Explore the Southern Ivies to see if one might fit your college plans. Get detailed descriptions of each and compare their admissions stats, costs, financial aid, and overall value.

Inside this Article:

• The core Southern Ivies
• Other schools considered Southern Ivies
• How selective are the Southern Ivies?
• Costs and financial aid at the Southern Ivies
• Comparing the Southern Ivy schools
• Ranking the core Southern Ivies
• How to determine if a Southern Ivy is right for you

What Are the Southern Ivies?

The “Southern Ivies” is a colloquialism referring to a group of highly selective and prestigious colleges in the southern U.S. The colleges, including Duke, Vanderbilt, Rice, and others, are often compared to the Ivy League schools in the Northeast due to their academic excellence and selective admissions.

Why Are They Called Southern Ivies?

The term “Ivy League” started as a reference to the athletic conference, but over time, it became synonymous with elite academics. As southern schools gained national recognition, the terms “Southern Ivies” and “Southern Ivy League” emerged to compare their growing prominence to Ivy League schools. While the label is informal, it reflects their reputation for quality.

What Makes a School a Southern Ivy?

Here’s what distinguishes these Southern Ivy League schools:

• Academic excellence: Highly ranked programs and accomplished faculty.
• Selective admissions: Low acceptance rates and competitive applicant pools.
• Vibrant campus life: Active student organizations, sports, and traditions.
• Beautiful campuses: Sprawling quads and distinctive architecture.

The List of Core Southern Ivies

Here are the schools most commonly considered Southern Ivies. These universities are consistently recognized for their contributions to higher education. While some sources limit the term strictly to private universities, others include select public institutions — often referred to as Public Ivies — due to their academic excellence, strong research, and national prominence.

In our core list, the University of Virginia (UVA) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) are the two public universities included alongside their private counterparts.

Duke University

Location: Durham, North Carolina
Key Highlights: Academic reputation, strong athletic tradition, and global reach
Top Programs: Law, Medicine, Business, Public Policy, Engineering
Research Opportunities: Extensive undergraduate research funding through programs like Bass Connections
Signature Programs: The Focus Program offers interdisciplinary experiences for first-year students
Global Reach: Duke Kunshan University campus in China provides international learning opportunities
Student Life: Over 400 student organizations and a lively campus atmosphere, including the “Cameron Crazies”
Notable Alumni: Melinda French Gates, Tim Cook (CEO of Apple), among others

Vanderbilt University

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Key Highlights: Blends top-tier academics with a rich urban setting
Top Programs: Education, Business (Owen), Medicine, Engineering
Residential Life: All first-year students live in The Commons for a supportive community experience
Music Scene: Close access to Nashville’s cultural and music industries
Research Strengths: Centers on the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and various research institutes
Community Involvement: Includes Alternative Spring Break and Dores on the Road for service and leadership growth

Rice University

Location: Houston, Texas
Key Highlights: Small class sizes, engineering prowess, and innovative research
Top Programs: Engineering, Natural Sciences, Architecture, Business (Jones)
Residential College System: Tight-knit student communities and lively campus traditions
Innovative Culture: Entrepreneurship resources through the Rice Alliance.
Location Advantage: Proximity to the Texas Medical Center offers unique research and internship opportunities
Academic Flexibility: No mandatory core curriculum, encouraging interdisciplinary exploration

Emory University

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Key Highlights: Strengths in medicine, public health, and liberal art
Top Programs: Pre-Med, Business (Goizueta), Public Health (Rollins), Nursing
Dual Campus Experience: Some students spend their first two years at Oxford College before moving to the main Atlanta campus
Health Sciences Focus: Collaborations with the CDC and Emory Healthcare for internships and research
Liberal Arts Foundation: Builds a broad academic base before specialization
Volunteer Spirit: Service-oriented programs such as Volunteer Emory engage students beyond the classroom

University of Virginia (UVA)

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Key Highlights: Founded by Thomas Jefferson, merging historic prestige with modern academics
Top Programs: Business (McIntire), Law, Engineering, Political Science, Medicine
Historic Significance: The Academical Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Honor Code: Promotes integrity and mutual respect
School Spirit: Vigorous athletic culture, notably in basketball and lacrosse
Study Abroad: Robust global programs and partnerships that connect students to international opportunities

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Key Highlights: A premier public university acclaimed for academics and athletics
Top Programs: Business (Kenan-Flagler), Journalism (Hussman), Health Sciences, Computer Science
Public Ivy Legacy: Among the oldest public universities in the U.S., often termed a “Public Ivy”
Research Hub: Houses high-profile centers like the Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Athletics: Known worldwide for its Tar Heels basketball program.
Diversity Initiatives: Programs such as the Carolina Covenant aim to make college accessible to all

