Purdue Named to Forbes’ “New Ivies” List for Job-Ready Graduates

A Shift in Perspective on Rankings

For years, Purdue University maintained that rankings and ratings weren’t the ultimate measure of academic excellence. The university focused on delivering strong programs and outcomes for students regardless of magazine lists. But things look a little different now that Forbes has highlighted Purdue among its prestigious list of “New Ivies” for job-ready graduates.

This recognition has sparked new conversations about what these rankings mean and why they matter—especially when they place Purdue in the company of some of the most respected institutions in the country.

What the Forbes List Represents

The “New Ivies” list includes 10 public and 10 private universities highly valued by employers. Unlike traditional ranking systems focused on test scores or prestige, the Forbes methodology highlights workforce readiness, affordability, and excellence at scale.

The data was drawn from surveys of 380 executives and hiring managers—employers who are in a strong position to judge which schools prepare graduates for real-world success.

Why Purdue Stands Out

Purdue earned a spot on this list not only because of its large undergraduate student population but also due to its strong reputation for producing engineers. In fact, Purdue is the nation’s top producer of engineers among leading universities.

Employers responding to the survey praised qualities such as:

Excellence at scale – delivering high-quality programs to a large student body.
Affordability – providing accessible education compared to peers.
Workforce readiness – producing graduates equipped to succeed immediately on the job.

Notable Peers on the List

Joining Purdue on the Forbes “New Ivies” list are:

Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Texas at Austin
United States Military Academy
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Michigan Ann Arbor
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Pittsburgh
University of Virginia
William & Mary

This company marks Purdue’s growing profile alongside institutions with long-standing reputations for rigor and prestige.

Key Numbers Behind Purdue’s Recognition

The data highlights some impressive figures:

Undergraduate enrollment: 41,600 (among the largest of all schools listed).
Acceptance rate: ~50% (more open than peers, but still attracting high-achieving students).
Median SAT score: 1320 (out of 1600).

When compared to selective schools like Michigan (18%), UNC Chapel Hill (17%), and William & Mary (33%), Purdue remains more accessible but still demonstrates academic strength and outcomes.

Why This Matters for Purdue

Being included on Forbes’ “New Ivy” list represents a milestone for Purdue’s reputation. It reinforces the university’s decades-long commitment to affordability and real-world outcomes—qualities that employers now publicly recognize as just as valuable as prestige.

While Purdue once questioned the importance of rankings, this recognition affirms what the Boilermaker community has long known: the university produces graduates who are ready to make an immediate impact.