Despite Ivy Coach’s name, we do not exclusively assist students applying to Ivy League schools — nor do we believe these are the only worthwhile schools out there! The following ten schools are incredibly renowned, prestigious, and highly selective in their own right, so don’t forget to consider them when planning your undergraduate journey! Sometimes, the best fit for you is not even a school with worldwide name recognition (not that the schools on this list are unknown — they are certainly not!). Instead of getting caught up in the Ivy League name-brand craze, consider the following ten non-Ivy League schools:

10 Non-Ivy League Schools to Consider

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Coming in at #2 in the US News & World Report’s 2025 “Best National Universities” ranking, MIT is arguably more prestigious than most Ivy League universities — its 4% acceptance rate to the Class of 2028 should speak for itself! Located next-door to Harvard in the lively city of Cambridge, MA, MIT is a powerhouse of research and innovation in STEM that has transformed the world and its many students for the better!

2. Stanford University

Another school that rivals the Ivy Leagues for its highly sought-after admissions slots is Stanford University, which ranks #4 on the US News list. Stanford is the epicenter of the Silicon Valley tech industry. It is famed for its entrepreneurial spirit, which gave birth to many of the nation’s biggest and most profitable companies. It should therefore come as no surprise that so many students choose Stanford over Harvard, Yale, or Princeton!

3. California Institute of Technology

Ever wonder if there is such a school that’s more selective than Harvard? Look no further! With its 2.7% acceptance rate for the Class of 2026, Caltech ties for #6 on the US News ranking (the school has even previously topped the ranking!). While this prestigious research university is not for the faint of heart, Caltech lays claim to some of the brightest minds in STEM, giving MIT a run for its money!

4. Duke University

Duke isn’t just the most prestigious university in the American South; it’s also one of the most selective schools in the nation. Tying for the #6 spot in the US News ranking, Duke has a reputation for incredibly tight-knit and generous alumni, extensive international connections to various programs and institutes, and an active social scene that keeps students very busy.

5. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins is considered a pioneer of higher education. It was the first to adopt the research university model, among the first to phase out legacy admissions, and it sits at the cutting edge of research and innovation. This Baltimore-based university has earned its #6 spot in the US News ranking and a 7.3% overall acceptance rate through its long and storied history of excellence! 

6. Northwestern University

Northwestern has achieved renown in various academic pursuits — from STEM to the Arts and Social Sciences to professional schools. Located in the pristine suburbs of Chicago, Northwestern has a community like no other, an impressive roster of famous alumni, and an admissions office that has only accepted around 7% of applicants in recent cycles. Northwestern is tied with several other schools for the #6 spot in the US News ranking.

7. University of Chicago

Perhaps the most academically rigorous college out there, the University of Chicago is nothing if not unorthodox. Its application supplement is full of quirky questions that break from the elite college mold. Its campus in the heart of Chicago, IL is famed for its beauty, history, and, yes, incredibly talented student body. All of this adds up to an incredibly prestigious school that comes in at #11 in the US News ranking.

8. Rice University

Rice has a historical affinity for space research, bolstered by its strong ties and proximity to the NASA space program. Still, Rice’s students will tell you that its campus social life sets this prestigious university, which ranks #18 in the US News ranking, apart from the rest. And if you ever find yourself in Houston’s historic Museum district, you’ll be stunned by its lush, beautiful campus.

9. Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt has quickly become one of the most competitive schools in the nation to get into. Only 5.6% of applicants were admitted to the Class of 2027, a figure that dwarfs the numbers from cycles past. But this increase in popularity is no shock — Vanderbilt is a world-renowned school with a vibrant student body, earning it a #18 spot in the US News ranking.

10. Georgetown University

We at Ivy Coach have long praised Georgetown’s admissions office for keeping it real amidst many schools that mislead their applicants. But that’s not where our praise ends. Georgetown is the most prestigious Jesuit institution in the world, and its location in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. makes it an ideal college for those who aspire to government or politics. With its #24 spot in the US News ranking and 12% overall acceptance rate, Georgetown is a force to be reckoned with!

Ivy Coach’s Assistance with Optimizing Admission to the Top Non-Ivies

If you’re interested in optimizing your child’s case for admission to one of America’s highly selective, non-Ivy League schools, fill out Ivy Coach’s complimentary consultation form and we’ll be in touch to outline our services.