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What Are the Little Ivies?
You may have heard of Ivy League universities, but did you know about the “Little Ivy League” schools? The Little Ivies are an unofficial group of colleges that offer rigorous academic programs that are similar to the ones offered by the Ivy Leagues. They are very small schools, hence the title of “Little” Ivies. Keep reading to learn more about the Little Ivies and if they’re the right fit for you!
Overview of the Little Ivies
There are a lot of Ivy League alternatives, such as Public Ivies, Hidden Ivies, and Ivy Plus schools. To clarify, all of the Little Ivies are also considered Hidden Ivies. The Little Ivies are small liberal arts colleges that focus more on undergraduate education since the majority of these schools don’t offer graduate programs.
More than half of the Little Ivies make up the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), so students will have an opportunity to participate in sports on campus as well.
So, what schools are Little Ivies? Check out this list to find out!
Amherst College
- Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,745 students
- Most popular field of study: Mathematics and economics
- Team: Mammoths
Bates College
- Location: Lewiston, Maine
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,876 students
- Most popular field of study: Political science and government
- Team: Bobcats
Bowdoin College
- Location: Brunswick, Maine
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,776 students
- Most popular field of study: Political science and government
- Team: Polar Bears
Colby College
- Location: Waterville, Maine
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,155 students
- Most popular field of study: Economics
- Team: Mules
Connecticut College
- Location: New London, Connecticut
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,711 students
- Most popular field of study: Psychology
- Team: Camels
Hamilton College
- Location: Clinton, New York
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,901 students
- Most popular field of study: Economics
- Team: Continentals
Haverford College
- Location: Haverford, Pennsylvania
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,306 students
- Most popular field of study: Political science and government
- Team: Fords
Lafayette College
- Location: Easton, Pennsylvania
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,489 students
- Most popular field of study: Economics
- Team: Leopards
Middlebury College
- Location: Middlebury, Vermont
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,571 students
- Most popular field of study: Economics
- Team: Panthers
Swarthmore College
- Location: Swarthmore, Pennsylvania
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,435 students
- Most popular field of study: Economics
- Team: Garnets
Trinity College
- Location: Hartford, Connecticut
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,194 students
- Most popular field of study: Economics
- Team: Bantams
Tufts University
- Location: Medford, Massachusetts
- Undergraduate enrollment: 6,053 students
- Most popular field of study: Computer science
- Team: Jumbos
Vassar College
- Location: Poughkeepsie, New York
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,421 students
- Most popular field of study: Research and experimental psychology and economics
- Team: Brewers
Wesleyan University
- Location: Middletown, Connecticut
- Undergraduate enrollment: 2,838 students
- Most popular field of study: Area studies
- Team: Cardinals
Williams College
- Location: Williamstown, Massachusetts
- Undergraduate enrollment: 1,917 students
- Most popular field of study: Economics
- Team: Ephs
| Amherst College | Bates College | Bowdoin College | Colby College | Connecticut College |
| Hamilton College | Haverford College | Lafayette College | Middlebury College | Swarthmore College |
| Trinity College | Tufts University | Vassar College | Wesleyan University | Williams College |
Advantages of attending a Little Ivy
Smaller classes
The Little Ivies are known for their academics, but also for their size. Some of them even admit less than 2,000 undergraduate students per year. Fortunately, this allows for smaller classes with low student faculty ratios for hands-on learning.
Students might also have a better chance at networking and building relationships with their professors and peers. For example, Williams College offers a unique opportunity called the Williams Tutorial Program that pairs two students with one professor to further their learning and improve their skills.
More affordable for some students
One of the main differences between Ivy League universities and their Ivy alternatives is that other “Ivies” might offer merit scholarships as well as need-based ones. This gives applicants another way to make college more affordable and prevent student loan debt.
Disadvantages of attending a Little Ivy
Limited graduate programs
While there are some exceptions such as Tufts and Wesleyan University, the Little Ivies do not offer graduate programs. However, they highly value undergraduate education, which is why the curriculums offered there rival Ivy League schooling. Some of the Little Ivies also offer dual degree programs for students to study for two degrees at once.
Liberal arts curriculum
Liberal arts schools don’t specifically focus on a certain area of study like research colleges. Instead, they offer students a chance to experience multiple different disciplines. You’ll still be able to pick your major, but your requirements are more likely to be generalized.
Centralized location
While some of the Ivy Leagues are spread out throughout the country, the Little Ivies have a more centralized location in the Northeast. Most of the colleges are found in states such as Maine, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Is a Little Ivy right for me?
Choosing a college that’s right for you can be stressful and confusing, but it’s best to decide by considering the type of major you’re interested in pursuing. Popular majors at the Little Ivies are economics and political science, but they have good degree programs in other areas as well. It’s ideal to also schedule a campus tour to see what the campus might be like as well as the surrounding environment.
Doing your research early on can help make sure that the college you choose is a fit for you. Check out the websites for some of your favorite Little Ivies to learn more about them. Also, read some of the supplemental essay guides to see what the admissions office is looking for.
Tips for applying to a Little Ivy
Applying to any kind of Ivy school can be tough, so there are a couple of things you can do to make your application process easier. Since Little Ivies value academics, it’s important for you to maintain a good GPA. If you are planning to submit the SAT/ACT, make sure that you strive for your very best score (especially if you are hoping for a merit scholarship).
Remember, GPAs and test scores are only part of your application. Colleges are looking for applicants to stand out, and a great way to do that is through your supplemental essay and extracurricular activities.
Try to get started on your supplemental essay early on in order to edit and get feedback from your peers, teachers, or family members. Reading your essay aloud will also help you notice any errors or sentences that disrupt the flow of your paper.
