MI College Among 'New Ivies' In New List Of Employer-Preferred Schools

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is among 20 “New Ivies” schools highlighted in a new Forbes ranking based on a survey of executives who were asked not only to rate schools but also how artificial intelligence was changing their hiring of new grads.

“Young college graduates are entering one of the toughest job markets in recent memory,” Forbes said. “Tech giants like Amazon and Oracle are slashing jobs — many of them entry-level — as firms continue to embrace the cost-cutting benefits of AI.”

The New Ivies list, now in its third year, identifies 10 public and 10 private institutions gaining traction with recruiters, who say graduates from these schools often arrive with practical skills and workplace experience that rival or exceed those from traditional elite universities.

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor has an enrollment of 34,962 with a 16 percent acceptance rate. The median average SAT score is 1460 and the median ACT score is 33.

"University-wide values include student-centeredness by offering administration and services to help students individually and collectively and collaboration by utilizing teamwork and resources, partnerships and cooperation," Forbes said.

Forbes ranked the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor No. 21 in its list of top 100 colleges in 2026.

Forbes said employers are shifting their hiring focus to these schools due to several factors. These institutions emphasize hands-on learning, such as internships and co-ops that offer practical experience with emerging technologies such as AI and data analytics.

Companies value their focus on interdisciplinary training, producing adaptable graduates with strong problem-solving and communication skills. Recruiters prioritize candidates with relevant technical and soft skills over prestige alone, making these colleges a reliable talent source for an AI-driven economy.

Read more: Why Grads Of These ‘New Ivies’ Schools Get A Closer Look From Employers