The “Hidden Ivies” are a group of prestigious but lesser-known colleges and universities in the United States. This article will explore the qualities that make these institutions distinctive and help prospective students decide whether one of these schools might be the right fit for their college journey.
What Are the Hidden Ivies?
The term “Hidden Ivies” was popularized by Howard and Matthew Greene in their book The Hidden Ivies, which highlights 63 schools across the U.S. that offer a rigorous education comparable to that of the Ivy League. These schools are highly regarded for their academic excellence, small class sizes, and highly engaged faculty. Although they may not have the same level of name recognition as the Ivy League, they often provide equally strong educational and career opportunities.
These institutions tend to focus on liberal arts education but include larger research universities as well. The goal of the Hidden Ivies is to showcase institutions that provide students with exceptional opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and a strong foundation for post-graduate success.
Top Hidden Ivies by Category
Category Colleges
Most Selective Pomona College, Amherst College, Swarthmore College, Vanderbilt University, Claremont McKenna College
Best Merit Aid Rice University, Washington and Lee University, Vanderbilt University, Emory University, Davidson College
Best Facilities Bowdoin College, Williams College, Rice University, Barnard College, Carleton College
Most Diverse Barnard College, Pomona College, Grinnell College, Vassar College, Macalester College
Best Liberal Arts Education Williams College, Amherst College, Bowdoin College, Haverford College, Carleton College
Best Research Opportunities Rice University, Emory University, Pomona College, Grinnell College, Washington University in St. Louis
Best Campus Culture and Community Davidson College, Swarthmore College, Haverford College, Middlebury College, Reed College
Best Career Support and Alumni Networks Vanderbilt University, Georgetown University, Claremont McKenna College, University of Richmond, Williams College
Best Value for Money Vassar College, Davidson College, Rice University, Bates College, Grinnell College
How we chose the top Hidden Ivies in each category
The colleges in each category were selected based on a combination of admissions data, institutional reputation, and student outcomes. For example:
- Most Selective: Chosen by acceptance rates and test scores.
- Best Merit Aid: Based on merit scholarships and financial aid packages.
- Best Facilities: Evaluated by the quality of campus infrastructure.
- Most Diverse: Focused on student diversity and inclusion programs.
- Best Research Opportunities: Ranked by undergraduate research and faculty collaboration.
- Best Career Support: Selected for career services and alumni networks.
- Best Value: Based on cost of attendance and graduate outcomes.
The Full List and Descriptions of Hidden Ivies Colleges
The Hidden Ivies cover 63 institutions, from small liberal arts colleges to larger research universities. Here’s the full list.
Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
Amherst College is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, offering an open curriculum that allows students to tailor their education to their interests. Amherst is known for its rigorous academics and close faculty-student relationships.
Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY)
Bard College is known for its progressive curriculum and commitment to civic engagement. The college places a strong emphasis on the arts, humanities, and social responsibility, attracting students with a passion for innovation and social change.
Barnard College (New York, NY)
Affiliated with Columbia University, Barnard College is a leading women’s liberal arts college in New York City. It offers a rigorous academic program and access to Columbia’s resources while maintaining a tight-knit and empowering community for women.
Bates College (Lewiston, ME)
Bates College is a highly selective liberal arts institution known for its commitment to social justice and community engagement. It offers a personalized education that emphasizes intellectual exploration and ethical responsibility.
Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA)
Boston College is a Jesuit institution that combines academic rigor with a focus on service and ethical growth. It offers strong programs in business, arts, and sciences, fostering intellectual and personal development.
Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME)
Bowdoin College is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S., known for its collaborative learning environment and commitment to environmental studies. Bowdoin fosters a culture of social responsibility and intellectual engagement.
Brandeis University (Waltham, MA)
Founded on principles of social justice, Brandeis University is a research institution with strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. It offers students individualized learning opportunities and fosters an inclusive campus environment.
Bryn Mawr College (Bryn Mawr, PA)
Bryn Mawr College is a prestigious women’s liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and strong focus on leadership development. It has a reputation for excellence in the social sciences and humanities.
Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA)
Bucknell University offers a well-rounded liberal arts education with strengths in engineering, management, and the arts. Its small class sizes and focus on student-faculty interaction make it an ideal choice for students seeking a personalized education.
