2 Texas universities named to Forbes “New Ivies” list for AI-ready graduates

2 Texas universities named to Forbes “New Ivies” list for AI-ready graduates

https://www.fox7austin.com/news/texas-universities-forbes-new-ivies-ai-careers

Publish Date: 2026-04-22 18:16:00

Source Domain: www.fox7austin.com

Here is a summary of the main points from the article using an unordered list with 6 key points:

• Rice University and UT Austin Named “New Ivies”: Two Texas universities, Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin), were included in Forbes’ 2026 list of “New Ivies” for producing graduates favored by employers, particularly in the evolving AI-driven job market.

• Integration of AI in Education: Rice University has been integrating AI into its coursework for three consecutive years, including exercises that have students compare their own work with AI-generated output to evaluate differences and biases, ensuring they’re well-prepared for an AI-focused job market.

• Expansion of AI Education at UT Austin: UT Austin, a large public university, plans to hire 50 new faculty members to establish a School of Computing, aiming to expand access to computing and AI education across various disciplines.

• Shift in Employer Confidence: The inclusion reflects a broader trend where large public universities and high-performing private institutions outside the traditional Ivy League are gaining the confidence of employers.

• State’s Growing Influence in Higher Ed: The recognition of these universities underscores Texas’ growing influence in higher education, driven by substantial investment in technology-focused education to meet evolving workforce demands.

• Forbes’ Ranking Methodology: The Forbes list was compiled using numerous criteria, including institutions’ enrollment size and selectivity, use of standardized test scores, and ratings from C-suite executives and hiring managers who assessed how AI impacts hiring decisions.