Purdue once again makes Forbes’ ‘New Ivies’ list of 20 public and private universities

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University, noted for its decision to implement an AI competency requirement for fall 2026 incoming undergraduate students, is featured again on Forbes’ list of the top 10 public and top 10 private universities best equipping their students for the growing AI talent needs of employers. Purdue also is ranked among the top five civilian, public universities.

The third annual edition of the Forbes list, titled “New Ivies 2026: 20 Great Employer-Friendly Colleges Embracing AI,” includes Purdue among the top 20 universities whose alums rate highly with employers, particularly among those preparing graduates for the AI wave.

Universities on the list released Wednesday (April 8) were selected by Forbes based on survey input from over 100 C-suite and hiring executives, who were asked not only to rate schools but also to address how AI was changing their hiring of new grads. Forbes highlighted Purdue’s decision, approved in December, to become the nation’s first college to announce a comprehensive AI working competency graduation requirement.

“It’s encouraging and affirming that the latest ‘New Ivies’ list recognizes the strategic value and urgency of higher ed to lean in and lean forward when it comes to the implications of the AI revolution sweeping across not just the U.S. but worldwide,” said Purdue Provost Patrick Wolfe. “Baked into Purdue’s AI competency requirement for new students beginning this fall is a process that draws on continual input from university partners and industry leaders to ensure we are equipping our students to be successful in whatever career and discipline they choose to pursue.”

Purdue is the only public university in Indiana and one of just three institutions from the 18-member Big Ten on the “New Ivies” list. Based on Purdue’s undergraduate enrollment, it also is the second largest among the 20 universities listed.

In December, Purdue approved a broad strategy of AI@Purdue across five functional areas: Learning with AI, Learning about AI, Research AI, Using AI and Partnering in AI. Included was the nation’s first-of-its-kind plan to introduce the AI working competency requirement for undergraduates in Indianapolis and West Lafayette, starting with new students this fall.

Another key aspect called for all of Purdue’s academic units to establish standing industry advisory boards designed to regularly focus on employers’ AI competency needs. This element would help ensure a continual, annual refresh of the university’s AI curriculum and competency requirements.

“While not surprisingly, given how highly they rate with employers,” Forbes said the “New Ivies” schools “are all rushing to prepare their students and adapt their curriculum, in a variety of ways — and across all disciplines.”

Last year’s Forbes “New Ivies 2025: 20 Great Colleges Employers Love” ranking listed Purdue among the 10 public and 10 private institutions that are “outpacing the Ivy League in the eyes of employers.”

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 106,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 57,000 at our main campus locations in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its integrated, comprehensive Indianapolis urban expansion; the Mitch Daniels School of Business; Purdue Computes; and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.