Ivy League Enrollment Statistics - All You Need to Know

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Updated:
November 20, 2023
5 min read
Expert Reviewed
Contents

”Mary

Reviewed by:

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 11/20/23

Ivy League enrollment statistics can show you how you compare to admitted students. Read on to learn what Ivy League enrollment numbers can tell you about each school! 

If you have Ivy League schools circled on your school list, you know that you’ll need to craft a stellar application to make you stand out. But how can analyzing Ivy League schools’ enrollment numbers help you? 

We'll outline Ivy League enrollment statistics, why they matter, and more. Read on to learn how you compare to Ivy League students! 

The Data On Ivy League Enrollment

Ivy League enrollment statistics can tell you about a school’s selectivity, acceptance rate, what they’re looking for in applicants, and more. Below we’ll break down enrollment data from each school based on official class profiles from all Ivy League schools: 

As you can see from the table above, some Ivy League schools are more transparent about their enrollment statistics than others. Below we’ll break down more enrollment data by school. 

Brown Columbia Cornell Dartmouth Harvard Princeton UPenn Yale
Total # of Applications 50,649 57,126 71,164 28,336 61,221 38,019 54,588 50,060
# of Students Accepted 2,562 2,285 5,168 1,808 1,984 2,167 3,549 2,289
Acceptance Rate 5.0% 3.9% 7.2% 6.3% 3.2% 5.7% 6.5% 4.5%
# of First-Year Students 1,717 1,464 3,491 1,124 1,646 1,499 2,409 1,554

Brown Columbia Cornell Dartmouth Harvard Princeton UPenn Yale
# of Early Decision Applications 6,146 N/A 9,555 2,633 N/A N/A 7,794 N/A
# of Students Admitted (ED) 896 N/A 1831 560 N/A N/A 1,210 N/A
% of Students Enrolled (ED) 14.5% N/A 19.1% 21.2% N/A N/A 15.5 N/A
% of Students in the Top 10% of Their Class 93% 95% 82% 95% 92% 93% 93% 97%

Brown Columbia Cornell Dartmouth Harvard Princeton UPenn Yale
Middle 50% SAT Score 1530 1495 1520 1483 N/A 1540 1540 1540
Middle 50% ACT 35 34 34 33 35 35 35 35
Average Need-Based Financial Aid $60,190 $37,679 $52,413 $62,937 $61,864 $62,876 $58,232 $ 67,747
Average GPA 4.08 4.12 4.07 4.11 3.9 3.9 3.9 4.1

As you can see from the table above, some Ivy League schools are more transparent about their enrollment statistics than others. Below we’ll break down more enrollment data by school. 

If you want to find out which Ivy League school is right for you, check out this helpful and insightful Which Ivy League College Is Right For Me? quiz

Brown University 

In the past year Brown University has had 50,649 applications with only 2,562 being admitted, showing that the school has an acceptance rate of 5%. 

Brown University

Geographic Information

Brown University, located in Providence, Rhode Island, attracts students from diverse geographic regions. Brown’s undergraduate class is from out of state.

  • Brown University students are from 76 nations and speak 89 languages.
  • 97% of recently admitted students are from out of state.

Academic Interest Area

Among the most common intended areas of concentration are economics, computer science, biology, and international and public affairs.

International Students Statistics

Recently, Brown admitted 1,044 international students. The countries most represented are China, Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Brazil and Pakistan.

Class Profile and Ethnic Diversity

Brown University has a very diverse student body. Here are more facts about the most recently admitted students:

  • 54% of class members are students of color.
  • 862 students are Hispanic/Latinx.
  • 595 students are Black/African American.
  • 2,779 students are White.
  • 27 students are Native/Indigenous.
  • 1,388 students are Asian.
  • 13 students are Native Hawaian or Pacific Islander.
  • Recently enrolled students had an average GPA of 4.08.
  • Recently enrolled students had an SAT score of 1530.
  • Recently enrolled students had an ACT score of 35.

Financial Aid

Here are financial aid statistics for the most recently admitted students at Brown. 

  • 50% will receive need-based scholarship or grant aid.
  • The average need-based scholarship and grant awarded recently is $60,190.
  • The average amount of institutional non-need-based scholarship and grant aid awarded to recent students is $19,332.

Columbia University 

Columbia University received 57,126 undergraduate applications, accepting 2,285 for an acceptance rate of 3.9%.

Columbia University

Geographic Information

Columbia’s class represents 50 states and 86 countries

  • Around 17% of students are international.
  • About 12% of students are from small/rural areas.
  • Most students are from the mid-Atlantic region at 33%. 

