'Forbes' just named the University of Florida a “New Ivy”

Chomp chomp: University of Florida has once again earned a recognition that cements its status as a modern academic powerhouse. For the second time, Forbes has named UF to its prestigious “New Ivies” list for 2026. Ancient stone walls and New England winters? No, you can wear flip flops to class and still be the best in the business.

To determine their list this year, Forbes zeroed in on how well schools are preparing students for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. As hiring managers look for graduates who can speak "robot" as fluently as English, UF has emerged as a national leader in prepping students for an AI-driven world.

With an acceptance rate of 24% and strong test scores (a 1400 median SAT and 31 ACT), UF is already selective. But what really stands out is how seriously it’s taking AI. While some schools are still figuring out how to handle chatbots in the classroom, UF has gone all-in with its AI Across the Curriculum initiative. Thanks in part to a massive $50 million gift from NVIDIA co-founder and alum Chris Malachowsky, UF has turned Gainesville into a high-tech hub.

Regardless of major, UF encourages a nine-credit AI Fundamentals & Applications Certificate. Whether you’re studying public health, the arts, or even tourism, there’s likely an AI angle for you. The university also offers discipline-specific AI certificates in fields as varied as tourism, healthcare and the arts. And UF has hired upwards of 40 new AI-focused faculty members recently, joining the ranks of elite institutions like Notre Dame and Emory with similar hiring plans.

Forbes based its rankings partly on feedback from hiring managers and executives, and UF graduates are clearly making a strong impression. They’re showing up with degrees and with skills that match the moment. UF was also recognized as a New Ivy in 2024

“Our AI Across the Curriculum initiative was the first of its kind in higher education and distinguishes us as a true leader,” UF Interim President Donald W. Landry said in a statement. “We’re pleased with this recognition, and we’re even more pleased to be able to provide excellent outcomes for our vast legion of high-achieving students.”

In a world where the job market is shifting faster than a TikTok trend, the University of Florida is ensuring its vast legion of Gators is leading the charge.

Ten public "New Ivies" according to Forbes:

1. United States Air Force Academy
2. University of Florida
3. Georgia Institute of Technology
4. University of Michigan
5. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
6. Purdue University
7. University of Texas at Austin
8. University of Virginia
9. William & Mary
10. University of Wisconsin-Madison