When many people think of higher education in America, they picture the Ivy League, such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia. These elite institutions dominate headlines, policy debates, rankings, and even pop culture. But here’s the reality: less than 5% of U.S. college students attend Ivy League or similarly elite private universities. The other 96%—the overwhelming majority—are enrolled in other public and private colleges, which receive far less attention.
Many elite colleges have deep roots, predating the nation itself. The term “Ivy League” began not in classrooms but on sports fields—it was the name of an athletic conference, not a mark of educational distinction. Today, these schools are ironically not known for their sports, but for the prestige and achievements of their graduates and faculty.
Today, these schools sit atop the rankings not because they’re doing the most good, but because they’re best at serving the most advantaged. Rankings such as those from U.S. News & World Report place heavy weight on graduation rates and peer assessments—categories that inherently benefit schools that enroll wealthier students and enjoy name-brand recognition. If your institution primarily admits students who are already statistically likely to graduate, and your “peers” are fellow elite schools, your top spot is all but guaranteed.
Yes, many of these institutions offer generous financial aid packages, sometimes eliminating loans entirely for low-income undergraduates. Despite these programs, low- and middle-income students-the vast majority of Americans– remain underrepresented. As sociologist Anthony Jack has documented, even those who do make it in often face social isolation, unspoken cultural expectations, and an environment that can feel deeply alienating.
The picture is even murkier at the graduate and professional level—where elite institutions continue to dominate rankings in fields like law, medicine, and business. But here, there’s even less transparency. Unlike undergraduate programs, most graduate schools don’t report Pell Grant enrollment or outcomes for students from less privileged backgrounds. Graduation rates, loan repayment, and employment outcomes are often hidden behind glossy brochures and institutional prestige.
Thankfully, there are signs of change—at least at the undergraduate level. The American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation have developed a new classification system to recognize institutions that excel in serving Pell Grant recipients and boosting their post-graduation earnings. These schools are doing the hard, unglamorous work of helping students climb the income ladder. But notably, this system doesn’t yet extend to graduate education, where such transparency is still sorely lacking.
So what can be done?
More Employers and policymakers should look beyond the Ivy halo. Since the Pandemic, more employers are already recruiting beyond the Elite Ivies. When recruiting for your company, look beyond just the college name and ask for meaningful data. What percentage of a program’s students come from low-income backgrounds? What support systems exist for them? What are their outcomes—both in terms of earnings (and debt) as well as leadership impacts in society?
With over 2,600 four-year colleges across the U.S.—many offering high-quality graduate and professional programs—employers have a vast talent pool beyond the Ivy League. While elite institutions will continue to thrive and produce great talent, they are not the sole source of capable, driven, and innovative graduates. The future of the workforce depends on recognizing and recruiting from the full spectrum of schools where students are gaining skills, solving real-world problems, and adding value. It’s time to shift attention—and investment—to the broader landscape of graduate education that’s powering opportunity across the country.
Help us widen the pipeline. Support Leadership Brainery in creating equitable pathways to graduate education. Donate today! Interested in engaging with us or have an idea for a future topic? Submit this brief form.