This guide takes a close look at the Little Ivies — a unique group of liberal arts colleges in the Northeast. Each has its own strengths and character, and we’ll also look at how they compare to Ivy League and Hidden Ivy schools. If you’re thinking about academics, campus life, or affordability, this guide will help you decide if one of these schools might be your best fit.

Inside This Article:

• Are the Little Ivies prestigious?
• Full list of the Little Ivies
• Is it hard to get into the Little Ivies? 
• Are the Little Ivies affordable?
• How to decide if a Little Ivy is right for you

What Are the Little Ivies?

The Little Ivies are a group of small, selective liberal arts colleges across the northeastern United States. With challenging academics, dedicated faculty, and strong alumni ties, these schools deliver high-quality education in a close-knit community. Although they may not have the size or global fame of Ivy League schools, Little Ivies provide a similarly rigorous education. They’re an appealing choice for students who want close connections with professors, small classes, and a dynamic campus environment.

How Many Little Ivies Are There?

The exact number of Little Ivies varies depending on the source, as there’s no official list. Originally, the term referred to just three colleges — Amherst, Williams, and Wesleyan — often called the “Little Three.” Over time, this has expanded to include other top-tier liberal arts colleges, primarily from the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), such as Bowdoin, Middlebury, Bates, Colby, and Hamilton. Some lists even include schools outside of NESCAC, like Haverford, Swarthmore, and Colgate, because of their academic excellence and small, selective environments.

In this guide, we’re covering all the colleges that are commonly associated with the Little Ivies to give you a full picture of the options and help you explore which might be the best fit. Whether a college is part of the core three or a broader list, each offers a rigorous liberal arts education and a close-knit community.

Are the Little Ivies Prestigious?

Absolutely. Little Ivies are respected for their academic standards and attract ambitious students who pursue impactful careers. These colleges pride themselves on outstanding faculty, hands-on research opportunities, and strong alumni networks that help students after graduation. 

While the Ivy League might be more widely known, Little Ivy graduates consistently achieve top grad school placements and meaningful roles in a wide range of industries.

List of the Little Ivies with Descriptions

Amherst College
Amherst College fosters a setting where students are encouraged to examine new ideas and explore different perspectives. Its small size and open curriculum support strong professor-student connections and give students the freedom to design their own paths. Amherst also stands out for its financial aid, meeting 100% of the demonstrated need for all students.

• Location: Amherst, MA
• Student-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
• Popular Majors: Economics, Political Science, Psychology
• Notable Feature: Open curriculum for flexible study

Bates College
Bates College values its roots in equality, tracing back to its abolitionist founders. The college’s need-blind admissions policy supports a diverse student body regardless of financial status. With over 90% of students engaging in hands-on learning through work, research, or study abroad, Bates is a hub of active learning.

• Location: Lewiston, ME
• Academic Calendar: 4-4-1, featuring a “Short Term” for intensive courses
• Popular Majors: Environmental Studies, Neuroscience, Politics
• Notable Feature: Deep commitment to social equity

Bowdoin College
Bowdoin’s Maine campus, close to the coast, provides students unique experiences for fieldwork and study, from marine biology to environmental science. Bowdoin emphasizes the “common good,” a guiding value that shapes its programs and community partnerships. The college is also home to one of the oldest Environmental Studies programs in the U.S.

• Location: Brunswick, ME
• Focus: Sustainability and community partnerships
• Popular Majors: Government, Biology, Environmental Studies
• Notable Feature: Extensive programs in Arctic Studies and oceanography

Colby College
Colby’s DavisConnects program gives every student access to global, research, and internship opportunities. This eco-friendly campus is committed to sustainability and is on track to become fully carbon-neutral. Colby’s Museum of Art includes one of Maine’s largest collections, making the college a center for the arts.

• Location: Waterville, ME
• Academic Emphasis: Interdisciplinary learning
• Popular Majors: Economics, Biology, Environmental Science
• Notable Feature: Davis Institute for Artificial Intelligence

Colgate University
Colgate combines liberal arts with pre-professional pathways, offering programs in finance, law, medicine, and more. The themed residential communities for first-year students foster strong bonds among classmates, while the Division I sports teams add school spirit.

