What is “The Ivy League”?

The Ivy League is a group of eight private universities located in the Northeast that is known for academic excellence and prestige. Initially, it began as an athletic league founded in 1954. Since then, over time, it has come to represent not only sports, but also academic excellence and elite status. The eight universities are: 1- Harvard University, Massachusetts 2- Yale University (Connecticut) 3- Princeton University (New Jersey) 4– Columbia University (New York) 5- University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania) 6- Dartmouth College, New Hampshire 7- Brown University in Rhode Island 8- Cornell University (New York) Today, the term "Ivy League" is used to denote not only the athletic association but also the standard of academic rigor, influence, and prestige which this group typifies.