Exploring the World of Ivy League Schools: Public vs. Private and the Newest Additions to the List

Kate-Jen Barker-Schlegel
Apr 4, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Dec 4, 2025

When families start thinking about top-tier colleges, the Ivy League usually pops up first. These eight famous schools are synonymous with prestige, academic rigor, and long-standing tradition. But here’s something many people don’t realize: the term “Ivy League” originally referred only to an athletic conference—not academic status.

Over time, another phrase has entered the conversation: “Private Ivies.” These are exceptional universities—public and private—that offer an Ivy-level experience without being part of the actual Ivy League. Understanding the differences can help students build a more informed (and exciting!) college list.

Let’s break down what these categories really mean—and introduce you to the newest schools earning elite recognition.

What Makes an Ivy League School?

The Ivy League includes eight private universities located in the Northeast:

Harvard
Yale
Princeton
Columbia
Brown
Dartmouth
University of Pennsylvania
Cornell

These institutions are known for their rigorous academics, deep alumni networks, and unmatched resources. They're pillars of leadership, research, and influence in business, politics, science, and the arts.

But remember: being “Ivy League” is about an athletic conference—not academic superiority. That’s why many non-Ivy schools offer comparable (and sometimes even better) academic and career outcomes.

What Are Private Ivies?

Private Ivies are exceptional universities that share key characteristics with the Ivy League, such as:

Highly selective admissions
Renowned faculty
Strong endowments
Rigorous academic programs
Impressive career outcomes

They may not be part of the official Ivy League, but they are absolutely part of the conversation when discussing elite American universities.

Public Ivies: Prestige + Affordability

The term “Public Ivies” refers to public universities that rival the Ivy League academically but come with the affordability and scale of state-funded institutions.

Well-known Public Ivies include:

UC Berkeley
University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
University of Virginia

These universities often offer world-class research opportunities, vibrant campus life, and strong outcomes—making them a smart choice for families looking for academic excellence at a lower cost.

Meet the Newest Additions to the “Private Ivies” List

These universities have gained national recognition for their academic strength, innovation, and growing prestige. They’re now considered among the top non-Ivy institutions in the country.

Private Institutions

Boston College (MA) – A Jesuit university known for ethics-driven education, strong liberal arts programs, and a supportive community.

Carnegie Mellon University (PA) – A powerhouse in engineering, computer science, and the arts, with unmatched opportunities in tech and design.

Emory University (GA) – Exceptional in both healthcare and liberal arts, offering a collaborative, globally focused education.

Georgetown University (DC) – A top destination for students interested in politics, international relations, business, and law.

Johns Hopkins University (MD) – A global leader in medical research, engineering, public health, and the sciences.

Northwestern University (IL) – Famous for journalism, business, law, and interdisciplinary study with a strong Chicago-area presence.

Rice University (TX) – A top STEM school with one of the best undergraduate experiences in the country.

University of Notre Dame (IN) – Known for academic strength, tradition, and a close-knit campus community.

Duke University (NC) – Combines rigorous academics with top-tier athletics and leadership development.

Vanderbilt University (TN) – Rising quickly due to top business, engineering, and education programs.

University of Southern California (CA) – A leader in film, business, engineering, and innovation—right in Los Angeles.

New York University (NY) – Offers world-class programs in arts, business, and law in the heart of NYC.

Washington University in St. Louis (MO) – Known for strong pre-med, business, and law programs and a supportive student culture.

The Newest Public Ivies Gaining National Prestige

These public universities now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with elite private institutions.

Georgia Institute of Technology (GA) – A STEM powerhouse with major industry connections.
Purdue University (IN) – World-renowned for engineering, agriculture, and hands-on research.
University of Texas at Austin (TX) – A leader in business, engineering, and public policy with global influence.
United States Military Academy (NY) – Offers unmatched leadership training and academic rigor.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (IL) – A top choice for engineering, business, and computer science.
University of Michigan (MI) – Strong across virtually every field, from engineering to public health. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (NC) – Known for business, medicine, and strong school spirit.
University of Pittsburgh (PA) – Rapidly rising due to strong programs in health sciences, business, and research.
University of Virginia (VA) – Prestigious for business, law, and liberal arts.
William & Mary (VA) – One of the nation’s oldest colleges with a deep academic tradition.

What Forbes Says About These Elite Schools

Forbes reports that:

Students applying to private New Ivies face about a 1 in 7 chance of admission.
Median SAT scores for these private schools average 1530, even higher than Cornell’s 1520.
Public Ivies—many of which enroll much larger populations—average median SAT scores around 1410.
These public institutions collectively serve nearly 400,000 students, showing how influential they are in shaping future leaders.

Why These Schools Matter

For students and families exploring competitive colleges, these institutions expand the horizon far beyond the original Ivy League. They offer:

World-class academics
Thriving campus communities
Global alumni networks
Leadership development
Strong post-graduate outcomes

Whether private or public, these schools provide top-tier opportunities for students seeking a challenging and rewarding college experience.

Conclusion

The Ivy League may always hold a special place in the world of higher education, but today’s academic landscape is rich with incredible options—both private and public. Schools like Duke, Carnegie Mellon, and Georgia Tech offer Ivy-level academics, thriving communities, and unmatched career preparation.

If you're building a college list and want help identifying which of these elite schools are truly the right fit, you’ll find expert guidance, tools, and resources on our website to make the process clearer, calmer, and more strategic.