Wake Forest University

Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Key Highlights: Combines a liberal arts ethos with strong professional programs
Top Programs: Business, Law, Health & Exercise Science, Communication
Pro Humanitate: Wake Forest’s motto focuses on service to humanity
Small Classes: A student-faculty ratio of about 10:1 ensures personal attention
Business Excellence: The School of Business offers competitive programs with robust career outcomes
Campus Beauty: Rolling hills, tree-lined paths, and Georgian-style architecture

Tulane University

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Key Highlights: Balances rigorous academics with the cultural richness of New Orleans
Top Programs: Public Health, Business (Freeman), Law, Environmental Studies
New Orleans Influence: Campus life intertwined with Mardi Gras traditions and local music
Service-Oriented Learning: The Center for Public Service weaves community engagement into academics
Environmental Focus: Notable strengths in coastal sciences, environmental law, and sustainability
Flexible Curriculum: Few core requirements encourage broad academic exploration

Other Schools Often Considered Southern Ivies

In addition to the core group, other colleges and universities in the southern region share many qualities with the so-called “Southern Ivies.” Schools like Davidson College, Washington and Lee University, and the Georgia Institute of Technology, among others, offer robust academics, distinctive traditions, and active alumni networks that rival their more frequently mentioned counterparts. 

Whether they are small liberal arts colleges known for personalized education or larger research institutions with top-ranked programs, these schools stand out for providing an Ivy-like experience in a uniquely Southern setting.

Davidson College

Location: Davidson, North Carolina
Key Highlights: Top-tier liberal arts institution with an honor code and close-knit community
Top Programs: Political Science, Economics, Biology, English
Honor Code: Emphasizes integrity and personal responsibility
Liberal Arts Focus: Small class sizes lead to robust faculty-student relationships
Athletics: Competes in NCAA Division I, notable for basketball excellence

Washington and Lee University

Location: Lexington, Virginia
Key Highlights: Historic campus, small enrollment, and a strong Honor System
Top Programs: Law, Business, Journalism, Accounting
Traditions: Founded in the 18th century, rich in campus and student-led traditions
Law School: Respected graduate program with wide alumni networking opportunities
Close-Knit Community: Small student body fosters personal connections and leadership development

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Location: Dallas, Texas
Key Highlights: Respected business programs, dynamic arts offerings, and strong local industry ties
Top Programs: Business (Cox), Arts (Meadows), Law, Engineering
Business School: Cox is recognized nationally for finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership programs
Arts and Culture: Meadows School of the Arts boasts top-tier performance and visual arts degrees.
Dallas Ties: Proximity to numerous Fortune 500 companies and cultural institutions

University of Richmond

Location: Richmond, Virginia
Key Highlights: Blends personalized liberal arts education with leading professional program.
Top Programs: Business (Robins), Law, Leadership Studies (Jepson), Psychology
Personalized Education: Small student-faculty ratio encourages mentoring and focused advising
Business Excellence: Robins School is routinely ranked among the nation’s best
Beautiful Campus: Gothic-inspired architecture

William and Mary

Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Key Highlights: The second-oldest college in the nation, deeply rooted in American history
Top Programs: Government, International Relations, Law, Business (Mason), Biology
Historic Roots: Founded in 1693 and alma mater to a range of notable public figures
Liberal Arts Core: Strong undergraduate research focus and emphasis on critical thinking
Campus Traditions: Events like the Yule Log ceremony and King & Queen Ball foster community pride

Georgia Institute of Technology

Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Key Highlights: Major public university focused on engineering, technology, and innovation.
Top Programs: Engineering (multiple fields), Computer Science, Architecture, Business (Scheller)
Innovation Culture: Interdisciplinary programs like the InVenture Prize encourage entrepreneurship.
Urban Advantage: Located in midtown Atlanta, surrounded by startups and corporate headquarters.
Co-op Programs: Offers a range of real-world internships and cooperative education experiences.

University of Texas at Austin

Location: Austin, Texas
Key Highlights: A large flagship institution known for top-tier research, creativity, and entrepreneurship.
Top Programs: Engineering (Cockrell), Business (McCombs), Computer Science, Communication (Moody)
Research Institution: Home to the Dell Medical School and numerous advanced tech and interdisciplinary labs.
City Vibe: Austin’s expanding tech, music, and cultural scenes provide ample off-campus opportunities.
Longhorn Pride: High-spirited athletics and a strong alumni network unite the campus community.

