‘New Ivies’ List Of Employer-Preferred Schools Includes Pittsburgh University

PITTSBURGH, PA — A prominent Pittsburgh university 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.

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh was at the top of the New Ivies private schools list.

It has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as having the nation's top-rated AI and business analytics graduate programs.

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.

The top 10 private New Ivies Schools, according to Forbes:

1. Carnegie Mellon University
2. Case Western Reserve University
3. Emory University
4. Georgetown University
5. Northwestern University
6. University of Notre Dame
7. Rice University
8. Tufts University
9. Vanderbilt University
10. Washington University in St. Louis

Public:

1. United States Air Force Academy
2. University of Florida
3. Georgia Institute of Technology
4. University of Michigan
5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
6. Purdue University
7. University of Texas at Austin
8. University of Virginia
9. William & Mary
10. University of Wisconsin-Madison

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