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Published May 14, 2019 | Last Updated May 9th, 2023 at 02:06 am
The prestigious U.S. Ivy League colleges have long been the traditional choice for students seeking a top-notch education. According to a U.S. News & World Report “Ivy League schools are considered the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in the country and around the world. These eight private Northeast schools are known for their highly selective admissions process, academic excellence, and promising career opportunities for those who attend. The name recognition and social prestige don’t hurt either.”
Yet with acceptance rates for the class of 2027 ranging from 3% (Harvard) to 7% (Cornell), admission to these universities is extremely competitive. Then there’s the cost of attendance. On average, the annual undergraduate tuition and fees for the Ivies in 2023 ranged from $75,000 to $85,000.
Luckily a new kind of “Ivy” has risen to meet the challenge of the high demand for an Ivy league education: the Public Ivy schools.
The Ivy League and the Public Ivy League are two prestigious groups of universities in the United States. The Ivy League consists of eight private institutions located in the Northeast, including Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. The Public Ivy League, on the other hand, is a group of public universities that offer an Ivy League-like academic experience. These schools, such as the University of Michigan, the University of Virginia, and the University of California, offer exceptional academics, research opportunities, and resources comparable to those of the Ivy League.
Richard Moll, author of Public Ivies: A Guide to America’s Best Public Undergraduate Colleges and Universities created the phrase in 1985. Using his experience as director of admissions at multiple universities, Moll challenged himself to identify eight public universities that matched the caliber of Ivy League schools.
The original Public Ivy list in 1985 was composed of:
He also created an additional list of nine runners-up.
Fortunately, no.
An updated list of Public Ivies was created in 2001 in The Public Ivies: America’s Flagship Public Universities. This list of Public Ivy colleges now includes 30 institutions in five regions of the US:
The most apparent advantage of these schools is obvious: cost.
The cost of attendance at a Public Ivy school is significantly lower than that of an Ivy League school (particularly for in-state students), but don’t let that mislead you. Lower cost does not mean less quality. In fact, the Public Ivies are also known for their academic rigor and admissions criteria.
The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education reports that Public Ivies are “successfully competing with the Ivy League schools in academic rigor … attracting superstar faculty and in competing for the best and brightest students of all races.”
While admissions rates at Ivy League schools currently range from 3 at Harvard to 7% at Cornell, the admissions rates at Public Ivies are higher. In fact, the original 8 Public Ivies current admissions rates range from 8.57% at UCLA to 89% at Miami University (Ohio).
Admission to both the Ivy League schools and the Public Ivy League is highly competitive, but the requirements differ between the two groups. Ivy League schools tend to have stricter admission requirements, including higher standardized test scores, GPAs, and extracurricular activities. Public Ivy League schools also have high admission standards but may place more emphasis on factors such as diversity, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Both the Ivy League and Public Ivy League schools offer a wide range of academic programs, including liberal arts, sciences, engineering, and business. Ivy League schools tend to have a more traditional approach to education, with a strong focus on the liberal arts and humanities. Public Ivy League schools, on the other hand, offer a wider variety of majors and may have a more practical approach to education, with a focus on applied sciences and professional programs.
Ivy League schools are known for their high tuition fees, which can exceed $50,000 per year. Public Ivy League schools, on the other hand, offer lower tuition fees, which can range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year, depending on the state and the program. However, both Ivy League and Public Ivy League schools offer generous financial aid and scholarship programs, which can help make college more affordable for students from all backgrounds.
Both Ivy League and Public Ivy League schools are known for producing successful graduates who go on to pursue rewarding careers in various fields. Ivy League schools tend to have stronger alumni networks and more prestigious job opportunities, particularly in fields such as finance, law, and academia. Public Ivy League schools, on the other hand, may have a wider variety of job opportunities and a more diverse alumni network, particularly in fields such as technology, engineering
The decision to apply to an Ivy League or to a Public Ivy must be weighed by creating an extensive list of the factors the student prefers in a school. For instance, your student should look at:
Remember that the Public Ivies are performing in ways similar to the Ivies in practical academics. Additionally, they continue to grow their reputation and prominence, making them more desirable schools.
One challenge does exist for the Public Ivies more than it does for the Ivies though – funding. This Washington Post article takes a look at this potential problem within the Public Ivies. So this is definitely something to consider when considering a public Ivy
The Public Ivies continue to provide many students with enviable educations that leave a much lighter debt burden than attendance at an Ivy League college.
In making the final decision, students and parents should compare their list of desired criteria against current and up-to-date information provided not only by the media, but on the individual university websites as well.
Do your due diligence. Examine the programs, the instructors, the curriculum, and the courses. Get a feel for the personality of the school.
Research housing options, libraries, cafeterias, events, student culture, and support.
After all this, compare the overall cost of attendance against your desired criteria and you’ll have a much better feel for which schools – whether Ivy, Public Ivy, or other – are best for your student.
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