The data, published by College Scorecard under the U.S. Department of Education, reveals that among the eight Ivy League schools, graduates from Brown University have the lowest average annual income—around US$93,500. However, this figure is still nearly 1.75 times the average income for U.S. university graduates, which is just over US$53,700.
Slightly higher are Dartmouth College graduates, earning an average of $97,430 annually. Graduates from the other six Ivy League schools earn average incomes exceeding $100,000, with University of Pennsylvania alumni topping the list at over $111,370.
University | Average income 10 years after graduation (USD) | Net annual cost (USD) | Average debt at graduation (USD) |
University of Pennsylvania | 111,371 | 26,138 | 15,715 |
Princeton University | 110,066 | 8,143 | 10,320 |
Cornell University | 104,043 | 29,651 | 14,000 |
Columbia University | 102,491 | 23,497 | 21,500 |
Harvard University | 101,817 | 19,500 | 14,000 |
Yale University | 100,533 | 18,535 | 12,975 |
Dartmouth College | 97,434 | 31,120 | 17,500 |
Brown University | 93,487 | 27,157 | 11,428 |
Meanwhile, the net cost for students attending these universities, after scholarships and financial aid, ranges from US$8,000 to US$31,000 per year.
Princeton University graduates enjoy the best value for money, with an average cost of just over $8,100 per year during their undergraduate studies, yet earning an average of $110,000 annually ten years after graduation. While University of Pennsylvania graduates earn slightly more—by about $1,000—their net cost is three times higher.
According to Ivy Coach, an organization specializing in guiding applicants to top U.S. universities, this data highlights the value of an Ivy League degree in the job market. However, the success of Ivy League alumni is also attributed to their drive and talent.
The Ivy League comprises eight private universities in the U.S., renowned for academic excellence, selectivity, and prestige. According to 2025 Times Higher Education university rankings, Harvard and Princeton are ranked third and fourth in the world, respectively, with most other Ivy League schools ranked within the top 20.
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