Top 10 Non-Ivy League Universities

Studying in an Ivy League university is a dream of a number of students around the world. However, as the seats in the Ivy League schools fill quickly, many students look for non-Ivy League Universities, which offer the same quality and standard of education as those in the Ivy League. The purpose of this article is to help you explore some of the top Non-Ivy league universities in the USA. 

List of Top 10 Non-Ivy League Universities

Listed below are the top 10 Non-Ivy League universities in the USA, according to the US News and World Report:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
2. Stanford University
3. University of Chicago
4. California Institute of Technology
5. Johns Hopkins University
6. Northwestern University
7. Duke University
8. Vanderbilt University
9. Rice University
10. Washington University

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Category: Private Research University
Acceptance rate: 7%
Percentage of international students: 13%

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was founded in 1861 and is one of the most highly ranked STEM universities in the world. According to QS global rankings 2022, the university is ranked #1 in the world. Even though MIT is not an Ivy League institution, it boasts world-class research facilities, which include some of the latest technologies. An international applicant should aim for a weighted GPA of at least 4.13 and a TOEFL score of at least 90 to be admitted to MIT. Following are some of the eligibility requirements of MIT:

• Academic transcripts
• ACT/SAT scores
• Updated CV/Resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Financial documents
• Interview

Read More: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Stanford University

Category: Private Research University
Acceptance rate: 4.65%
Percentage of international students: 24.6%

Situated in California, Stanford University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Informally, the university is known as the "West Coast Ivy League." Stanford isn't in the Ivy League only due to its location. There are a number of educational programs offered by this world-renowned university including law, business, engineering, and medicine. Among its notable graduates are Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, and Brian Acton, the co-founder of WhatsApp. Listed below are the admission requirements for Stanford University:

• Academic transcripts of previously attended institutions (translated into English) 
• Personal essays
• Two letters of recommendation
• School report and a counsellor LOR
• Resume
• English proficiency scores for UG Courses (TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7, PTE: 68)
• TOEFL score (for PG courses)
• GRE/GMAT scores (for PG courses)

Note: For graduate programs, Stanford University accepts only the TOEFL score as the English proficiency proof.

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University of Chicago

Category: Private University
Acceptance rate: 7%
Percentage of international students: 21%

Located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighbourhood, the University of Chicago was established in 1890. A total of 91 Nobel Prize winners graduated from the university, including six current faculty members. Former US President Barack Obama taught at the University of Chicago's law school for over a decade. At the University of Chicago, students enjoy the benefits of an interdisciplinary core curriculum as well as challenging, innovative coursework within their respective majors. Find below some of the eligibility requirements for admission to the University of Chicago:

• Official academic transcripts (translated into English)
• Statement of purpose
• Two Teacher Evaluations
• Letters of recommendation
• Midyear Report
• SAT/ACT Scores (Optional)
• English Proficiency Test Scores
  TOEFL (IBT): 79
  IELTS: 7.0
• Evidence of financial support
• Interview (if required)

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California Institute of Technology

Category: Private Research University
Acceptance rate: 8%
Percentage of international students: 45%

Located in Pasadena, California, the California Institute of Technology is an independent, privately funded university. Caltech brings together some of the world's smartest minds and most innovative technologies to address fundamental scientific questions and societal issues. According to QS World University Rankings, the university ranked #6 in 2022. California Institute of Technology exhibits an 8% admission rate, making it one of the hardest institutions to gain admission to in the USA. Students willing to apply for Caltech must meet the requirements given below:

• Official Transcripts 
• SOP for USA
• Standardized Test scores: SAT/ACT
• English proficiency scores
• Valid passport
• List of extracurricular activities
• Teacher Evaluation for UG courses (one evaluation from a math/science tutor and another one from a humanities/social science tutor)
• Financial statement
• 3 Reference letters (for PG programs)
• CV/Resume (for PG programs)
• Admission interview 

Johns Hopkins University

Category: Private Research University
Acceptance rate: 8.7%
Percentage of international students: 24%

John Hopkins University was founded in 1876 and is ranked #9 in the US College Rankings by The Times Higher Education in 2022. The university offers a wide range of programs in subject areas like business, arts, science, music, etc., as well as top-notch opportunities for classroom learning and research. JHU offers scholarships to more than 50% of its first-year students. The university organizes career fairs every year for its students to meet employers. In addition, MBA graduates tend to earn a salary package of 126,000 USD on average. Take a look at the admission requirements of Johns Hopkins University:

