Graduates of Ivy League universities are automatically inducted into a network of esteemed alumni. This means having access to award-winning professionals who are often the leading thinkers in their industries. It's like belonging to a club of accomplished individuals who might otherwise be considered off-limits or unapproachable. The advantage is the prospect of having mentors and role models far beyond the confines of campus.
Ivy League educations have cultural significance since they are recognized as the best of the best. Having an Ivy League degree can be beneficial because the name of the school alone will make any resume or job application stand out. It is not true that graduates of Ivy League universities are necessarily more qualified than those from other schools. But an Ivy League education does hold extra weight and is likely to impress hiring managers.
The elite eight universities are known for their academic rigor. Part of the Ivy League experience is withstanding the intense competition on campus. Another advantage of having an Ivy League education is that it can speak to the individual's character. Anyone who studies and graduates under such demanding circumstances must be persistent, focused and committed to excellence.
Indeed, studying at any university is likely to increase an individual's social capital since students mix with people who are like them as well as a diverse student population. In this regard, Ivy League universities champion the idea of diversity, giving students access to people from all over the world through international student programs as well as study abroad. While there is much to be desired in terms of socio-economic diversity, there is variety along national and racial/ethnic lines which helps students become well-rounded citizens.