Top 10 US Universities That Are NOT Ivy League Schools

Best Non-Ivy League Schools in 2025

Based on multiple ranking lists and input from our college admissions consulting teams, here are the top non-Ivies in the US in 2025:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Stanford University
3. California Institute of Technology
4. Johns Hopkins University
5. University of Chicago
6. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
7. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
8. Northwestern University
9. Duke University
10. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Before we explore each university, let's talk about the method we used to determine the top 10 non-Ivies:

1. We identified the most notable universities in the US according to our experts and major ranking lists.
2. We excluded all Ivy League universities and non-US universities from the rankings to determine the position of each university in each list.
3. We averaged the ranking of each of these top universities in all three lists.

10. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan

UMich is one of the highest ranking universities worldwide. It's part of the New Ivies, a group of universities that rivals the Ivy League, as well as the Public Ivies, a group of public universities considered among the best in the country.

UMich is notable for multiple reasons:

• Its large campus in Ann Arbor is consistently ranked as one of the best college towns in America
• It's a pioneer in interdisciplinary education, offering unique programs in business, engineering and other majors
• It’s a research powerhouse where exceptional research volume makes rich opportunities for undergraduates to engage in groundbreaking work across fields like sustainability and health sciences
• The university’s global impact is huge, with a large alumni network, which includes Nobel laureates, CEOs, and influential leaders in public service.

9. Duke University

Durham, North Carolina

Duke University is commonly grouped with the Southern Ivies, and because of its rigorous academic programs, some cutting edge research initiatives — especially in engineering — and strong athletic programs and appealing setting, the school attracts motivated students from around the US and the globe.

In applicants, Duke looks for evidence of academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. Students are evaluated on their academic performance, extracurriculars, and personal qualities.

Duke’s location in the Research Triangle — a region known for its high concentration of research institutions and tech companies — can offer you ample career opportunities.

8. Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Northwestern University is celebrated for its blend of rigorous academics, innovative research, and vibrant campus culture. It consistently ranks among the best universities in the US, it's considered one of the Hidden Ivies.

The university has some of the highest ranking engineering programs in the country:

• #6 in Industrial/Manufacturing
• #7 in Materials
• #11 in Biomedical

Besides engineering, Northwestern has strong academic programs in many fields, like journalism at the Medill School and music at the Bienen School.

True to its motto, “AND is in our DNA,” students are encouraged to explore multiple areas of study. In fact, 80% of Northwestern’s students pursue more than one discipline.

Northwestern’s campus is rich in tradition, from the famous Dillo Day music festival to its 30-hour Dance Marathon, the largest student-run charity event in the country.

7. UCLA

Los Angeles, California

With over 169,800 applications received to the Class of 2028, UCLA was the most-applied to university in the entire country that year*.* The reasons students flock to UCLA are many:

• Its top-notch undergraduate programs in STEM, liberal arts, the humanities, and especially the performing arts
• It's the second-highest ranking UC school
• Its reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research
• Its notorious school spirit and high-achieving sports teams

If you crave the excitement of a large undergraduate class and the rigor of a world-renowned academic institution, you’ll love counting yourself as one of the 33,000 Bruins on UCLA’s campus!

6. University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California

UC Berkeley is the top-ranking UC school and it combines the entrepreneurial spirit of Silicon Valley with a world-renowned faculty and top-notch programs in STEM and business.

Sometimes referred to as “Bezerkeley,” UC Berkeley tends to attract an eccentric student body that is devoted to social activism.

Remember the Free Speech Movement of the 1960s? That was a response to restrictions on political expression on UC Berkeley’s campus, and it played a key role in shaping civil liberties across the country.

UC Berkeley’s location in the Bay Area offers students and graduates the chance to connect with some of the most innovative minds in the world.

5. University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

The University of Chicago is known for its reputation as a leading research institution, its top-ranked economics program, and its distinctive intellectual culture.

