Forbes ranks UF No. 2 for 2026 among public ‘New Ivies’

The University of Florida (UF) ranked No. 2 among public universities on Forbes’ 2026 “New Ivies” list, marking its second appearance on the rankings since their inception in 2024.
Forbes’ rankings highlight institutions that are leaders in adopting artificial intelligence (AI) and adapting their curricula to prepare students for jobs in an AI-driven economy.
The list is based on employer perceptions of alumni obtained through a survey of over 100 C-Suite and hiring executives.
UF has significantly invested in AI, including a $50 million donation in 2020 from Nvidia cofounder Chris Malachowsky, the launch of its 4th-generation AI supercomputer HiPerGator, and a broad range of AI courses and certificates.
UF’s emphasis on AI is coupled with a commitment to integrating AI across various disciplines and maintaining flexibility to evolve as technologies advance.
UF was ranked behind the United States Air Force Academy but ahead of Georgia Tech, the University of Michigan, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the public university category.
Among private institutions, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, and Emory University topped the Forbes list.