Ivy League Enrollment Statistics You Need to Know

Statistics charts
September 6, 2022
Contents

”Mary

Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/4/22

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:

Ivy League Acceptance Data
Sources: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University,  Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, The College Monk

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 University 

Brown University received 46,568 applications and accepted 2,569 students for an acceptance rate of 5.5%. In addition to the information statistics listed above, Brown also released admissions stats for two specialized programs: the Brown RISD Dual Degree and the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME). 

  • Brown RISD allows students to study at Brown and the Rhode Island School of Design for over five years. Out of 696 applicants to the program, 15 enrolled.  
  • PLME is an eight-year continuum, allowing students to pursue their undergraduate and medical school experience at Brown. Out of 3,516 applicants, just 53 students enrolled, demonstrating the program’s selectivity. 

Columbia University 

Columbia University received 60,551 undergraduate applications, accepting 2,358 for an acceptance rate of 3.9%. Half of the students are female, 48% are male, and 2% are non-binary or others. Other relevant enrollment statistics include: 

  • 17% of students are first-generation college students 
  • 19% of students receive Pell Grants 
  • 43% of financial aid recipients have an annual parent contribution of less than $5,000

Geographic Information 

Columbia’s class represents 50 states and 82 countries. 

  • 13% of students are foreign citizens 
  • 11% of students are from small/rural areas 
  • Most students are from the Atlantic region at 35% 

Academic Interest Area

Most students are enrolled in Mathematics and Natural Sciences (26%) or Social Science (26%). Other interest areas are represented as: 

  • Engineering: 24% 
  • Arts and Humanities: 23% 
  • Unknown: 1% 

Cornell University 

Cornell University received 67,380 applications and accepted 5,852 students for an acceptance rate of 8.7%. Because Cornell is test-optional, they released these statistics on students that enrolled who submitted SAT or ACT scores: 

  • Enrolling students who submitted SAT scores: 40.8%
  • Enrolling students who submitted ACT scores: 19.7% 
  • Students who did not submit scores: 39.5% 

Financial Aid

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 

Geographic Diversity 

International students represent 63 countries in Cornell’s class profile. These are the stats by regional representation:

Geographic Diversity at Cornell

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College accepted 1,749 students out of 28,357 applications for an acceptance rate of 6.2%. Of 1,228 enrolling students, 617 are women, 600 are men, and 11 are genderqueer, non-binary, or questioning. 

SAT/ACT Additional Stats

Although Dartmouth College is making a move toward test-optional admissions, they did release in-depth data on mean and median scores: 

  • Mean SAT EBRW: 733
  • Median SAT EBRW: 750
  • Mean SAT Math: 750
  • Median SAT Math: 770 
  • Mean ACT Score: 33 

Demographics

Dartmouth’s class comprises of: 

  • 15% first-generation college students 
  • 13% legacy students 
  • 13% foreign citizens 
  • 44% students of color 

Geographic representation is as follows:

Geographic Diversity at Dartmouth

Financial Aid

At 55%, more than half of Dartmouth’s incoming class received financial aid: 

  • Eligible for a Pell Grant: 16% 
  • Students from low-income households: 24%
  • $34.6 million in scholarships offered 

Harvard University 

Harvard University accepted only 2,320 applicants out of 57,786 for the lowest Ivy League acceptance rate of 4.0%. 

Geographic Diversity 

Harvard’s students come from the following regions:

Harvard Geographic Diversity

Student Ethnicities

Although Harvard remains relatively tight-lipped about the academic achievement levels of its incoming students, they do offer ethnic diversity data: 

  • African American: 15.9%
  • Asian American: 25.9%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 12.5%
  • Native American: 1.1%
  • Native Hawaiian: 0.5% 

Princeton University 

Princeton University received 37,601 applications and accepted 1,647 students for an acceptance rate of 4.4%. The school listed some general statistics for its entering class

  • 51% are female students 
  • 49% are male students
  • 18% first-generation college students 
  • 22% were eligible for Pell Grants

Ethnic Diversity 

Princeton also released data about students’ reported ethnicities: 

  • Asian American: 20.5 % 
  • Hispanic/Latino/a/x: 11.4 %
  • African American: 8 %
  • Multiracial (non-Hispanic): 8.1%
  • Native American: <1%
  • International Citizens: 12.6% 

University of Pennsylvania 

Out of all the Ivy League schools, UPenn has perhaps been one of the most forthcoming about its enrollment statistics. The University of Pennsylvania received 56,332 applications and accepted 3,304 students for an acceptance rate of 5.9%. 