It attracts students who are deep thinkers with diverse and often niche interests. If you’re excited by the idea of tackling quirky essay prompts like “Where’s Waldo?” then UChicago is the perfect fit for you.

Thanks to its interdisciplinary Core curriculum, UChicago students explore a wide range of perspectives before narrowing in on their main field.

UChicago is also known for its unconventional academic programs like “Big Problems” and “Tutorial Studies,” which foster creative problem-solving and real-world impact.

UChicago is located in the attractive Hyde Park district of Chicago, and deeply connected to the surrounding city. Students can take advantage of the U-Pass and ArtsPass to move around the large city, including visits to numerous museums, theaters, and galleries.

The university also offers extensive career support and avenues for students interested in study abroad.

4. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, Maryland

Johns Hopkins University (JHU) in Baltimore, Maryland, is considered one of the Ivy Plus schools.

It's known for its excellence in research, top-tier academics, significant contributions in the fields of science and medicine, and for it's consistently strong record of research spending.

Thanks to its exceptional academic quality, open curriculum, and a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and innovation, JHU readily attracts ambitious students from around the world. Its standout programs include public health, biotechnology, international studies, and engineering.

Additionally, JHU offers a dynamic campus life — with over 400 student organizations and annual events like the Spring Fair and Lighting of the Quads.

The school also gives students strong support for career search and recruitment, including resources like the Life Design Lab as well as internships across tech, healthcare, government, and other fields.

3. California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California

California Institute of Technology, also known as Caltech, is a prestigious research university in Pasadena, California.

The university is known for its strong focus on science and engineering. Moreover, the faculty are like a who's who of science renown — with some 47 Nobel Prizes and 66 National Medals of Science connected with its professors and alumni.

With only about 1,000 undergraduates and an acceptance rate around 3%, you can imagine why Caltech fall into the ranks of the extremely selective universities — roughly as selective as the Ivy League.

As a Caltech student, you'll have access to cutting-edge research facilities and programs such as the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships (SURF) and a 4+1 master’s program in the Pratt School of Engineering.

Student life at Caltech is both tight-knit and rich in tradition. Its residential houses help students find connection, with each house hosting unique activities and traditions such as Ditch Day, an annual scavenger hunt organized by seniors for underclassmen.

2. Stanford University

Stanford, California

Stanford University is not only top-in-class for faculty, research, caliber of students, ground-breaking public interest policy initiatives, and more, but it's also located in the heart of California's entrepreneurial tech hub, Silicon Valley.

Established in 1885, the university has leading programs in computer science, engineering, business, and more.

Beyond academics, students enjoy a pristine climate, ample opportunities to join in sports activities and other extracurriculars, in addition to a wide variety of social science and STEM research activities.

Another standout feature is Stanford’s extensive alumni network, which includes leaders in technology, business, politics, and the arts.

This network, alongside the university’s close ties to Silicon Valley, supports a culture with exceptional opportunities for students to gain exposure to front-line innovation, inquiry, and entrepreneurship.

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a globally recognized private research university, considered one of the best universities in the US, and consistently considered ranking among the best in the world

MIT's departments span five schools and one college, including specialties in architecture, engineering, humanities, sciences, and management.

Founded on a commitment to advancing knowledge for the betterment of society, MIT’s unique structure allows students to apply to the entire university rather than a specific major. This way, students can explore many different fields before selecting their focus.

Undergraduates have access to hands-on learning through programs like the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP), which enables them to work alongside faculty on pioneering projects.

MIT also supports initiatives like the Media Lab and Entrepreneurship Center, which encourage solutions to global challenges and foster startup ventures.

Final Thoughts

While you can never go wrong with Ivy League schools, don't get trapped in the mindset that they're the only elite schools in the country.

Before you come down with a case the Ivy fever, make sure you consider all of your options. Every school on this list is as much of an excellent choice as any Ivy League.

If you're unsure where to start or how to decide on a school given your profile, Crimson Education offers a range of services in college admissions consulting that can support you throughout your academic journey.

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