Madison Reporter

The University of Wisconsin–Madison has been recognized as a "new Ivy" by Forbes Magazine. This accolade is not due to the ivy growing on Agriculture Hall, but rather the university's commitment to producing "smart, driven graduates craved by employers of all types."

Forbes didn't just consider test scores and admissions selectivity when compiling its list of new Ivies. The magazine also conducted surveys with hiring managers about institutions from which they frequently recruit. It discovered that compared to five years ago, 33% of employers were less likely to hire Ivy League graduates, while 42% were more inclined to hire public university grads.

Hiring managers are increasingly looking to these 20 public and private institutions for graduates who are better prepared for the workforce. According to Forbes, these universities have significantly improved their students' readiness over the past five years.

UW Provost Charles Lee Isbell Jr. views this recognition as a testament to UW–Madison’s successful efforts in enhancing educational outcomes, career development, and overall college experience for all students.

“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 and Information Sciences," says Isbell. "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.”

According to Forbes, the new Ivies are schools that “attract high achievers and turn out hard-working, highly-regarded employees.” Other Big Ten schools that made the list include the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor and the University of Maryland–College Park.

UW–Madison has also performed well in other recent rankings:

- Second among national public universities and 11th overall in Washington Monthly’s 2023 College Guide and Rankings.

- 12th among public universities, 35th overall, out of 437 public and private doctoral institutions in the 2024 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s best colleges rankings.

- 21st in the Midwest in Washington Monthly’s “Best Bang for your Buck” rankings.

- 28th worldwide and 20th nationally by the Center for World University Rankings.

- Named a Best Value College by the Princeton Review, ranking 29th among public schools.

- 39th overall in the 2023 Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings.

- Five out of five stars in America’s Best Colleges by Money Magazine.