• Location: Hamilton, NY
• Strengths: Liberal arts and professional pathways
• Popular Majors: Economics, Political Science, International Relations
• Notable Feature: High participation in global study programs

Connecticut College
Connecticut College’s curriculum integrates academic and real-world learning, with every student completing a capstone project. The campus’s arboretum is a space for both biological research and community gatherings, giving students access to a unique natural resource.

• Location: New London, CT
• Academic Model: Connections curriculum
• Popular Majors: Biological Sciences, Psychology, Environmental Studies
• Notable Feature: Focus on hands-on, experiential learning

Hamilton College
Hamilton College emphasizes writing and communication skills, offering a Writing Center that supports students across disciplines. Its open curriculum allows students to explore diverse fields, and its emphasis on oral communication skills is rare among liberal arts schools. The Kirkland Project adds to campus life by promoting discussions on social justice and public policy.

• Location: Clinton, NY
• Academic Focus: Open Curriculum
• Popular Majors: Economics, Biology, Public Policy
• Notable Feature: Arthur Levitt Public Affairs Center for Policy Research

Haverford College
Haverford College has a unique Honor Code that goes beyond academics, fostering a community of trust and accountability. Students play a meaningful role in governance, with a voice in decision-making on campus policies. With its Quaker roots, Haverford encourages values of peace and social responsibility and collaborates closely with neighboring Bryn Mawr College.

• Location: Haverford, PA
• Values: Honor code and shared governance
• Popular Majors: Philosophy, Psychology, Biology
• Notable Feature: Cross-registration with Bryn Mawr, Swarthmore, and UPenn

Lafayette College
Lafayette College offers a balance between liberal arts and technical education, with unique opportunities for engineering students to engage in humanities and social sciences. Its Marquis Fellowship and Scholars programs provide top students with research funding and special academic opportunities. Lafayette’s active alumni network aids students in career development, especially in fields like engineering and finance.

• Location: Easton, PA
• Academic Balance: Liberal arts and engineering
• Popular Majors: Engineering, Economics, Government & Law
• Notable Feature: One of the few liberal arts colleges with a strong engineering program

Middlebury College
Middlebury’s Bread Loaf campus hosts the respected Bread Loaf School of English and an annual writers’ conference. The college is deeply committed to sustainability, with a solar-powered campus and a biomass facility. Located in Vermont’s Green Mountains, Middlebury fosters a close-knit community with an active culture of outdoor activities and environmental awareness.

• Location: Middlebury, VT
• Specialization: Language studies and global programs
• Popular Majors: Environmental Studies, Political Science, International Studies
• Notable Feature: Renowned Language Schools and global engagement programs

Swarthmore College
Swarthmore’s Honors Program, inspired by the Oxford-Cambridge model, offers an intensive, discussion-based approach to learning. The college has a strong tradition of community service and activism, with a Peace and Conflict Studies program that draws socially engaged students. The Crum Woods, a natural preserve on campus, offers students a peaceful place to study or conduct environmental research.

• Location: Swarthmore, PA
• Academic Rigor: Honors Program and community service focus
• Popular Majors: Engineering, Political Science, Biology
• Notable Feature: Collaborations with Bryn Mawr and UPenn

Trinity College
Located in Connecticut’s capital city, Trinity College leverages its urban setting to provide students with unique internship and service opportunities. The college’s Rome campus broadens students’ global perspective, allowing for hands-on international learning experiences. Trinity’s partnerships with local organizations offer practical insights into urban issues, ideal for students interested in public policy or global studies.

• Location: Hartford, CT
• Learning Model: Urban and international partnerships
• Popular Majors: Political Science, Economics, International Studies
• Notable Feature: Focus on experiential learning in urban and global contexts

Union College
Union College uses an interdisciplinary approach, combining liberal arts with engineering and other technical fields. The trimester system allows students flexibility for internships or research projects, and the Minerva House system groups students into smaller social and academic communities. Union’s focus on both the humanities and sciences makes it a unique liberal arts choice.

