At some point, every international student has dreamt of attending a prestigious university such as an Ivy League school in the USA. But it’s no secret that attending college in another country can be super expensive, especially if it is a private non-profit institution such as an Ivy League university. So what can you expect to pay at an Ivy League university?

First of all, who are the “Ivy Leagues”?

The “Ivy League” collegiate athletic conference (NCAA Division I) was officially established in 1954. It consists of the following 8 powerhouse universities, all located on the northeastern coast of the USA:

• Brown University
• Columbia University
• Cornell University
• Dartmouth College
• Harvard University
• The University of Pennsylvania
• Princeton University
• Yale University

What Makes the “Ivy League” So Special?

These eight universities are some of the oldest and most well-known universities in the USA. They house some of the world’s most cutting-edge facilities, and faculty members are leaders in their fields. They tend to have accomplished alumni in all fields of life, and are renowned for producing the best and the brightest.

With their reputations preceding them, these universities have super competitive and highly selective admissions processes, and students have enviable career opportunities when they graduate. Therefore, students may find that having an Ivy League university on their résumé opens doors to impressive jobs, internships, research positions, and more.

The Average Cost of an Ivy League University

So what can you expect to pay at an Ivy League University? There are many costs associated with attending university in the USA, such as Tuition, Student Fees, Books, Housing, Meal Plans, Health Insurance, and more. Tuition costs alone at an Ivy League can average around $57,000 per year.

Below, you’ll find the sticker prices of attending each of these eight prestigious universities (per year):

Brown University: (Providence, Rhode Island)

Tuition & Student Fees: $60,696

Room & Board: $15,908

Books & Supplies: $1,642

Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,202

TOTAL COST: $80,448

Dartmouth College: (Hanover, New Hampshire)

Tuition & Student Fees: $59,458

Room & Board: $17,022

Books & Supplies: $1,005

Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,040

TOTAL COST: $79,525

Columbia University: (New York, New York)

Tuition & Student Fees: $61,671

Room & Board: $15,130

Books & Personal Expenses: $3,538

TOTAL COST: $80,339

Cornell University: (Ithaca, New York)

Tuition & Student Fees: $59,282

Room & Board: $15,706

Books & Supplies: $990

Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,334

TOTAL COST: $77,312

Harvard University: (Cambridge, Massachusetts)

Tuition & Student Fees: $53,968

Room & Board: $18,389

Books & Supplies: $1,000

Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,500

TOTAL COST: $75,857

Princeton University: (Princeton, New Jersey)

Tuition & Student Fees: $53,890

Room & Board: $17,820

Books & Supplies: $1,000

Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,500

TOTAL COST: $78,210

University of Pennsylvania: (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

Tuition & Student Fees: $61,710

Room & Board: $17,304

Books & Supplies: $1,358

Miscellaneous Expenses: $2,926

TOTAL COST: $83,298

Yale University: (New Haven, Connecticut)

Tuition & Student Fees: $60,075

Room & Board: $17,800

Books & Personal Expenses: $3,700

TOTAL COST: $81,575

Scholarships & Financial Aid

For student-athletes, generally, there are no athletic scholarships available at these universities. However, if you qualify for admission to any of the Ivy League universities, the good news is that these institutions tend to be some of the most generous when it comes to financial aid.

Of course, these universities do not want the financial obligation of attending to prohibit any student from being able to enrol. In fact, many admitted students might have a chance of graduating from an Ivy League without any student loans at all! These universities practice “Needs-Blind” Admissions, which generally means that your ability to pay for your education won’t be a factor in whether you are accepted, waitlisted, or denied admission. It doesn’t mean that they’ll help you with 100% of the costs, but they also won’t deny you admission because you can’t pay. The university will provide enough aid to cover the difference between your family’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the school’s Cost of Attendance.

More information on financial aid can be found on each university’s website - the links above will take you there.

Each university covered here has a net price calculator to give students a more realistic sense of what they will actually have to pay, which may be much higher or lower than the listed averages. The net price calculators can’t predict cost with 100% accuracy, but they should give a solid idea of what to expect.

So What Can You Expect to Pay at an Ivy League University?

Most students won’t pay the full sticker price listed above - it’s just intended to give you an idea of the aid offered. The Office of Financial Aid at every university will review your application on an individual, case-by-case basis, taking the various unique elements of your financial circumstances into an account.

Attending an Ivy League University is the ultimate dream of millions of students around the world. Their admissions processes might seem ultra selective and intimidating, but the key to getting in is to actually apply! You can read our guides on extracurriculars and admissions interviews for more tips on how to ace the process. Register and study for the SAT, and your best may well be good enough! Although it may seem expensive, it is definitely within reach due to these schools' generous financial aid structures. So apply today, and turn your dreams of studying at one of the most legendary institutions on earth into reality!

Remember, it's always the perfect time to begin your journey towards studying at the university of your dreams. Sign up here for a free consultation with one of our recruitment experts. You could join over 300 student-athletes already placed in the USA, competing at the highest level and earning a world-class degree!