Academic Interest Area

Most students are enrolled in Mathematics and Natural Sciences (28%). Other interest areas are represented as: 

  • Social science: 25%
  • Engineering: 24%
  • Arts and Humanities: 23%

International Students Statistics

Here are the statistics for international students at Columbia University:

  • Around 17% of students are international
  • Most international students are from these countries:
  • United Kingdom
  • China 
  • India 
  • Canada
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Mexico
  • Brazil
  • Italy
  • Nigeria
  • Germany

Class Profile and Ethnic Diversity

Columbia University has a diverse group of high achieving students attending their school. Here are more facts about them: 

  • Asian American or Pacific Islander students: 30%
  • Black/African American students: 20%
  • Hispanic/Latinx: 22%
  • Native/Indigenous students: 4%
  • White students: 51%
  • Recently enrolled students had an average GPA of 4.12
  • Recently enrolled students had an SAT score of 1495
  • Recently enrolled students had an ACT score of 34

Financial Aid

Columbia University does offer financial aid to students who need it. Here are some statistics on the financial aid received by Columbia students. 

  • 21% of students receive Pell Grants.
  • 46% of financial aid recipients have an annual parent contribution of less than $5,000.
  • The average grants and scholarships received by students totaled $71,043.
  • Over $50 million of grants and scholarships awarded for financial aid recipients.

Cornell University 

Cornell University received 71,164 applications and accepted 5,168 students for an acceptance rate of 7.2%. 

Cornell University

Geographic Information

Recently admitted Cornell students reside in 49 of the 50 United States plus Washington DC, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. 

Here are where most students attending Cornell resided in:

  • New York: 31.7% 
  • Mid‐Atlantic: 18.6% 
  • West: 12.2%
  • New England: 9.7% 
  • Midwest: 6.5% 
  • Southeast: 6.2% 
  • Southwest: 4.4% 
  • International: 10.5% 

Academic Interest Area

Most students are enrolled in the Arts and Sciences (1,285). Other interest areas are represented as: 

  • Engineering: 1,285 
  • Agriculture and Life Science: 604 
  • Ecology: 325 
  • Business: 175 
  • Architecture: 137 

International Students Statistics

International students at Cornell are citizens of 64 countries. They also make up 10.5% of the recently admitted student population. 

Class Profile and Ethnic Diversity

Here are more facts about Cornell’s diverse group of high achieving students: 

  • 231 students are Hispanic/Latinx.
  • 1,150 students are Black/African American.
  • 5,147 students are White.
  • 40 students are Native/Indigenous.
  • 3,670 students are Asian.
  • 21 students are Native Hawaian or Pacific Islander.
  • Recently enrolled students had an average GPA of 4.07
  • Recently enrolled students had an SAT score of 1520
  • Recently enrolled students had an ACT score of 34

Financial Aid

Recently, out of 3,765 first-year students, 2,237 applied for financial aid: 

  • 1,857 were determined as having financial need.
  • 1,857 were awarded financial aid.
  • 1,751 received need-based scholarships/grants. 

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College accepted 1,808 students out of 28,336 applications for an acceptance rate of 6.3%.

Dartmouth College

Geographic Information

Here is where Dartmouth’s recently admitted students resided. 

  • New England: 17%
  • Mid-Atlantic: 20%
  • Mid-West: 8%
  • South: 18%
  • West: 19%
  • International: 18%

Academic Interest Area

Most students are enrolled in the Social Sciences (32%). Other interest areas are represented as: 

  • Computer and information sciences: 10%
  • Engineering: 9%
  • Mathematics and statistics: 9%
  • Biological/life sciences: 7%
  • Visual and performing arts: 5%

International Students Statistics

International students at Dartmouth are citizens of 57 countries. They also make 15% of recently admitted Dartmouth students. 

Class Profile and Ethnic Diversity

Here are more facts about Cornell’s diverse group of high achieving students: 

  • 429 students are Hispanic/Latinx.
  • 266 students are Black/African American.
  • 2,101 students are White.
  • 50 students are Native/Indigenous.
  • 602 students are Asian.
  • 1 student is a Native Hawaian or Pacific Islander.
  • Recently enrolled students had an average GPA of 4.11.
  • Recently enrolled students had an SAT score of 1483.
  • Recently enrolled students had an ACT score of 33.

Financial Aid

At 56%, more than half of Dartmouth’s incoming class received financial aid: 

  • Pell Eligible: 17% of US citizens & permanent residents
  • Low-income households: 25%
  • Average need-based grant: $67,127
  • Total scholarships offered: $34.4 million

Harvard University 

Harvard University accepted only 1,984 applicants out of 61,221 for the lowest Ivy League acceptance rate of 3.2%. 

