Wealthy Families Pay $750k to Ensure Ivy League Admissions for Kids, Starting in 5th Grade

Wealthy families are increasingly investing in long-term college admissions planning, with some paying up to $750,000 for guidance starting in fifth grade. Adam Nguyen, founder of Ivy Link, said the demand reflects a long-term investment mindset rather than a pursuit of prestige. These families focus on maintaining generational status and stability through elite education.

Nguyen’s firm, which charges between $100,000 and $750,000 per client, provides early planning for college admissions, including curriculum, extracurriculars, and school selection. He dismissed concerns that AI or campus controversies might devalue elite degrees. Instead, he argued that brand recognition is becoming more important as AI-generated applications increase.

Recruitment trends show a shift back to relying on college names as a first screening method. A 2025 survey found over a quarter of companies now recruit from a narrow selection of schools, up from 17% in 2022. Nguyen noted that this reinforces the value of Ivy League brands, even in a rapidly changing educational and technological landscape.

Why Is the Demand for Elite Admissions So Strong?

Nguyen described his clients as “the global elite,” including venture capitalists, Hollywood screenwriters, and even a world-famous EDM DJ. For these families, college is a strategic asset rather than a short-term expense. They seek to minimize uncertainty and ensure their children are seen as top-tier candidates.

These families are not just paying for prestige but for certainty. In a world where AI is transforming industries, Ivy Link clients believe that elite education remains a reliable marker of quality and potential. Nguyen argued that AI's rise has made fundamentals more important, which elite institutions continue to teach.

How Are Recruitment Practices Adapting to AI and Automation?

The rise of AI has changed the admissions and hiring landscape. As applications become more formulaic, Nguyen noted that recruiters are increasingly prioritizing brand names to distinguish between candidates. This shift supports the continued demand for elite university admissions.

A 2025 survey of over 150 companies revealed that more than a quarter were now recruiting from a small set of schools, a significant increase from 2022. These trends suggest that despite concerns about AI reducing the value of degrees, elite institutions remain a key factor in hiring decisions.

Nguyen’s firm has helped students secure roles in law, tech, and finance, where AI is already making inroads. However, he believes that a degree from an elite institution is more important now than ever. These degrees provide the foundational knowledge and credibility needed to secure high-level roles in AI-driven industries.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

As AI and automation reshape industries, the role of elite education in career development remains a key topic. Nguyen’s clients continue to prioritize long-term planning, despite the changing landscape. This suggests that the market for high-end admissions services is unlikely to shrink in the near future.

Recruiters and analysts are watching how companies adapt to AI-generated applications. Nguyen said that many employers now use college names as a first filter. This trend supports the continued demand for elite university admissions, even as AI changes how students apply.

The broader implications for education and workforce development remain uncertain. However, the continued reliance on elite university brands suggests that these institutions will remain influential for years to come. Nguyen’s firm, along with others like it, is likely to play a key role in shaping how future generations access elite education and high-paying jobs.