In addition to the Early Decision acceptance data listed in the main table, UPenn also provided data about Regular Decisions admissions

  • 48,371 applications
  • 2,121 students admitted 
  • 4.4% total acceptance rate

Demographic Data

UPenn’s class represents 101 countries. Other data includes: 

  • 13% international students 
  • 16% first-generation college students 
  • 56% self-identify as students of color 
  • 54% female 
  • 46% male 

Yale University 

Yale University received 46,905 applications and accepted 2,157 applicants for an acceptance rate of 4.6%. Yale provided more in-depth enrollment data

  • 55% are female students 
  • 45% are male students 
  • 51% identify as students of color 
  • 16% first-generation college students 
  • 14% legacy affiliation
  • 51% of students receive need-based financial aid 
  • 17% are Pell Grant recipients 

Geographic Distribution

The following data shows the geographic distribution of students based on their residence:

Yale Geographic Distribution

Student Ethnicities

Yale released the following data about its incoming class: 

  • African American: 12%
  • Asian American: 25%
  • Hispanic/Latino: 15%
  • Native American: 3%
  • White: 50%
  • International: 12%

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 8.7% 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 2022-2023 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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The Data On Ivy League EnrollmentShould I Worry About Ivy League Enrollment Numbers? Why Ivy League Enrollment Statistics Matter Ivy League Enrollment Statistics FAQs

”Mary

Reviewed by:

Mary Banks

Former Admissions Committee Member, Columbia University

Reviewed: 5/4/22

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!

Book a Free 30 min Call

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:

Ivy League Acceptance Data
Sources: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University,  Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania, Yale University, The College Monk

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 University 

Brown University received 46,568 applications and accepted 2,569 students for an acceptance rate of 5.5%. In addition to the information statistics listed above, Brown also released admissions stats for two specialized programs: the Brown RISD Dual Degree and the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME). 

Columbia University 

Columbia University received 60,551 undergraduate applications, accepting 2,358 for an acceptance rate of 3.9%. Half of the students are female, 48% are male, and 2% are non-binary or others. Other relevant enrollment statistics include: 

Geographic Information 

Columbia’s class represents 50 states and 82 countries. 

Academic Interest Area

Most students are enrolled in Mathematics and Natural Sciences (26%) or Social Science (26%). Other interest areas are represented as: 

Cornell University 

Cornell University received 67,380 applications and accepted 5,852 students for an acceptance rate of 8.7%. Because Cornell is test-optional, they released these statistics on students that enrolled who submitted SAT or ACT scores: 

Financial Aid

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

Geographic Diversity 

International students represent 63 countries in Cornell’s class profile. These are the stats by regional representation:

Geographic Diversity at Cornell

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College accepted 1,749 students out of 28,357 applications for an acceptance rate of 6.2%. Of 1,228 enrolling students, 617 are women, 600 are men, and 11 are genderqueer, non-binary, or questioning. 

SAT/ACT Additional Stats

Although Dartmouth College is making a move toward test-optional admissions, they did release in-depth data on mean and median scores: 

Demographics

Dartmouth’s class comprises of: 

Geographic representation is as follows:

Geographic Diversity at Dartmouth

Financial Aid

At 55%, more than half of Dartmouth’s incoming class received financial aid: 

Harvard University 

Harvard University accepted only 2,320 applicants out of 57,786 for the lowest Ivy League acceptance rate of 4.0%. 

Geographic Diversity 

Harvard’s students come from the following regions:

Harvard Geographic Diversity

Student Ethnicities

Although Harvard remains relatively tight-lipped about the academic achievement levels of its incoming students, they do offer ethnic diversity data: 

Princeton University 

Princeton University received 37,601 applications and accepted 1,647 students for an acceptance rate of 4.4%. The school listed some general statistics for its entering class

Ethnic Diversity 

Princeton also released data about students’ reported ethnicities: 

University of Pennsylvania 

Out of all the Ivy League schools, UPenn has perhaps been one of the most forthcoming about its enrollment statistics. The University of Pennsylvania received 56,332 applications and accepted 3,304 students for an acceptance rate of 5.9%. 

In addition to the Early Decision acceptance data listed in the main table, UPenn also provided data about Regular Decisions admissions

Demographic Data

UPenn’s class represents 101 countries. Other data includes: 

Yale University 

Yale University received 46,905 applications and accepted 2,157 applicants for an acceptance rate of 4.6%. Yale provided more in-depth enrollment data

Geographic Distribution

The following data shows the geographic distribution of students based on their residence:

Yale Geographic Distribution

Student Ethnicities

Yale released the following data about its incoming class: 

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: 

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 8.7% 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 2022-2023 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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