The Most Beautiful Ivy League Campus, Ranked

Choose the campus you think is the most beautiful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 13, 2024 06:24
Choosing a stunning Ivy League campus can be a true delight for prospective students, parents, and tourists alike. Each campus offers a unique blend of historic architecture, lush landscapes, and vibrant academic life. Having a ranked list based on public opinion helps provide insights into aesthetic preferences and campus atmospheres that resonate most with visitors and the academic community. This dynamic list changes with your votes, reflecting real-time preferences and opinions. Whether you're reminiscing about your college days or planning a campus visit, your participation shapes this engaging resource. Cast your vote and see how your favorite compares to others in this esteemed group.

What Is the Most Beautiful Ivy League Campus?

  1. 1
    65
    votes

    Princeton University

    Jonathan Dickinson
    The campus is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture, tree-lined pathways, and the picturesque Lake Carnegie. The campus is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Princeton University Art Museum.
    Princeton University is a prestigious Ivy League research institution located in Princeton, New Jersey. Founded in 1746, it has a rich history and is recognized as one of the most advanced colleges in the world.
    • Location: Princeton, New Jersey
    • Founding Year: 1746
    • Type: Private
    • Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top universities globally
    • Fields of Study: Wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs
    Princeton University in other rankings
  2. 2
    35
    votes
    The campus features stunning Gothic and Georgian architecture, including the iconic Sterling Memorial Library and the Harkness Tower. The campus is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Yale University Art Gallery.
    Yale University is a prestigious private Ivy League research university located in New Haven, Connecticut, USA. It was founded in 1701 and is one of the oldest and most respected institutions of higher learning in the world. Yale is known for its rigorous academic programs, distinguished faculty, and vibrant student life.
    • Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide
    • Endowment: One of the largest university endowments in the world
    • Academic Programs: Offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across numerous disciplines
    • Faculty: Comprised of accomplished scholars, researchers, and experts in their respective fields
    • Student Body: Diverse student population representing all 50 U.S. states and over 120 countries
  3. 3
    18
    votes
    Harvard University
    chensiyuan · CC BY-SA 4.0

    Harvard University

    Massachusetts General Court
    The campus is known for its stunning Georgian and Colonial Revival architecture, including the iconic Harvard Yard and the Widener Library. The campus is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Harvard Art Museums.
    Harvard University is a prestigious Ivy League research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It is one of the oldest and most renowned higher education institutions in the United States. Harvard is widely recognized for its academic excellence, distinguished faculty, and rich history.
    • Established: 1636
    • Motto: Veritas (Truth)
    • Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
    • Type: Private, Research University
    • Undergraduate Programs: 49
    Harvard University in other rankings
  4. 4
    25
    votes
    The campus features beautiful Beaux-Arts and Gothic Revival architecture, including the Low Memorial Library and the Butler Library. The campus is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Columbia University Art Gallery.
    Columbia University is located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Ivy League campuses. The campus is an architectural marvel, blending both historic and modern styles. It offers a stunning mix of green spaces, neoclassical buildings, and contemporary structures.
    • Location: Morningside Heights, Manhattan, New York City
    • Architectural Style: Blend of historic and modern styles
    • Green Spaces: Beautifully landscaped gardens and parks
    • Buildings: Neoclassical and contemporary structures
    • Low Library: Iconic centerpiece with grand architecture
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    Dartmouth College
    Kane5187 · Public domain

    Dartmouth College

    Eleazar Wheelock
    The campus is known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Green Mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. The campus features beautiful Georgian and Colonial Revival architecture, including the iconic Baker-Berry Library.
    Dartmouth College is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Known for its picturesque campus, Dartmouth offers a serene and stunning environment for its students and visitors. The college was originally founded in 1769, making it one of the oldest higher education institutions in the United States.
    • Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
    • Founding Year: 1769
    • Ivy League: Yes
    • Campus Area: 269 acres
    • Architectural Style: New England style
  6. 6
    -1
    votes
    The campus features beautiful Georgian and Colonial Revival architecture, including the iconic University Hall and the John Hay Library. The campus is also home to several museums and galleries, including the David Winton Bell Gallery.
    Brown University is a prestigious Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island. Known for its vibrant campus, Brown University offers a unique blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, nestled within a beautiful 143-acre campus.
    • Campus Size: 143 acres
    • Location: Providence, Rhode Island
    • Year Founded: 1764
    • Architectural Style: Varied (includes Georgian and Modernist styles)
    • Landmarks: H. Nelson Snyder Tennis Center, The John Hay Library, Pembroke Hall, Sayles Hall, University Hall
  7. 7
    16
    votes
    Cornell University
    Dantes De MonteCristo · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The campus features beautiful Gothic and Beaux-Arts architecture, including the iconic McGraw Tower and the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art. The campus is also known for its stunning natural beauty, with the Finger Lakes providing a picturesque backdrop.
    Cornell University is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Ithaca, New York. It is known for its stunning campus that combines natural beauty with architectural marvels. The campus stretches across 745 acres of rolling hills, gorges, and breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake. The university was founded in 1865 and has since grown to become one of the top educational institutions in the world.
    • Location: Ithaca, New York
    • Year Founded: 1865
    • Campus Size: 745 acres
    • Architecture Style: Mix of Gothic and Modern
    • Natural Features: Gorges, rolling hills, and Cayuga Lake
  8. 8
    7
    votes
    University of Pennsylvania
    Bryan Y.W. Shin · CC BY-SA 3.0