University of Florida

Location: Gainesville, Florida
Key Highlights: Prominent public research university with a broad range of academic strengths.
Top Programs: Engineering, Business (Warrington), Health Sciences, Agriculture, Journalism (CJC)
Research Focus: Known for developments in biotech, agriculture, and biomedical sciences
Large Campus Community: Enrolls tens of thousands of students with extensive clubs and organizations
School Spirit: “Go Gators!” rallies students, alumni, and fans around numerous athletic teams

How Selective Are the Southern Ivies?

Southern Ivy admission rates can be quite low, often below 20 percent. For instance, Duke, Vanderbilt and Rice typically have acceptance rates under 10 percent. Competitive applicants often present SAT scores above 1400, ACT scores above 31, and strong GPAs, but requirements vary by institution. 

Southern Ivies, Ranked by Admission Rates, 2023-24

School	State	Type	Admit Rate	Full-Time Undergrads	SAT Avg	ACT Avg
Vanderbilt University	TN	Private	6.28%	7,152
Duke University	NC	Private	6.78%	6,488		34
Rice University	TX	Private	7.88%	4,574
Emory University	GA	Private	10.65%	7,359	1490	33
Davidson College	NC	Private	14.48%	1,904	1420	32
Tulane University	LA	Private	14.59%	7,295	1410	32
Georgia Institute of Technology	GA	Public	16.46%	19,505	1430	31
Washington and Lee University	VA	Private	17.36%	1,898	1470	33
University of Virginia	VA	Public	18.66%	17,496	1450	33
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	NC	Public	18.74%	20,880	1420	30
Wake Forest University	NC	Private	21.37%	5,447
University of Richmond	VA	Private	23.31%	3,054
University of Florida	FL	Public	24.03%	34,924	1380	30
The University of Texas at Austin	TX	Public	29.12%	42,444	1420
Southern Methodist University	TX	Private	61.22%	7,115	1440	32
William & Mary	VA	Public		6,963

Costs and Financial Aid at the Southern Ivies

Many of these Southern Ivies and Ivy-like institutions come with a high sticker price, often exceeding $80,000 in total cost of attendance for private universities and reaching well over $50,000 for out-of-state students at top public schools. However, many schools can provide robust financial aid packages that reduce the net cost significantly. 

Many Southern Ivies offer generous need-based and merit-based awards, funded by substantial endowments. Duke, Vanderbilt, and Rice are known for meeting 100% of demonstrated need for admitted students, and some schools, like Emory, have no-loan policies for families below certain income levels. Public schools such as UVA or UNC often provide lower in-state tuition and competitive aid packages for qualifying residents. Prospective students are generally required to submit the FAFSA and sometimes the CSS Profile to be considered for institutional aid.

When comparing costs, keep in mind that private colleges typically offer the same tuition to all students regardless of residency, while public universities often have separate in-state and out-of-state rates. Additionally, merit scholarships can vary widely, with some schools emphasizing academic or talent-based awards more than others. Ultimately, you’ll need to consider the full range of grants, loans, and scholarships — both need-based and merit-based — to determine if a particular Southern Ivy is affordable. The following chart provides a snapshot of average aid awards and cost-of-attendance figures for the 2023–2024 academic year.

Cost and Financial Aid at the Southern Ivies, 2023-2024

School	Type	Avg Merit Aid Award	Avg Need-Based Award	Cost of Attendance In-State	Cost of Attendance Out of State
Duke University	Private	$77,633	$63,935	$94,066	$94,066
Washington and Lee University	Private	$57,448	$67,330	$91,700	$91,700
University of Richmond	Private	$29,994	$55,452	$82,370	$82,370
Southern Methodist University	Private	$28,157	$51,726	$86,102	$86,102
Emory University	Private	$25,536	$52,113	$88,502	$88,502
Davidson College	Private	$25,400	$57,439	$84,260	$84,260
Rice University	Private	$22,944	$59,724	$86,279	$86,279
Vanderbilt University	Private	$22,428	$69,254	$94,072	$94,072
Tulane University	Private	$16,117	$52,617	$88,260	$88,260
Wake Forest University	Private	$14,765	$60,695	$91,266	$91,266
William & Mary	Public	$11,931	$26,972	$33,888	$57,688
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill	Public	$7,689	$17,528	$42,365	$61,022
University of Virginia	Public	$5,870	$35,442	$39,494	$78,214
Georgia Institute of Technology	Public	$5,453	$15,828	$29,726	$52,152
University of Florida	Public	$3,617	$13,302	$23,530	$45,808
The University of Texas at Austin	Public	$3,406	$19,550	$31,616	$59,544

Comparing the Southern Ivies

When comparing Southern Ivies, consider size, selectivity, majors, and campus environment. Some schools have a more research-intensive focus (like Duke, Rice, and Georgia Tech), while others emphasize a well-rounded liberal arts education (like Davidson or William and Mary). 