Harvard

Geographic Information

Here is where Harvard’s recently admitted students resided. 

  • New England: 15.9%
  • Mid-Atlantic: 22.1%
  • Mid-West: 10.2%
  • South: 17.4%
  • International: 15.4%

Academic Interest Area

Most students are enrolled in the Social Sciences (32%). Other interest areas are represented as: 

  • Humanities: 16%
  • Social Sciences: 28.2%
  • Biological Sciences: 17.4%
  • Physical Sciences: 6.7%
  • Engineering: 9.5%
  • Computer Science: 9%
  • Math: 6.6%

International Students Statistics

15.4% of Harvard University’s recently admitted students are international.

Class Profile and Ethnic Diversity

Here are more facts about Harvard’s diverse group of high achieving students: 

  • 853 students are Hispanic/Latinx.
  • 665 students are Black/African American.
  • 2,440 students are White.
  • 20 students are Native/Indigenous.
  • 1,624 students are Asian.
  • 10 students are Native Hawaian or Pacific Islander.
  • Recently enrolled students had an average GPA of 3.9.

Financial Aid

Here are the financial aid statistics for recently admitted Harvard students:

  • The average need-based scholarship and grant awarded to recently admitted students is $61,864.
  • The average need-based loan is $3,618.
  • The average financial aid package is $64,594.

Princeton University 

Recently, Princeton University had 38,019 applications, with 2,167 being admitted, translating to a 5.7% acceptance rate. 

Princeton

Geographic Information

Recently, the largest numbers of undergraduate students came from:

  • New Jersey: 922
  • New York: 628
  • California: 604
  • Pennsylvania: 265 
  • Florida: 228

Academic Interest Area

Most students are enrolled in the Natural Sciences (29%). Other interest areas are represented as: 

  • Humanities: 16%
  • School of Architecture: 4%
  • Engineering: 26%
  • Social Sciences: 18%
  • Public and International Affairs: 7%

International Students Statistics

Recently, Princeton had 8,520 admitted international students, which makes up 58% of the student population. 

Class Profile and Ethnic Diversity

Here are more facts about Princeton’s diverse group of high achieving students: 

  • 551 students are Hispanic/Latinx.
  • 480 students are Black/African American.
  • 8 students are Native/Indigenous.
  • 1,324 students are Asian.
  • 6 students are Pacific Islander.
  • Recently enrolled students had an average GPA of 3.9.

Financial Aid

Here are the financial aid statistics for recently admitted Princeton students:

  • The average need-based scholarship and grant awarded to recently admitted students is $62,876.
  • The average need-based loan is $3,616.

University of Pennsylvania 

The University of Pennsylvania received 54,588 applications and accepted 3,549 students for an acceptance rate of 6.5%. 

university of pennsylvania

Geographic Information

Recently, the students admitted came from 48 different states, these include:

  • Pennsylvania
  • New York
  • California
  • New Jersey
  • Texas

Academic Interest Area

Most students are enrolled in Business (19%). Other interest areas are represented as: 

  • Social Sciences: 14%
  • Biological/Life Sciences: 11%
  • Computer and Information Sciences: 9%
  • Engineering: 9%
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies: 7%

International Students Statistics

The majority of recently admitted international students reside in:

  • Canada
  • United Kingdom 
  • China
  • India

Class Profile and Ethnic Diversity

Here are more facts about UPenn’’s diverse group of high achieving students: 

  • 1,012 students are Hispanic/Latinx.
  • 771 students are Black/African American.
  • 3,008 students are White.
  • 11 students are Native/Indigenous.
  • 2,688 students are Asian.
  • 1 student is a Pacific Islander.
  • Recently enrolled students had an average GPA of 3.9.

Financial Aid

Here are the financial aid statistics for recently admitted UPenn students:

  • The average need-based scholarship and grant awarded to recently admitted students is $58,232.
  • The average need-based loan is $2,883.

Yale University 

Yale University received 52,060 applications and accepted 2,289 applicants for an acceptance rate of 4.5%. 

Yale

Geographic Information

Recently, the students admitted came from all over the country. Here are the statistics for geographical locations:

  • Northeast: 32.2% 
  • Middle Atlantic: 9.3% 
  • South: 13.3%
  • Midwest: 11.4% 
  • Southwest: 5.3% 
  • West: 14.5%

Academic Interest Area

Most students are enrolled in the Social Sciences (25.8%). Other interest areas are represented as: 

  • Biological/Life Sciences: 10.9%
  • Computer and Information Sciences: 7.7%
  • Engineering: 5.1%
  • Philosophy and Religious Studies: 2.0%

International Students Statistics

Recently admitted students came from 57 different countries around the world. 