• Location: Schenectady, NY
• Academic Integration: Liberal arts and engineering
• Popular Majors: Mechanical Engineering, Neuroscience, Visual Arts
• Notable Feature: Minerva House system for community and interdisciplinary learning

Wesleyan University
Wesleyan fosters creativity and independence, with students leading initiatives through its Experimental College (ExCo), where they can design and teach courses. The Center for the Arts anchors Wesleyan’s strong emphasis on the arts, supporting performances and creative work. Wesleyan’s open curriculum encourages students to pursue cross-disciplinary studies and experiment with new ideas.

• Location: Middletown, CT
• Academic Freedom: Flexible curriculum and self-directed study
• Popular Majors: Film, Biology, Psychology
• Notable Feature: Experimental College for student-designed courses

Williams College
Williams offers a unique tutorial system where two students engage closely with a professor for an intensive learning experience. The Williams College Art Museum supports a strong arts culture, with extensive collections available to students. Located in the Berkshires, Williams also hosts a Winter Study term, where students can take short, immersive courses on various topics beyond their main curriculum.

• Location: Williamstown, MA
• Learning Model: Tutorial system for personalized study
• Popular Majors: Economics, Political Science, Art History
• Notable Feature: Winter Study term and rich arts environment

Top Little Ivies by Category

The Little Ivies vs. the Ivy League

While Ivy League schools are large research universities with extensive resources and large student bodies, the Little Ivies focus more on small classes, undergraduate education, and close faculty-student relationships. Ivy League schools may have greater name recognition, but Little Ivies provide the same level of academic quality in a more personalized environment, often appealing to students who prefer a smaller academic setting.

The Little Ivies vs. Hidden Ivies

The Hidden Ivies are a broader group of small to mid-sized colleges and universities spread throughout the country, offering strong academics in both liberal arts and pre-professional programs. Little Ivies, however, focus exclusively on liberal arts and are all located in the Northeast. Both groups offer a top-notch college experience, but the Little Ivies are tailored to students drawn to the liberal arts.

Is it Hard to Get Into the Little Ivies?

Yes, admission to the Little Ivies is competitive, as these schools are highly selective and admit only a small percentage of applicants. Similar to Ivy League schools, they look for academically accomplished, motivated students who have shown leadership and engagement. Students are typically accepted based on a strong academic record, high test scores, and compelling personal essays and recommendations. While their acceptance rates may be higher than those of Ivy League schools, admissions are still highly selective, attracting students with a range of impressive accomplishments.

Little Ivies Admission Stats, 2023-2024

Are the Little Ivies Affordable?

The cost of attending a Little Ivy can seem high, but many of these schools are dedicated to making their education accessible to all qualified students. Most of the Little Ivies meet 100% of demonstrated need, offering financial aid packages that make them affordable to students from all backgrounds. Although merit scholarships are more limited, need-based financial aid often makes the overall cost comparable to that of a larger public university.

Cost and Aid at Little Ivies, 2023-2024

How to Decide if a Little Ivy is Right for You

Thinking about a Little Ivy? Here’s a quick guide to help make your decision:

1. Class Size and Personalized Learning: Little Ivies emphasize small classes and close relationships with faculty, ideal if you’re looking for individual attention.
2. Campus Life and Community Feel: With tight-knit communities, these schools are a great fit if you want strong connections with classmates.
3. Location: Located in small towns in the Northeast, the Little Ivies provide a more peaceful environment than large city campuses.
4. Academic Focus: The liberal arts approach supports students who enjoy studying multiple disciplines and conducting undergraduate research.
5. Financial Aid Options: Many Little Ivies meet 100% of financial need, helping make them affordable. Check specific aid policies to see if costs fit your budget.
6. Extracurricular and Campus Involvement: From research projects to leadership roles, Little Ivies provide plenty of ways to get involved.
7. Campus Visits: Seeing each school’s environment and facilities in person (or virtually) can help you get a feel for what makes each unique.

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