The "Little Ivies" label is associated with a collection of small, private liberal arts institutions predominantly situated in New England. These schools are notable for their rich histories, academic excellence, sizeable endowments, athletic competitions, and highly selective admissions processes, all of which mirror the Ivy League. If you're an outstanding student seeking a close-knit liberal arts environment, this picturesque New England tour is for you. It's worth noting that most of these schools review around 1,000 applications in the early round, a stark contrast to the ~9,500 at Harvard and 8,000 at UPenn. With a smaller applicant pool, a strong academic record and significant extracurricular activities could provide you an advantage in these colleges.
Focus on Five Little Ivies
Williams College (Williamstown, MA)
2,129 undergrads
9.8% acceptance rate for Class of 2027
Tucked away in the vibrant Berkshires, Williams College is neighbors with the Tony award-generating Williamstown Theatre Festival, the modern art lighthouse MASS MoCA, and the renowned dance hub, Jacob’s Pillow. The college provides research opportunities on par with many graduate schools. A defining feature of the Williams education is the “tutorial,” a weekly meeting involving two students and a professor, where one student produces an independent piece of work and the other offers critique under the professor's guidance. Williams graduates not only benefit from the world's oldest alumni association (established in 1821) but often continue their studies at top institutions such as Harvard, Columbia, and Yale.
Amherst College (Amherst, MA)
1,970 undergrads
9% acceptance rate for the Class of 2027
Identifying itself as the “Writing College,” Amherst is a sanctuary for literary scholars and imaginative writers. It has a rich literary heritage, from hosting the acclaimed LitFest, to preserving the largest collection of Emily Dickinson writings and her home as a museum, to managing the Folger Shakespeare Library in D.C. STEM students can avail of valuable research opportunities through the Summer Science Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, working closely with a faculty mentor. The college doesn't impose core curriculum or distribution requirements, instead offering an entirely open curriculum that extends to the neighboring Five College Consortium, which includes Mount Holyoke, Hampshire College, Smith, and University of Massachusetts—Amherst.
Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT)
~3,000 undergrads
14.4% acceptance rate for the Class of 2026 (official data for the Class of 2027 pending)
Wesleyan University offers an impressive array of 45 majors and 32 minors. From Dance and Human Rights Advocacy to Molecular Biophysics, Wesleyan advocates for an open curriculum, freeing intellectual minds from rigid academic confines. Students can also take advantage of Winter and Summer Sessions, diving into accelerated learning that could potentially lead to graduation in just three years. At Wesleyan, community service is a fundamental value, evidenced by opportunities offered through the Patricelli Center for Social Entrepreneurship, The Albritton Center for the Study of Public Life, and the Jewett Center for Community Partnerships. Situated in Middletown, CT, close to Hartford and a short two-hour drive from both NYC and Boston, Wesleyan provides the ideal setting for those seeking the Little Ivy experience amidst a vibrant locale.
Colby College (Waterville, ME)
~2,262 undergrads
6% Acceptance Rate for the Class of 2027
Those with a passion for American history and environmental studies may be intrigued by Colby's "Island Campus" – two islands off the coast that once inspired artist Andrew Wyeth, now utilized by the college as research platforms and serene locations for contemplation and artistic expression. Back on the main campus, aspiring athletes can explore the state-of-the-art Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center (HAARC), a jewel in the crown of the New England Small Colleges Athletic Association (NESCAC).
Middlebury College (Middlebury, Vermont)
~2,800 undergrads
11.5% acceptance rate for the Class of 2026
Middlebury College, nestled in the scenic mountains of Vermont, is a small institution with a global impact. Middlebury's influence extends internationally through its C.V. Starr Schools Abroad, Language Schools, and Institute of International Studies. This global perspective consistently earns Middlebury recognition on the State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ list of Top Fulbright Producing Institutions—seven alumni were granted the esteemed international exchange grant this year. Middlebury also offers numerous local adventures, featuring its own Snow Bowl, a training ground for Olympic skiers; extensive trails for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and hiking; and numerous recreational spots. Middlebury seamlessly integrates top-tier education with an outdoor enthusiast's dream.
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