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Have you ever wondered which universities are part of the “Ivy League” and where this term comes from?
The Ivy League schools are an elite group of eight private universities in the northeastern United States that are distinguished by their historic campuses, challenging academic programs, and strong alumni networks.
From explaining the term “Ivy League” to discussing the current global influence of this network of universities, we will walk you through the history of the Ivy Leagues over time, including their impact on higher education and their relevance in today's age of expanded access to higher education.
Historically known Ivy League universities
As mentioned, the Ivy League comprises eight private universities, each with a unique history and reputation. They are known for their challenging academic programs, historic campuses, and influential alumni, and have been linked together by their shared academic and athletic goals.
The Ivy League includes:
- Brown University: Founded in 1764 and based in Providence, Rhode Island.
- Columbia University: Founded in 1754 and based in New York City, NY.
- Cornell University: Founded in 1865 and based in Ithaca, NY.
- Dartmouth College: Founded in 1769 and based in Hanover, NH.
- Harvard University: Founded in 1636 and based in Cambridge, MA.
- Princeton University: Founded in 1746 and based in Princeton, NJ.
- University of Pennsylvania: Founded in 1740 and based in Philadelphia, PA.
- Yale University: Founded in 1701 and based in New Haven, Connecticut.
Origins of the term “Ivy League”
The term “Ivy League” has both athletic roots and traditions. It was first used by a sportswriter in the 1930s. However, the universities themselves are several hundred years old, leading to an alternate theory that the term “Ivy League” refers to the plants traditionally grown on the buildings of these universities.
The true meaning of the term is actually a combination of the two. Journalist Stanley Woodward was upset when he had to cover a football game between two schools, neither of which was his alma mater, and referred to the schools as “ivy-covered.” From then on, the term became synonymous with older universities.
A new sports conference
The Ivy League was officially founded in 1954 through the Ivy Group Agreement. This agreement committed the presidents of the eight universities to a common vision: strengthening and balancing athletics and academics.
Essentially, the idea was to ensure that sports did not overshadow academics, while still encouraging athletic excellence. The Ivy Leagues have a long tradition of athletic competition, which has played an important role in shaping each school's identity. In fact, this dual emphasis is a defining characteristic of Ivy League schools and continues to set them apart from other college athletic conferences.
Finding cultural meaning
How has the term “Ivy League” become a symbol of academic excellence and elite status today? Some would say that the ivy-covered buildings that adorn these campuses represent not only the physical aesthetics and historical richness of these schools, but also their long-standing commitment to academic excellence.
The picture painted here evokes a sense of tradition, stability and prestige that has been cultivated over several hundred years. But the cultural influence of the Ivy League goes far beyond that. Simply put, these institutions are widely viewed as the gatekeepers of elite education, setting the standard for academic and professional success. And despite much criticism, they continue to attract students from around the world.
Importance of the Ivy League today
Ivy League universities are consistently ranked among the best academic institutions in the world. Why? Their commitment to high-quality education and cutting-edge research, supported by billions of dollars in university endowments, provides students with unparalleled access to advanced resources and opportunities.
Impact on higher education
Ivy League universities typically influence the world of higher education by setting trends and establishing standards that other universities soon follow. These schools have introduced innovative teaching methods, curricula, and research initiatives that often influence the educational policies and practices of other universities around the world.
For example, Harvard Business School is a pioneer in conducting case studies with an interdisciplinary approach. In addition, the Ivy League's move to evaluate prospective students based on a holistic admissions process – which takes into account extracurricular achievements, leadership skills and personal qualities in addition to academic performance – is now practiced in almost all academic institutions.
These colleges also play an important role in advocating for issues in higher education. Most recently, Brown launched the Criminal Justice Initiative to address critical social justice issues and create broader societal change. Likewise, Princeton created its Sustainability Action Plan in hopes of setting an example for other universities seeking to combat climate change.
Through their careful research and leadership, the Ivy Leagues contribute to national and international discussions about educational reform and access to higher education. Because of their status and influence, their involvement often helps shape educational policies that affect millions of students around the world.
Opportunities and influence
As mentioned above, the influence of the Ivy Leagues extends far beyond the borders of the United States. These universities maintain global networks and partnerships with other leading institutions to provide academic and research opportunities for their students and faculty alike.
The history and reach of these universities help them attract top students, professors and researchers from around the world. In return, students and faculty have access to a range of opportunities, including working on international projects and participating in study abroad programs.
Finally, graduates of these schools often receive top-notch internships and job offers, regardless of industry, thanks to influential alumni networks. These networks can provide students with valuable mentors and opportunities to advance their careers.
The new Ivies
When I talk about the traditional Ivy Leagues, it would be remiss not to mention the “New Ivies,” a group of U.S. colleges that offer an academic experience comparable to that of the traditional Ivy Leagues. However, the New Ivies have gained recognition for their academic excellence, competitive admissions process, and network of successful alumni, and are often on par with the Ivy Leagues in certain areas.
The new Ivies include:
- California Institute of Technology: Founded in 1891, based in Pasadena, California.
- Duke University: Founded in 1838 and based in Durham, NC.
- Emory University: Founded in 1836 and based in Atlanta, GA.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Founded in 1861 and based in Cambridge, MA.
- Northwestern University: Founded in 1851 and based in Evanston, Illinois.
- Travel University: Founded in 1912 and based in Houston, Texas.
- Stanford University: Founded in 1885, based in Stanford, California.
- University of Chicago: Founded in 1890, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
- Vanderbilt University: Founded in 1873 and based in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Washington University: Founded in 1853 and based in St. Louis, MO.
The two main differences between this list and the previous one are that it is slightly longer (10 schools in total instead of 8) and that the schools are more culturally and geographically diverse.
Expanding access to elite education
Like the traditional Ivy Leagues, the New Ivies are highly competitive, employ outstanding faculty, and attract students from around the world. However, the recognition of a new roster of top-tier universities expands access to education at the highest level and provides more options for future students.
The very concept of the New Ivies reflects the evolving landscape of higher education in the United States. These institutions share many of the characteristics of the traditional, coveted Ivy Leagues, but prospective students today can look forward to a wider range of opportunities to chart their own path to personal, academic and professional success.
Putting it all together
Known for their demanding academic standards, historic campuses, and influential alumni networks, the Ivy League and its “New Ivy” counterparts are often viewed as the pinnacle of higher education in the United States.
From their beginnings as athletic clubs to their current status in academic and social settings, the Ivy Leagues continue to set the standard for excellence. Likewise, the New Ivies have evolved into research and academic powerhouses that are expanding and reshaping the landscape of higher education.
For a prospective student who dreams of attending one of these prestigious schools, knowing the history, influence, and current relevance of the Ivy Leagues is crucial to planning your academic and professional goals. Each of these schools offers a unique opportunity for intellectual growth, professional development, and personal transformation. You can look forward to becoming part of a tradition of excellence and embarking on a journey full of new possibilities!
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