Carleton College (Northfield, MN)
Carleton College is a top-ranked liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and supportive campus community. Students at Carleton benefit from close relationships with faculty and a vibrant intellectual environment.
Claremont McKenna College (Claremont, CA)
Claremont McKenna College is one of the Claremont Colleges and is known for its strong programs in government, economics, and public affairs. Its small size and focus on leadership development make it an attractive option for students interested in policy and business.
Colby College (Waterville, ME)
Colby College is a prestigious liberal arts institution with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and civic engagement. Colby offers a collaborative academic environment and an active student body.
Colgate University (Hamilton, NY)
Colgate University is a liberal arts institution with strengths in the natural sciences and social sciences. Known for its picturesque campus and rigorous academics, Colgate provides students with a well-rounded liberal arts education.
College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor, ME)
College of the Atlantic offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to education, focusing on human ecology and environmental sustainability. Its small size and hands-on learning approach make it a standout choice for environmentally conscious students.
Colorado College (Colorado Springs, CO)
Colorado College is known for its innovative block plan, which allows students to focus on one course at a time. The college offers a dynamic liberal arts education with a focus on experiential learning.
College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA)
Holy Cross is a Jesuit liberal arts college known for its intellectual rigor and emphasis on ethical values. It offers strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and business, with a focus on leadership development.
College of William & Mary (Williamsburg, VA)
William & Mary is the second-oldest college in the U.S., known for its strong programs in law, government, and business. It combines the benefits of a liberal arts education with the resources of a research university.
Connecticut College (New London, CT)
Connecticut College offers a strong liberal arts education with a focus on global education, environmental sustainability, and the arts. Its interdisciplinary programs encourage students to engage deeply with complex global issues.
Davidson College (Davidson, NC)
Davidson College is a top liberal arts college known for its strong honor code, rigorous academics, and close-knit campus community. Davidson students enjoy personalized attention from faculty and a supportive academic environment.
Denison University (Granville, OH)
Denison University offers a personalized liberal arts education with a strong focus on student-faculty engagement and interdisciplinary learning. It is known for its vibrant campus life and strong academic programs.
Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
Emory University is a leading research institution known for its programs in health sciences, business, and law. Emory offers the resources of a large university with the personalized support of a liberal arts education.
Franklin & Marshall College (Lancaster, PA)
Franklin & Marshall is a liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on individualized learning and undergraduate research opportunities. It encourages students to think critically and engage deeply with their academic work.
Georgetown University (Washington, D.C.)
A top Jesuit university, Georgetown is known for its world-class programs in international relations, law, and public policy. Georgetown provides students with access to internships and professional opportunities in the heart of the nation’s capital.
Grinnell College (Grinnell, IA)
Grinnell College is recognized for its strong commitment to social justice, rigorous academics, and highly personalized education. Grinnell fosters independent thinking and community engagement.
Hamilton College (Clinton, NY)
Hamilton College is known for its open curriculum, which allows students to design their own academic paths. The college emphasizes writing and communication as key components of a liberal arts education.
Harvey Mudd College (Claremont, CA)
Part of the Claremont Colleges, Harvey Mudd is known for its top-ranked programs in engineering, mathematics, and the sciences. Its interdisciplinary approach integrates the humanities and social sciences into a STEM-focused curriculum.
Haverford College (Haverford, PA)
Haverford College is a liberal arts institution known for its honor code, which emphasizes trust, concern, and respect. The college has a strong academic reputation and offers students close faculty relationships in a collaborative community.
Kenyon College (Gambier, OH)
Kenyon College is renowned for its programs in English and creative writing. With a focus on small class sizes and personalized attention from faculty, Kenyon provides a supportive environment for intellectual exploration.
Lafayette College (Easton, PA)
Lafayette College offers strong programs in engineering, liberal arts, and the sciences, with an emphasis on undergraduate research and leadership development. Its close-knit community fosters collaboration and academic engagement.
Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA)
Lehigh is a research university known for its strength in engineering, business, and the sciences. Lehigh combines the personal attention of a liberal arts college with the resources of a large research institution.