Certain campuses are embedded in large metropolitan areas (e.g., Atlanta for Emory, Dallas for SMU, Austin for UT), offering more off-campus opportunities. By contrast, smaller college-town environments (e.g., Charlottesville for UVA, Winston-Salem for Wake Forest) may appeal to students seeking a close-knit community.

Category	Schools
Most Selective	Duke, Vanderbilt, Rice
Best for STEM	Georgia Tech, Rice, UT Austin
Top Business Programs	UVA (McIntire), UNC (Kenan-Flagler), SMU (Cox)
Health & Pre-Med Focus	Emory, Tulane, Duke
Liberal Arts Standouts	Davidson, Washington and Lee, William & Mary
Best Urban Campuses	Rice, Vanderbilt, Emory
Service-Oriented Culture	Tulane, Wake Forest, UNC
"Public Ivy" Flagship	UVA, UNC, University of Florida

Ranking the Core Southern Ivies

Each Southern Ivy stands out in its own way, but here we use a set of criteria to rank the top core Southern Ivies.

Criteria Used

1. Acceptance Rate (20%): Lower acceptance rates indicate high selectivity.
2. Four-Year Graduation Rate (20%): A strong measure of student success and institutional support.
3. U.S. News & World Report Ranking (30%): One of the more commonly referenced overall rankings.
4. Average Alumni Salary (20%): A proxy for post-graduation outcomes and career readiness.
5. Student-Faculty Ratio (10%): Reflects class size and level of individual attention students can receive.

Top Southern Ivies

1. Duke University
2. Rice University
3. Vanderbilt University
4. Emory University
5. University of Virginia (UVA)
6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
7. Wake Forest University
8. Tulane University

Notes on the Ranking

• This list provides only a snapshot and includes only the core Southern Ivies; different weightings or additional metrics (like research funding, specific program rankings, or campus culture) can shift the order.
• Public schools like UVA and UNC often excel in value for in-state students, which may not be fully captured by these particular metrics.
• If you’re comparing schools for personal fit, focus on areas that matter most to you—such as major-specific rankings, financial aid generosity, or student life offerings.

In reality, each Southern Ivy stands out in its own way. This numeric ranking is simply one way to see how they compare across a limited set of quantitative indicators. As always, qualitative factors like campus culture, location, and extracurricular opportunities should also play a key role in your college decision.

How to Decide If a Southern Ivy Is Right for You

Choosing the right college takes time and thought. Here are a few factors to consider:

• Academic Fit

  Look at the programs and opportunities available in your areas of interest.

• Campus Size and Culture

  Would you prefer the resources of a large university like UVA or the intimacy of a smaller college like Davidson?

• Location and Regional Culture

  Consider whether you’d thrive in a bustling city like Atlanta, a quieter town like Charlottesville, or elsewhere in the South or another region.

• Financial Considerations

  Compare tuition costs and financial aid packages to find the best value for your situation.

FAQ: Southern Ivies

Which School Is Considered the Harvard of the South?

Several Southern schools have been dubbed the “Harvard of the South,” but Duke is most often referenced. Vanderbilt, Emory, and Sewanee have also claimed the title, an informal label reflecting perceived Ivy-level prestige. Ultimately, there’s no single official “Harvard of the South.”

How Do Southern Ivies Compare Academically With the Ivy League?

Southern Ivies often rank in the top 30 of national universities, similar to Ivies. In business, Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management and UVA’s McIntire School of Commerce often appear in top-10 lists. It’s the same for engineering (Rice, Georgia Tech) and law (Duke Law, SMU Dedman School of Law).

What Is the Southern IT School Competing With the Ivies?

Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is often regarded as the premier technology-focused institution in the South that competes with Ivy League schools. Known for its top-ranked engineering and computing programs, Georgia Tech attracts high-achieving students worldwide and consistently ranks among the nation’s leading public research universities.

Do Southern Ivies Offer Test-Optional Admissions?

Many Southern Ivies have adapted test-optional or test-flexible policies, allowing applicants to decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. For example, Wake Forest has been test-optional since 2009, and several others adopted temporary or extended test-optional policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Always check each school’s admissions website for the most up-to-date requirements.

Can You Transfer into a Southern Ivy from Another College?

Yes. Most Southern Ivies accept transfer applications, although spots can be limited and the process competitive. Transfer admission often requires strong college transcripts, a clear academic focus, and compelling reasons for transferring. Check each institution’s transfer deadlines, credit transfer policies, and any special requirements (such as interviews or recommendation letters).

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