This CEO claims that affluent families invest $750,000 for his services to help their children gain admission to Ivy League universities, beginning as early as fifth grade. According to him, these families are planning with a perspective that spans generations.

Timeless Prestige of Elite Universities

Many of the world’s most prestigious universities are distinguished by their historic buildings, often designed in the Collegiate Gothic style, which evoke a sense of enduring legacy. Institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Columbia have not only survived centuries of change—including colonial times, the discovery of dinosaur fossils, and major conflicts such as the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Civil War—but have also maintained their reputation for resilience. This enduring strength is a key reason why experts believe that the value of a degree from these elite schools is unlikely to diminish soon, even as concerns grow about artificial intelligence potentially undermining the traditional “safety premium” of a college education.

Guiding the Global Elite Through Ivy League Admissions

Adam Nguyen, founder and CEO of Ivy Link, specializes in preparing students for the competitive college admissions process, sometimes starting as early as fifth grade. His services, which can cost families between $100,000 and $750,000, are considered a minor expense for many of his affluent clients.

With experience as a former admissions officer at Harvard and Columbia, and as a graduate of Harvard Law School, Nguyen works closely with families to strategically shape their children’s academic and extracurricular profiles years before college applications begin. He offers guidance on everything from selecting the right activities to choosing top-tier high schools, and remains confident that the value of a college degree endures, even in the era of AI.

“These families aren’t swayed by fleeting news or campus controversies,” Nguyen explained to Fortune. “Their perspective spans decades, even centuries.”

Why the Wealthy Seek Ivy League Expertise

Nguyen’s clientele includes some of the world’s most influential individuals—from leaders in venture capital and wealth management to acclaimed Hollywood writers and internationally recognized musicians. For these families, attending a prestigious university is not just a short-term goal, but a strategic investment in their family’s legacy and future prosperity.

Despite recent controversies on college campuses—and a growing debate about the worth of a four-year degree, elite families remain steadfast in their commitment to top-tier education. As hiring practices shift back toward prioritizing academic pedigree and GPA, Nguyen believes these families’ instincts have been validated.

For many wealthy families, a degree from a prestigious institution serves as a lifelong badge of distinction. “Our clients don’t necessarily seek prestige for its own sake,” Nguyen noted, “but rather aim to minimize uncertainty and ensure their children are recognized and associated with a brand that endures.”

Elite Universities Remain the Top Choice

Time after time, affluent families continue to favor the nation’s most selective colleges. “These schools have withstood countless changes and continue to serve as a key filter,” Nguyen observed. “Ultimately, the vast majority of our clients consistently choose elite universities.”

Addressing Concerns About AI and the Value of a Degree

Nguyen asserts that his clients are not convinced that automation will make college degrees obsolete. In fact, as AI-generated applications flood the admissions process, employers are increasingly using the reputation of an applicant’s alma mater as a primary screening tool. “Many recruiters I’ve spoken with now look at college names first when evaluating candidates,” Nguyen said.

Recent data supports this trend. According to a 2025 survey by Veris Insights, more than 25% of companies now recruit from a select group of schools—up from 17% in 2022, as previously reported by the Wall Street Journal. Today, companies typically focus their recruitment efforts on about 30 elite institutions out of nearly 4,000 nationwide, often prioritizing those near their headquarters.

Graduates of Ivy Link frequently pursue careers in law, technology startups, and finance, including investment banking and venture capital. While AI has disrupted many of these industries, Nguyen believes that a degree from a top university is now more valuable than ever.

“To graduate and secure mid-level or advanced positions, you need to master the fundamentals that AI is replacing,” he explained. “Traditional education remains essential.”

This article originally appeared on Fortune.com.