What do you think of when you hear the term “New Ivies”? In light of the Ivy League’s cursed year of terrible PR, rampant antisemitism, and the Trump administration’s scrutiny, some have turned their back on the Ivy League. And even though an Ivy League education will never go out of style, many schools have risen to fill the void vacated by these institutions in crisis. These “New Ivies” pair a solid liberal arts education with excellent research facilities, esteemed faculty, and a level of prestige that rivals that of their Ivy League counterparts. And even though these schools don’t have the Ivy League moniker to flash around in admissions brochures, they’re still incredibly competitive and highly selective.

So, without further ado, let’s meet the New Ivies!

The New Ivies: The Top Non-Ivy Liberal Arts Universities in the Nation

College / University	2025 US News Rank (“Best National Universities”)
Stanford University	4
Duke University	6
Johns Hopkins University	6
Northwestern University	6
University of Chicago	11
UCLA	15
UC Berkeley	17
Notre Dame	18
Rice University	18
Vanderbilt University	18

Stanford University

Stanford excels in academics, entrepreneurship, and cutting–edge innovation. Nestled in Silicon Valley, it nurtures groundbreaking research and a shocking number of startups. Its stunning campus, diverse community, and strong emphasis on leadership and impact make it a global hub for aspiring change-makers in technology, business, sciences, humanities, and beyond.

Duke University

Duke combines rigorous academics with a spirited campus culture. Known for top-tier programs in medicine, law, and public policy, it encourages scholarship and global engagement. Its strong athletics, research excellence, and beautiful Gothic architecture contribute to a memorable student experience punctuated by tons of parties and socializing in Durham, North Carolina.

Johns Hopkins University

Renowned for leadership in medicine, public health, and research, Johns Hopkins emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and global service. Located in Baltimore, it offers top-tier facilities, collaborative opportunities, and a commitment to innovation that prepares students to address complex social challenges with knowledge, compassion, and scientific rigor (and not to mention — robust financial aid!).

Northwestern University

Northwestern balances academic rigor with a down-to-earth student experience, allowing its resident Wildcats to explore diverse disciplines while having fun along the way. It boasts world-class programs in journalism, engineering, business, and the arts. Situated on a scenic lakeside campus near Chicago, Northwestern is known for churning out leading artists, researchers, and change-makers.

University of Chicago

Perhaps the quirkiest school on this list, the University of Chicago is synonymous with academic intensity, intellectual debate, and critical inquiry. It fosters a culture of rigorous thought across economics, social sciences, humanities, and sciences. Known for the Core Curriculum and 101 Nobel laureates affiliated with the school, it cultivates deep thinkers who graduate with fond memories of hunting for esoteric items in the world-renowned UChicago Scavenger Hunt.

UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles offers world-class academics, exciting campus life, and unmatched cultural diversity smack dab in the middle of sunny Los Angeles. This public university (which highlights that not all Ivy League competitors need to boast private university status!) recently set a record for most applications to a four-year institution. UCLA graduates have no trouble securing positions in the nation’s top industries and workplaces.

UC Berkeley

A powerhouse of innovation and activism, the University of California, Berkeley leads in engineering, environmental science, and social justice. Located near San Francisco, it offers top faculty, entrepreneurial opportunities, and a storied tradition of student activism. Berkeley’s intellectually driven community is just as laid-back as it is fiercely engaged with the pressing cultural issues of the present moment.

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame blends academic excellence with a strong moral and spiritual foundation. Known for its Catholic values-driven education, tight-knit community, and gorgeous campus, the institution emphasizes service, leadership, and faith. With strengths in business, engineering, and liberal arts, it cultivates graduates who seek to make a purposeful difference in the world through pious service.

Rice University

Rice offers small class sizes, strong STEM programs, and a personalized education. With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio and a unique residential college system, it is known for close mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration. Rice students forge lifelong bonds and a strong sense of community well after graduating from campus. Located in Houston, Rice is a rising star in the higher education landscape.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt rounds out our list of New Ivies with its immaculate campus in the heart of Nashville. With renowned programs in education, medicine, and the arts, it fosters leadership, pre professional preparation, and creativity. Its strong sense of community and commitment to research make it a top destination for scholars seeking an alternative to the Ivy League hype.

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Admission to the New Ivy League Schools

Interested in optimizing your child’s odds of admission to these formidable Ivy League alternatives? That’s where Ivy Coach comes in. Fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch with an outline of our services led by our team of former elite college admissions officers.