2 VA Colleges Among 'New Ivies' In New List Of Employer-Preferred Schools

Two Virginia colleges are 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.

Included on this year’s list is the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. The college was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson and has 12 schools, an esteemed medical center, renowned research, and distinguished faculty members.

William & Mary also made this year’s list. The public research university in Williamsburg was founded in 1693 by King William III and Queen Mary II of England, who signed the charter for a “perpetual College of Divinity, Philosophy, Languages, and other good Arts and Sciences.”

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.

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