Fast Facts About the “Southern Ivy League”
The eight elite institutions that comprise the Ivy League are extremely selective, rigorous, and respected… but they aren’t the only topnotch schools in the country! Many people use the term “Southern Ivy League” to describe the most prestigious schools of the South. While there is no official list, we’re giving you fast facts about some of nation’s most notable Southern schools. If you can’t fathom sacrificing mild winters and Southern hospitality in pursuit of an Ivy education, this post is for you!
Duke University
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,639
Acceptance Rate: 9.2%
Most Popular Majors: Public Policy Analysis, General, Biology/Biological Sciences, Economics, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, and Psychology
Interesting Fact: Duke is the Southern school that produces the most Forbes 400 billionaire graduates.
Emory University
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,867
Acceptance Rate: 22%
Most Popular Majors: Business Administration & Management, Biology, Economics, Registered Nursing, and Neuroscience
Interesting Fact: In the middle of the week, students celebrate Wonderful Wednesday with things like food trucks, music, and games.
Rice University
Location: Houston, Texas
Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,910
Acceptance Rate: 15%
Most Popular Majors: Biochemistry, Psychology, Chemical Engineering, Kinesiology & Exercise Science, and Mechanical Engineering
Interesting Fact: There are more out-of-state students at Rice University than in-state students (57% vs. 43%)
Tulane University
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,662
Acceptance Rate: 21%
Most Popular Majors: Business, Management, Marketing & Related Support Services, Social Sciences, Biological & Biomedical Sciences, Health Professions & Related Programs, and Psychology
Interesting Fact: Tulane University had to close for four months in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina, and 492 universities opened their doors to displaced Tulane students.
Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 6,883
Acceptance Rate: 8.6%
Most Popular Majors: Economics, Multi-Interdisciplinary Studies, Social Sciences, Political Science & Government, and Neuroscience
Interesting Fact: You can people-watch on any campus, but squirrel-watching is way more fun at Vanderbilt – there is an ridiculous amount of these animals roaming the campus.
Wake Forest University
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,871
Acceptance Rate: 25%
Most Popular Majors: Economics, Political Science & Government, Finance & Financial Management, Communication & Media Studies, Biology
Interesting Fact: Wake Forest keeps the library open 24-hours during finals, and provide things like a “Relaxation Station” and midnight snacks to help students make it through!
University of Virginia
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Total Undergraduate Enrollment: 15,891
Acceptance Rate: 39% in-state/22% out of state
Most Popular Majors: Economics, Business/Commerce, Biology/Biological Sciences, International Relations & Affairs and Psychology
Interesting Fact: Dr. Seuss was rejected from UVA. Oh, the places he WON’T go!
