UW–Madison Is a “New Ivy”

Bryce Richter

Forbes magazine has named UW–Madison a “new Ivy,” one of 20 public and private universities across the United States that are “turning out the smart, driven graduates craved by employers of all types.”

When it drew up the list of new Ivies, Forbes looked at more than just test scores and admissions selectivity. The magazine conducted surveys with hiring managers about institutions where they frequently recruit. It found that compared to five years ago, 33 percent of employers were less likely to hire Ivy League graduates, and 42 percent were more likely to hire public university grads.

Hiring managers are increasingly turning to these 20 public and private institutions for graduates who are better prepared to enter the workforce, as they’ve done much to improve their students’ readiness over the past five years, Forbes said. The new Ivies are schools that “attract high achievers and turn out hard-working, highly regarded employees.”

Being named a new Ivy is a reflection of UW–Madison’s successful efforts to strengthen educational outcomes, career development, and the college experience for all students, says Provost Charles Lee Isbell Jr.

“UW–Madison has committed to expanding educational programming not only in areas of high student demand, such as in the rapidly growing School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences, but also by emphasizing a broad and interdisciplinary educational experience. At the same time, we’ve worked to make education here more accessible and affordable through efforts such as Bucky’s Tuition Promise and increased online offerings.”

Published in the Fall 2024 issue