    University of Pennsylvania

    Benjamin Franklin
    The campus features beautiful Georgian and Gothic Revival architecture, including the iconic College Hall and the Fisher Fine Arts Library. The campus is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Institute of Contemporary Art.
    The University of Pennsylvania, also known as UPenn or Penn, is a prestigious Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is renowned for its beautiful campus that seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern facilities. The campus covers an area of approximately 302 acres and offers a picturesque setting for students and visitors alike.
    • Established: 1740
    • Campus Size: 302 acres
    • Architecture Style: Georgian and Gothic Revival
    • Quadrangles: 6 (College Hall, Class of 1949 Auditorium, Houston Hall, Logan Circle, College Green, and Locust Walk)
    • Library Collections: Over 6 million volumes
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    The campus features beautiful Georgian and Colonial Revival architecture, including the iconic University Hall and the John Hay Library. The campus is also home to several museums and galleries, including the David Winton Bell Gallery.
    Brown University is a prestigious Ivy League university located in Providence, Rhode Island. Known for its vibrant campus, Brown University offers a unique blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, nestled within a beautiful 143-acre campus.
    • Campus Size: 143 acres
    • Location: Providence, Rhode Island
    • Year Founded: 1764
    • Architectural Style: Varied (includes Georgian and Modernist styles)
    • Landmarks: H. Nelson Snyder Tennis Center, The John Hay Library, Pembroke Hall, Sayles Hall, University Hall
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Harvard Business School
    HBS1908 · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Harvard Business School

    Harvard University
    The campus is known for its stunning modern architecture, including the iconic Baker Library and the Harvard Innovation Lab. The campus is also home to several museums and galleries, including the Harvard Art Museums.
    The Harvard Business School is a prestigious graduate business school located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a part of Harvard University, one of the oldest and most renowned academic institutions in the world. The campus is spread over 40 acres along the Charles River, offering panoramic views and a serene atmosphere, making it one of the most beautiful Ivy League campuses.
    • Founded: 1908
    • Campus size: 40 acres
    • Location: Boston, Massachusetts
    • Affiliation: Harvard University
    • Architectural Style: Georgian

Missing your favorite campus?

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Ranking factors for beautiful campus

  1. Architectural Style and Buildings
    The aesthetic appeal of the different buildings and architectural styles on the campus, including iconic landmarks, historic constructions, and modern designs.
  2. Landscape and Grounds
    The beauty and maintenance of the campus's outdoor spaces such as gardens, trees, lawns, walkways, and plazas, as well as the campus's overall layout and planning.
  3. Natural Surroundings
    The appeal of the campus's natural setting, like the presence of water bodies, forests, or hills, as well as how well the campus is integrated into its environment.
  4. Seasonal Beauty
    The attractiveness of the campus during different seasons, such as the vibrancy of foliage in the fall, snow-covered buildings in the winter, or blooming flowers in spring and summer.
  5. Campus Size and Scale
    Whether the campus offers a sense of grandeur due to its size and scale, or a more intimate and cozy feel due to its small size and close-knit layout.
  6. Recreational and Relaxation Spaces
    The availability and beauty of recreational spaces such as parks, courtyards, and outdoor seating areas where students can relax and socialize.
  7. Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
    The campus's commitment to sustainable practices and environmentally friendly design, such as green buildings, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.
  8. Art and Sculpture
    The presence of public art, sculptures, and other artistic installations that contribute to the campus's overall aesthetic appeal.
  9. Campus Organization and Cohesiveness
    How well the various buildings and areas on campus are connected and organized, contributing to a sense of unity and coherence in the overall design.
  10. Cultural and Historical Significance
    The campus's relevance in terms of historical or cultural importance, such as a rich history, notable alumni, or unique traditions.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful Ivy League campus. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or campus is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3653 views
  • 186 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each campus once every 24 hours. The rank of each campus is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most beautiful ivy league campus

When it comes to beautiful college campuses, the Ivy League schools are known for their stunning architecture, sprawling lawns, and picturesque settings. The Ivy League is a group of eight prestigious universities in the northeast region of the United States, including Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University. Each of these schools has a unique campus that reflects its history and traditions. From Gothic-style buildings to sprawling gardens, the Ivy League campuses offer visitors a glimpse into the past while showcasing cutting-edge research facilities and academic programs. In this article, we will explore the most beautiful Ivy League campuses and highlight what makes each one so special.

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