When it comes to studying in the U.S., the first thing that comes to mind is the Ivy League—renowned globally for its top-tier rankings, education, and prestige.
Indeed, many U.S. presidents, Supreme Court justices, and Forbes-list industry titans are Ivy League alumni.
However, Forbes recently conducted a new survey of 300 employers with hiring authority, evaluating their perceptions and preferences for graduates from different institutions.
The aim was to gauge current employers’ views of Ivy League graduates, but the findings unexpectedly showed:
The long-held assumption that Ivy League graduates have a hiring advantage seems to be breaking down!
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The survey reveals a general decline in U.S. corporate interest in Ivy League graduates. Over the past five years, 33% of employers have decreased their interest in hiring them.
Even more telling, only 7% maintain consistently high interest in recruiting Ivy graduates.
Moreover, up to 42% of employers are increasingly willing to hire graduates from public universities, and 37% say they are more inclined to hire those from non-Ivy private schools.
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Source: Forbes
Fred Prager, Senior Managing Director at Hilltop Financial Holdings and a board member at Claremont McKenna College, recently hinted that Ivy League graduates are not as sought after by employers as they once were.
Additionally, U.S. billionaire and philanthropist John Arnold posted on social media: “In recent years, I’ve had several conversations with employers of undergraduates, and for competitive fields like tech, finance, and consulting, hiring emphasis is shifting from Ivy League schools to state universities,” aligning with Prager’s view.
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In short, an Ivy League degree no longer holds the same allure for employers.
Why Ivy League Graduates Are Losing Their Employment Edge
Admissions Standards Under Scrutiny
The Ivy League has increasingly become synonymous with America’s elite class, no longer a universally respected academic credential but rather a “status accessory” bestowed by wealthy tycoons, powerful politicians, and high-earning celebrities upon their children.
Although the Ivies have recognized this issue and have been implementing various DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity) policies in recent years—such as encouraging first-generation applicants and offering scholarships to minority students—the impact has been minimal.
Because Ivy League elitism has been cultivated for two centuries, change—let alone a complete reversal—cannot be achieved overnight.
Grade Inflation Leaves Employers Unable to Assess Real Ability
Employers cannot evaluate students' true ability
Forbes points out in the article, “At two of the country’s most prestigious universities, Harvard and Yale, nearly 80% of undergraduates receive an average grade of A or A-.”
Moreover, the Ivies appear to cultivate students who align more with “political correctness” than academic excellence, making the evaluation system even more unreliable.
Public Universities’ More Diverse Student Bodies Help Graduates Better Integrate into the Workplace
Helping graduates integrate better into the workplace
Students at public universities have friends and instructors from diverse backgrounds and are exposed to a wide range of communities and cultures. This not only helps them integrate more easily into the workplace but also makes them more adaptable in handling various work challenges.
State Universities Focus More on Career Readiness
More emphasis on career preparation training
In the survey, about 37% of respondents said state universities are doing a better job preparing candidates than five years ago, and 31% believe non-Ivy private schools have improved. Only 14% gave similar praise to the Ivies, while 20% said their performance has worsened.
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Non-Ivy Students Are Generally More Empathetic
The longstanding halo of elite schools gives many Ivy students a sense of superiority, while public university students are more likely to put themselves in others’ shoes.
A Look at the “New Ivies” List
From over 1,700 U.S. colleges covered in the survey, Forbes identified 20 that have become primary talent feeders for employers, even surpassing the appeal of the Ivy League. Forbes calls them the “New Ivies.”
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Source: Forbes
The New Ivies list first excluded the traditional Ivies (including Stanford, MIT, Duke, and the University of Chicago, as well as the eight Ivy League schools). Then, using the latest 2022 admissions data—standardized test scores (the higher the better) and acceptance rates (below 50% for public schools, below 20% for private ones)—Forbes rigorously narrowed down 32 schools from 1,743 institutions with at least 4,000 students.
Employers then evaluated these 32 schools, resulting in a list of 10 new public Ivies and 10 new private Ivies.
By all measures—reputation, graduates’ career development and salaries, and research contributions—the New Ivies are impeccable and are recognized as rising stars in today’s and tomorrow’s job market!
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10 New Public Ivies
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10 New Private Ivies
Below, we briefly introduce a few highly credible schools that are popular among Chinese international students, for reference only.
Carnegie Mellon University
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Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a renowned private research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, known for its excellence in education and research across science, technology, engineering, business, and the arts.
CMU graduates enjoy a strong reputation worldwide, and the school is noted for its innovative educational approach and robust alumni network.
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Undergraduates: 8,315
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Acceptance rate: 11%
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SAT Median: 1,540
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ACT Median: 35
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SAT/ACT submission rate: 71%
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Tuition (23-24): $62,260
Johns Hopkins University
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Johns Hopkins University is a prestigious private research university in Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 1876 by banker and philanthropist Johns Hopkins. It is America’s first research university, renowned for its academic excellence in medicine, international relations, public health, engineering, and other fields.
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Undergraduates: 5,850
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Acceptance rate: 7%
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SAT Median: 1,550
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ACT Median: 35
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SAT/ACT submission rate: 59%
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Tuition (23-24): $62,840
Northwestern University
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Northwestern University is a renowned private research university located in Evanston, Illinois, founded in 1851. Its Medill School of Journalism, Feinberg School of Medicine, and Kellogg School of Management are all nationally top-ranked.
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Undergraduates: 8,652
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Acceptance rate: 7%
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SAT Median: 1,530
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ACT Median: 34
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SAT/ACT submission rate: 78%
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Tuition (23-24): $64,887
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 1817. It is one of the oldest and top comprehensive universities in the United States.
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Undergraduates: 31,693
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Acceptance rate: 18%
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SAT Median: 1,470
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ACT Median: 33
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SAT/ACT submission rate: 78%
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Tuition (23-24): $58,072
Is It Necessary to Give Up on the Ivy League?
“Under these circumstances, is the only smart move to abandon Ivies and choose the New Ivies?”
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Forbes also addresses this question at the end of the article.
Jacqueline Reses, a self-made female billionaire and Penn graduate, offered a perspective worth considering: “I wouldn’t give up the opportunity to hire brilliant, resilient, bright, and excellent young people, but I will be more careful in screening them.”
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Source: Forbes
Therefore, what matters is not which school you graduated from, but whether you have cultivated trustworthy character and skills during your studies.
Choosing a school cannot be based on a list alone. While the traditional Ivies carry a long history and deep heritage, they are not the only choice suitable for everyone. And although the New Ivies currently seem more favored by employers, no list can guarantee lasting security.
Every university has its unique charm and value; the key is to find a place where you can resonate and grow. Carefully make the best choice by considering your actual needs, interests, and future plans.
For more admissions case studies and questions about studying abroad and graduate applications, you can also add the CheersYou（清柚教育） advisor contact information below for details.
