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The New Ivies: What Schools Are Included & What It Means For Your Application

Written:
June 12, 2024
Updated:
March 26, 2026
Amy Herzog
Debbie Kanter
Expertise You Can Trust
Amy & Debbie
Board-Certified Educational Planners (CEP®)

Every strategy and guide published by North Shore is backed by the board-certified expertise of our Co-Founders. With decades of combined experience in holistic admissions, Amy and Debbie ensure our guidance is objective, unbiased, and focused exclusively on your student's best fit.

The 'New Ivies' are a group of highly selective public and private universities—such as Vanderbilt, Rice, and the University of Florida—recognized for offering elite academics and excellent career outcomes without the traditional Ivy League label. As acceptance rates plummet at traditional Ivies, these schools are becoming the primary target for top-tier applicants.

The Rise of the New Ivies

With traditional Ivy League acceptance rates dipping below 5%, parents and students are realizing that prestige is not confined to the Northeast. Publications like Forbes have highlighted schools that produce equally successful graduates, leading to a massive surge in applications to these alternative elite institutions.

Public vs. Private Powerhouses

The New Ivies list includes both private juggernauts (like Johns Hopkins and Carnegie Mellon) and public powerhouses (like UNC-Chapel Hill and UT-Austin). These schools offer world-class faculty, immense research budgets, and vibrant campus cultures, often at a more accessible price point for in-state residents.

What are the New Ivies?

The New Ivies refer to a modern list of highly competitive public and private universities that rival the traditional Ivy League in academic rigor and post-graduate success.

Is it easier to get into a New Ivy?

While some have slightly higher acceptance rates than Harvard or Yale, the New Ivies are still highly selective, often accepting less than 20% of applicants.

Should I apply to New Ivies instead of traditional Ivies?

You should apply to schools that best fit your academic and personal goals. The New Ivies offer excellent alternatives, but they should be treated as reach or high-target schools on a balanced list.

Immediate Actions

  • Expand your target list to include highly ranked public and private institutions beyond the traditional Ivy League.
  • Research the specific honors colleges within these New Ivies, which offer Ivy-level resources.
  • Understand that New Ivies are still incredibly selective and require top-tier GPAs and extracurriculars.
Your Next Step

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