Macalester College (Saint Paul, MN)
Macalester College is a liberal arts institution known for its international focus and strong programs in the social sciences and humanities. Macalester emphasizes global citizenship and community engagement.
Middlebury College (Middlebury, VT)
Middlebury is a top liberal arts college known for its strong language programs and environmental studies. Its commitment to global education and sustainability sets it apart.
Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, MA)
Mount Holyoke is a prestigious women’s liberal arts college known for its leadership development programs and strong academics. It has a long tradition of empowering women to become leaders in their fields.
Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH)
Oberlin is known for its strong music conservatory and commitment to social justice. Oberlin’s liberal arts curriculum encourages critical thinking and independent learning.
Occidental College (Los Angeles, CA)
Occidental is a liberal arts college that emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and civic engagement. Located in Los Angeles, Oxy provides students with access to a wide range of professional and cultural opportunities.
Pitzer College (Claremont, CA)
Part of the Claremont Colleges, Pitzer is known for its emphasis on social justice, environmental sustainability, and student engagement. Pitzer’s curriculum encourages students to take an active role in shaping their education.
Pomona College (Claremont, CA)
Pomona is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the U.S., offering a rigorous academic program and a diverse, engaged community. Pomona is known for its interdisciplinary approach to education and strong faculty-student relationships.
Reed College (Portland, OR)
Reed College is known for its rigorous academics, emphasis on independent thinking, and unique senior thesis requirement. Reed attracts students who are passionate about learning for its own sake.
Rhodes College (Memphis, TN)
Rhodes is a liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on community service, internships, and experiential learning. Its personalized education and beautiful campus make it an attractive choice for students seeking academic and personal growth.
Rice University (Houston, TX)
Rice is a top research university known for its strong programs in engineering, science, and the humanities. With a focus on undergraduate education and research opportunities, Rice provides students with a supportive academic environment.
Sarah Lawrence College (Bronxville, NY)
Sarah Lawrence is a liberal arts college known for its emphasis on independent study, strong creative arts programs, and personalized education. It fosters intellectual exploration and creative expression.
Scripps College (Claremont, CA)
Scripps is a women’s liberal arts college that is part of the Claremont Colleges. Known for its rigorous academics and emphasis on leadership, Scripps empowers women to pursue their academic and professional goals.
Sewanee: The University of the South (Sewanee, TN)
Sewanee is a liberal arts university known for its strong programs in English and environmental studies. Its beautiful campus and strong sense of tradition create a unique academic experience.
Skidmore College (Saratoga Springs, NY)
Skidmore College is a liberal arts institution known for its creative approaches to academics and strong arts programs. Skidmore encourages students to explore their passions and think outside the box.
Smith College (Northampton, MA)
Smith is a leading women’s liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on academic excellence and leadership development. Its open curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their interests.
St. John’s College (Annapolis, MD & Santa Fe, NM)
St. John’s is known for its Great Books curriculum, which focuses on classic literature and philosophy. St. John’s offers a unique intellectual experience centered on deep reading and discussion.
St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN)
St. Olaf is a liberal arts college with strong programs in music and global education. It fosters a close-knit community and a commitment to service and global citizenship.
Swarthmore College (Swarthmore, PA)
Swarthmore is one of the top liberal arts colleges in the country, known for its rigorous academics, commitment to social responsibility, and Quaker heritage. Swarthmore students are encouraged to engage deeply with their studies and their community.
Trinity College (Hartford, CT)
Trinity is a liberal arts college that emphasizes experiential learning and strong academics. Its urban location and focus on global engagement make it an attractive option for students seeking a dynamic educational experience.
Tufts University (Medford, MA)
Tufts is a research university with strong programs in international relations, health sciences, and the liberal arts. Tufts combines a liberal arts foundation with professional preparation, fostering well-rounded students.
Union College (Schenectady, NY)
Union is a liberal arts college known for its strong engineering program and interdisciplinary approach to education. It offers leadership opportunities and a close-knit community.
University of Richmond (Richmond, VA)
The University of Richmond offers a liberal arts education with strengths in business, law, and leadership. It provides students with personalized academic support and opportunities for internships and research.
