The Ivy League—comprising Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, and the University of Pennsylvania—has long represented the pinnacle of academic excellence. Over the last two decades, India has emerged as a key contributor to this legacy, with Indian students and scholars making their mark across campuses and disciplines.
Enrollment of Indian students in Ivy League schools over the last decade
- World-class education
- Strong research infrastructure
- Global career opportunities
- Diverse and inclusive environments
- Social prestige that comes with such a reputable association
Which Ivy League accepts the most Indian students?
Columbia and UPenn have the highest percentage of Indian enrollments.
Columbia University attracts many Indian students, particularly because of its location in New York City and its prestigious programs in fields like business, engineering, and computer science. The presence of a vibrant South Asian student community also creates a welcoming environment for Indian students.
UPenn, especially through its renowned Wharton School, is another top choice for Indian students, particularly those pursuing business degrees. UPenn’s strong engineering and computer science programs also draw a significant number of Indian students. The university’s resources and support for international students contribute to its appeal.
Both universities have established themselves as go-to institutions for Indian students looking for a world-class education in the Ivy League.
Indian Enrollment Trends in Ivy League Universities
As of the 2023–2024 academic year, Indian students have become the largest group of international students in the United States, surpassing China for the first time since 2009. According to the Open Doors 2024 Report, there were 331,602 Indian students enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions, marking a 23% increase from the previous year and comprising nearly 30% of the total international student population
In the 2024–2025 academic year, Columbia University reported that 17% of its incoming Class of 2028 were international students, while Harvard University reported 18% international students and Indians make up a huge percentage of that.
Key Stats (2022–2023)
- Columbia University: ~1,200 Indian students (~15% of international cohort)
- University of Pennsylvania: 800+ Indian students
- Harvard: 500+ students (~10% of international population)
- Brown University: 25% YoY increase in Indian applications (2023)
Top Ivy League Institutions Preferred by Indian Students
1. Columbia University
Renowned for engineering and business programs, and its NYC location makes it a career launchpad.
2. University of Pennsylvania
Wharton School draws high volumes of Indian business students and entrepreneurs.
3. Harvard University
Fields like law, public policy, and science attract top-tier Indian talent.
4. Cornell University
Known for strong STEM research and industry tie-ups, especially among PhD candidates.
5. Yale, Princeton & Brown
Steady growth, especially in liberal arts, international relations, and public policy programs.
Region-Wise Breakdown: Indian Ivy League Aspirants
Notable Indian Ivy League Alumni
Technology & Business
- Sundar Pichai (Google/Alphabet) – Wharton MBA
- Indra Nooyi (PepsiCo) – Yale SOM
Media & Arts
- Mindy Kaling (Actress/Writer) – Dartmouth College
- Fareed Zakaria (Journalist) – Yale (BA), Harvard (PhD)
Academia & Policy
- Rakesh Khurana (Harvard College Dean) – Cornell, Harvard
- Raghuram Rajan (Economist) – Associated with MIT & Chicago Booth
- Narendra Jadhav (Author/Economist) – Ivy League collaborations
How Studea Can Help You Get There
At Studea Advisory, we guide students across India and overseas to successfully apply, prepare, and transition to Ivy League and top global universities.
Our Services Include:
- Profile evaluation & SOP guidance
- Test prep & interview training
- Application support & visa consulting
- Specialized mentoring for UG, PG, and PhD pathways
Start now by availing a free assessment of your profile.