused on academic exploration and personal growth. Its historic Mock Convention and close-knit community foster intellectual curiosity and civic engagement.
25. Haverford College
Location: Haverford, PA
Acceptance rate: 18%
Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1420-1540 SAT, 33-35 ACT
Undergraduate enrollment: 1,400
Haverford College, located near Philadelphia, boasts a tight-knit community and a commitment to academic excellence. With its collaborative approach to learning and ample resources, Haverford offers students a transformative college experience.
Conclusion
While the Ivy League universities certainly hold a prestigious place in academia, they are not the sole pathway to success. The 25 non-Ivy League schools highlighted in this article offer exceptional educational experiences, rigorous academic programs, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth. From Stanford University on the West Coast to Haverford College on the East Coast, each institution brings its own unique strengths and values to the table.
Whether you're interested in pursuing a career in science, humanities, business, or any other field, these non-Ivy League schools provide the resources, support, and community necessary to thrive. With a commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social responsibility, these universities prepare students to become leaders, thinkers, and changemakers in an ever-evolving world.
So as you embark on your college search journey, consider expanding your horizons beyond the Ivy League and exploring the countless opportunities available at these top non-Ivy League schools. Remember, success knows no bounds, and with the right education and determination, you can achieve your goals no matter which university you choose.
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