Why are they called the Ivy League? The story behind America’s elite universities
The Ivy League, long synonymous with prestige, power, and academic excellence, traces its origins to athletics rather than intellectual supremacy. Over centuries, it evolved into a global symbol of influence, shaping higher education and societal leadership. Yet with the rise of “New Ivies” like Stanford and MIT, elite education is increasingly decentralized, diverse, and defined by innovation as much as tradition.
The Ivy League, long synonymous with prestige, power, and academic excellence, traces its origins to athletics rather than intellectual supremacy. Over centuries, it evolved into a global symbol of influence, shaping higher education and societal leadership. Yet with the rise of “New Ivies” like Stanford and MIT, elite education is increasingly decentralized, diverse, and defined by innovation as much as tradition.
