The Ultimate Guide to Little Ivies and Whether They Should Be On Your College List

When high school students dream of top-tier colleges, the Ivy League often steals the spotlight. Yet, a group of small, academically rigorous liberal arts colleges in the U.S.—known as the Little Ivies—deserve equal attention.

These schools deliver Ivy-level academics, intimate classroom experiences, and thriving alumni networks, all without the sometimes intimidating scale of larger universities. If you’re crafting a college list that balances prestige with personal fit, the Little Ivies might be a perfect match.

What Are the Little Ivies?

The term Little Ivies isn’t an official designation but rather a nickname for a cluster of elite liberal arts colleges in the northeastern United States. Much like the Ivy League, these institutions emphasize intellectual rigor, selective admissions, and a tradition of academic excellence.

Unlike the Ivy League, which originated as an athletic conference, the Little Ivies represent a philosophy of education: small class sizes, close student-faculty relationships, and a holistic liberal arts curriculum that encourages critical thinking across disciplines. They are known for nurturing students who thrive in close-knit academic communities and value personalized learning.

A Complete List of Little Ivies

While the list can vary slightly depending on the source, the Little Ivies generally include members of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) plus a few others of comparable reputation. Here’s the widely recognized roster:

• Amherst College (MA)

• Bates College (ME)

• Bowdoin College (ME)

• Colby College (ME)

• Connecticut College (CT)

• Hamilton College (NY)

• Middlebury College (VT)

• Swarthmore College (PA)

• Tufts University (MA)

• Wesleyan University (CT)

• Williams College (MA)

Some lists also include Haverford College (PA), Vassar College (NY), and Trinity College (CT) because of their similar selectivity and academic culture. These schools consistently rank among the nation’s top liberal arts colleges and compete with Ivy League universities for top students.

Similarities Between Little Ivies and Ivy League Universities

1. Academic Excellence
Little Ivies share the Ivies’ commitment to rigorous academics. Professors are leading scholars who prioritize teaching and mentorship, ensuring students receive a world-class education.

2. Selective Admissions
Admissions rates at schools like Amherst or Williams often hover between 8% and 12%, on par with many Ivy League universities.

3. Prestigious Outcomes
Graduates frequently attend top graduate programs or land roles at major companies, consulting firms, NGOs, and start-ups. Employers recognize these schools for producing critical thinkers and leaders.

4. Strong Alumni Networks
Just like the Ivies, Little Ivies boast dedicated alumni who provide mentorship, networking opportunities, and career guidance.

5. Financial Aid Generosity
Many of these colleges follow need-blind admissions and meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, rivaling Ivy League aid packages.

Difference Between Little Ivies and Ivy League Universities

While they share prestige, important differences set the two groups apart:

Size and Setting:

• Ivy League: Larger universities, often located in cities or large towns (e.g., Columbia in New York City, Harvard in Cambridge).

• Little Ivies: Smaller campuses, typically in picturesque New England towns, with undergraduate populations often between 1,800–3,000.

Research vs. Teaching Focus:

• Ivy League: Significant emphasis on research and graduate programs. Undergraduates may compete with grad students for faculty attention.

• Little Ivies: Primarily undergraduate institutions with a teaching-first philosophy. Faculty focus heavily on mentoring and undergraduate research.

Campus Culture:

• Ivy League: Offers a more global, sometimes competitive vibe with sprawling professional networks.

• Little Ivies: Fosters close-knit, collaborative communities where students and professors know each other by name.

Athletics and Extracurriculars:

• Ivy League: High-profile Division I athletics.

• Little Ivies: Primarily Division III, emphasizing participation and balance rather than large-scale sports fame.

What Sets the Little Ivies Apart?

The Little Ivies shine because they offer the best of both worlds—Ivy-level academics with a uniquely personal touch. Here’s what distinguishes them:

1. Intimate Learning Environments
Small class sizes (often 12–20 students) mean more discussion, individualized attention, and close faculty relationships. Students often cite these interactions as transformative.

2. Liberal Arts Foundation
These colleges encourage exploration across humanities, sciences, and social sciences. Students graduate as versatile thinkers—an asset in an unpredictable job market.

3. Undergraduate Research Opportunities
With few or no graduate programs, undergraduates lead research projects and collaborate directly with professors, gaining valuable experience.

4. Tight-Knit Communities
From residential life to student clubs, community spirit runs deep. Friendships and networks formed here often last a lifetime.

5. Distinctive Locations
Many Little Ivies are in scenic New England towns offering a peaceful, immersive college experience—perfect for students seeking focus and natural beauty.

Should Little Ivies Be on Your College List?

Consider adding them if you:

• Crave small classes and close faculty mentorship.

• Prefer a collaborative, community-driven campus.

• Want academic prestige without the scale or intensity of larger universities.

• Value a liberal arts education that builds adaptable skills for any career.

Students who flourish at Little Ivies often value relationships, intellectual curiosity, and interdisciplinary learning over big-school amenities or urban settings.

Final Words

The Ivy League may dominate headlines, but the Little Ivies quietly offer an equally compelling—sometimes superior—college experience. With rigorous academics, intimate communities, and strong career outcomes, they provide a distinctive path to success.

If you’re building a balanced college list, don’t limit yourself to the eight Ivies. Explore the Little Ivies and see if their unique blend of prestige and personal attention aligns with your goals.

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Amol & Nishant,

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