• Academic record (school/college)
• Transcripts
• Standardized test scores
• English language test scores (TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7)
• SOP
• Academic letter of recommendation from the school counsellor
• CV/Resume
• Copy of the passport
• A GPA of 3.0-3.5 on a scale of 4.0 (for graduate courses)
• GRE scores (for graduate courses)
• Minimum 2 years of work experience for PG courses (if required)

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Northwestern University

Category: Private Research University
Acceptance rate: 8%
Percentage of international students: 22%

Northwestern University is one of the top non-Ivy League universities with campuses in Chicago and Doha. The university aims to provide world-class education and foster innovation. It is well known for its journalism program called Medill, whose alumni include novelist George R. R. Martin. According to the QS Rankings 2022, Northwestern ranked #29 in the world. It is known for its commitment to excellence in teaching and highly impactful research in a diverse and inclusive atmosphere. Let us look at the eligibility requirements of Northwestern University:

• Official transcripts (secondary school/ college)
• LOR from the school counsellor (for UG programs)
• Recommendation letter from at least one teacher
• International students must provide English proficiency scores (IELTS: 7, TOEFL: 90)
• SAT or ACT scores
• Early Decision Agreement
• Mid-year transcript
• Completed online application
• Statement of Purpose
• GRE/GMAT scores
• Resume

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Duke University

Category: Private Research University
Acceptance rate: 9%
Percentage of international students: 21.6%

Duke University is a private institution that was founded in 1838. There are many options available to Duke students when it comes to pursuing higher education. The university strives to provide its students with an engaging classroom experience. Duke university is commonly mistaken for an Ivy League school when it is actually a non-league university that ranks high in fields as varied as business, nursing, and law. The university also offers merit scholarships and financial aid to deserving students. Here are some of the admission requirements of Duke University:

• Official transcripts 
• English proficiency test scores (IELTS: 7, TOEFL iBT: 100, PTE: 70)
• Personal essay
• Personal statement
• ACT or SAT scores
• Interview
• 3 Reference letters (for PG programs)
• GRE/GMAT scores (for PG programs) 

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Vanderbilt University

Category: Private University
Acceptance rate: 9.6%
Percentage of international students: 17.2%

Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University is a private university in the USA. With its 10 schools, the university offers undergrad programs in arts, sciences, education, music, engineering, as well as graduate programs in management, law, and medicine. Vanderbilt University provides students with a challenging and supportive academic environment where they are surrounded by like-minded individuals. Students can develop an academic network during college that can help them achieve their professional goals after graduation. For admission to Vanderbilt University, applicants must fulfil the following eligibility requirements:

• High school/college transcripts
• Proof of nationality
• Motivational letter
• SAT/ACT scores (optional)
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS: 7, TOEFL iBT: 100, PTE: 70)
• Resume/CV
• Letter of Recommendation
• Evidence of relevant work experience (for graduate courses)
• Certification of finances form
• GMAT/GRE scores (if required)

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Rice University

Category: Private Research University
Acceptance rate: 8.7%
Percentage of international students: 24%

• A completed application
• Academic transcripts
• English proficiency test scores (IELTS: 7, TOEFL iBT: 90-100, Duolingo: 120)
• SAT/ACT scores
• Rice supplement (Essay and Rice Box)
• 3 Reference letters (one from the counsellor and two from teachers)
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 in the bachelor's degree (for PG courses)
• GRE/GMAT scores (if required)

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Washington University

Category: Private University
Acceptance rate: 15%
Percentage of international students: 25.4%

Washington University is internationally recognized as a global leader in education and research, with a reputation among students and faculty for being innovative, forward-looking, and community-minded, while supporting and nurturing every student's unique educational passions. International students at Washington University can choose from 1500 courses in 90 fields of study. More than 70 undergraduate majors and more than 40 graduate programs are available at the university. To apply to Washington University, candidates must meet the admission requirements given below:

• Official transcripts or certified copies
• Proof of English language competency (TOEFL iBT: 120, IELTS: 6.5)
• Standardized test scores
• Proof of financial sufficiency
• Health insurance
• Resume, Letters of recommendation, portfolios (for PG courses)
• Recommendation letter from the counsellor (for UG courses)
• Teacher Evaluation (for UG courses)