University of Rochester (Rochester, NY)
Rochester is a research university known for its strong programs in the sciences, engineering, and music. Its flexible curriculum allows students to design their own academic paths.
Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN)
Vanderbilt is a top research university known for its strong programs in education, law, medicine, and business. Vanderbilt combines academic rigor with a supportive campus environment.
Vassar College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Vassar is a liberal arts college known for its open curriculum and commitment to social responsibility. Vassar encourages students to engage with a wide range of academic disciplines and think critically about their role in society.
Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem, NC)
Wake Forest is a research university with a strong liberal arts foundation. Known for its business programs and emphasis on service, Wake Forest fosters intellectual growth and personal development.
Washington and Lee University (Lexington, VA)
Washington and Lee is a liberal arts university known for its strong honor system and leadership programs. It offers a personalized education with strengths in pre-law, business, and the humanities.
Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)
Washington University is a top research university known for its strong programs in medicine, law, social work, and business. It offers a collaborative academic environment and a commitment to research and innovation.
Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA)
Wellesley is a prestigious women’s liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and strong alumni network. Wellesley prepares women to become leaders in their fields through its commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.
Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT)
Wesleyan is a liberal arts college known for its strong programs in the arts, sciences, and social justice. It offers a flexible curriculum that encourages students to explore their academic interests.
Wheaton College (Norton, MA)
Wheaton is a liberal arts college known for its close-knit community and strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students at Wheaton enjoy a personalized education that prepares them for success in a variety of fields.
Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA)
Whitman is a liberal arts college known for its strong academics, close student-faculty relationships, and commitment to sustainability. It offers a collaborative academic environment and encourages students to engage with the world around them.
Williams College (Williamstown, MA)
Williams is one of the top-ranked liberal arts colleges in the U.S., known for its tutorial system and strong academic programs. Williams offers a close-knit, intellectually engaging community where students receive personalized attention from faculty.
Is a Hidden Ivy College Right for You?
When deciding if a Hidden Ivy is the right fit for you, here are some key factors to consider:
- Academic Rigor: Are you seeking a challenging academic environment with strong faculty-student engagement?
- Class Sizes: Do you prefer smaller class sizes and more individualized attention?
- Campus Size and Atmosphere: Would you thrive in a smaller, more intimate campus community?
- Post-Graduate Success: Do you want access to strong alumni networks and career development resources?
- Financial Aid and Costs: Are the financial aid packages and net price of these schools feasible for your family?
- Location and Setting: Would you prefer an urban or rural campus? Do you want to stay on the East Coast or explore other regions?
FAQ on the Hidden Ivies
What are the Hidden Ivies, and how are they different from the Ivy League?
The Hidden Ivies are a group of academically prestigious schools that offer a comparable education to the Ivy League, but they are lesser known to the general public. They emphasize academic rigor, small class sizes, and close faculty-student relationships.
How competitive are the admissions processes at Hidden Ivies?
Admissions to Hidden Ivies are highly competitive, often with low acceptance rates and high academic standards. Many of these schools are as selective as Ivy League institutions.
What are the benefits of attending a Hidden Ivy over a larger, more well-known university?
Hidden Ivies often offer smaller, more intimate learning environments, with a strong emphasis on faculty engagement, community, and personalized education. They provide many of the same career opportunities and academic resources as larger universities.
How do Hidden Ivies support career development and post-graduate success?
Hidden Ivies have strong alumni networks, robust career services, and provide students with opportunities for internships, research, and leadership development, preparing them for successful careers and graduate school opportunities.
_______
Use R2C Insights to help find merit aid and schools that fit the criteria most important to your student. You’ll not only save precious time, but your student will avoid the heartache of applying to schools they aren’t likely to get into or can’t afford to attend.
👉 Looking for expert help on the road to college? See our Preferred Partner List!
Other Articles You Might Like:
Your Guide to NESCAC Schools and Little Ivies
Ivy League Schools vs Public Ivy League: Which Is the Better Choice?
Colleges That Change Lives: The List of 45, Comparisons, and How to Choose
JOIN ONE OF OUR FACEBOOK GROUPS & CONNECT WITH OTHER PARENTS:
HOW TO FIND MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