Class Profile and Ethnic Diversity

Here are more facts about Yale’’s diverse group of high achieving students: 

  • 983 students are Hispanic/Latinx.
  • 552 students are Black/African American.
  • 2,336 students are White.
  • 21 students are Native/Indigenous.
  • 1,488 students are Asian.
  • 10 students are Pacific Islander.
  • Recently enrolled students had an average GPA of 4.1.

Financial Aid

Here are the financial aid statistics for recently admitted Yale students:

  • The average need-based scholarship and grant awarded to recently admitted students is $53,500.
  • 53% of students received a Yale need-based financial aid award.
  • 20% of students received the Pell Grant.

Should I Worry About Ivy League Enrollment Numbers? 

When students evaluate Ivy League enrollment statistics, they may be worried about how they compare to admitted students. Fortunately, your application is meant to show that you're more than just your GPA or test scores. 

For instance, a lower-than-average GPA will not necessarily spell automatic rejection: not every Ivy League student applied with a 4.0. Additionally, many schools are moving toward a test-optional policy, meaning some schools no longer require SAT or ACT scores for admission. 

All Ivy League schools impart a holistic review process. This means that beyond your GPA and test scores, admissions committees look for differentiation and impressive application documents such as: 

  • Recommendation letters 
  • Personal essays 
  • Supplemental essays 
  • Extracurricular activities 
  • Positive character traits 

It's easy to get hung up on the numbers. Still, we encourage you to use these Ivy League enrollment statistics to manage your expectations without automatically counting yourself out. 

When you analyze the data above, ensure you take the numbers you see with a grain of salt. Ivy League schools are highly competitive, but a well-constructed and edited application can give you the edge you need to gain acceptance. 

Why Ivy League Enrollment Statistics Matter 

In short, Ivy League statistics matter because they can help students understand what these schools seek in applicants. Data about class rank, test scores, and other academic performance indicators can help Ivy League hopefuls evaluate their academic standing honestly before applying. 

Class profile data can also tell students more about campus climate. For example, looking at geographic and ethnic data of students can tell you more about the school’s commitment to a diverse campus. For international students, higher rates can show you which schools may be more likely to accept you. 

Finally, schools that release data about Early Decision versus Regular Decision can help you decide which pathway is right for you. Although it's never advisable to go off stats alone, some schools' early acceptance rates can be much higher than their regular acceptance rate. 

Ivy League Enrollment Statistics FAQs 

If you still have burning questions about ivy league enrollment statistics, these answers can provide clarity. 

1. Which Ivy League School Has the Largest Enrollment? 

Cornell University has the largest enrollment based on enrollment data for first-year students. 

2. What Percent of Undergraduates Go to An Ivy League School? 

In 2011, only 0.4% of undergraduates attended an Ivy League school. However, as these schools have become more selective throughout the last decade, this number is likely smaller now.

3. What Is the Easiest Ivy League School to Get Into? 

Cornell is the "easiest" Ivy League school to get into, with an 7.2% acceptance rate based on the acceptance rate data above. However, any school with a single-digit acceptance rate isn't easy to get into! 

4. What Are My Odds Of Getting Into an Ivy League School? 

Your odds of acceptance into an Ivy League school depend on a myriad of factors, including your level of academic achievement, the quality of your application, what decision program you apply through, and Ivy League school enrollment numbers. Unfortunately, there’s no one answer to this question: it’s incredibly subjective. 

5. Can You Get Into an Ivy League School With Average Grades?

While it may not be impossible to gain entry to an Ivy League school with average grades, it will be challenging. Despite a holistic review process, you'll be up against many talented students with high levels of academic achievement.

If you have your hopes set on the Ivy League, consider raising your GPA as much as possible with a good study schedule and retaking classes if necessary.

6. What Ivy League Schools Are Test-Optional? 

All Ivy League schools are test-optional until at least the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. Please ensure you double-check the testing requirements before you apply. 

7. What Is the Smallest Ivy League School By Enrollment? 

Based on enrollment statistics, Dartmouth enrolls the fewest students by enrollment: it's the smallest Ivy League school. 

Final Thoughts

Ivy League school enrollment numbers are an excellent way to learn more about each school and its admitted students. Enrollment data can tell you more about your chances of acceptance when comparing your own stats to accepted students and can even help you decide which decision pathway is right for you. 

However, you should take all of these Ivy League enrollment statistics with a grain of salt. Remember, there is no such thing as the “typical” Ivy League student: putting effort and time into your applications will help differentiate you from other applicants.

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