Georgia Tech, Emory Named 'The New Ivies' by Forbes

The annual list recognizes top universities preparing graduates for an AI-driven job market.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:36am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring the logos of Georgia Tech and Emory University repeated in a grid pattern, conceptually representing the two universities' growing reputations as leading institutions for the modern, technology-driven economy.The vibrant logos of Georgia Tech and Emory University, two Atlanta institutions recognized as 'The New Ivies' by Forbes for their ability to prepare graduates for an AI-driven job market.Atlanta Today

Forbes magazine has named two Atlanta higher education institutions, Georgia Tech and Emory University, as part of its annual list of 'The New Ivies.' The list recognizes 20 top schools, private and public, whose alumni rate highly with employers, with a focus this year on how universities are preparing graduates for a job market transformed by AI.

Why it matters

The 'New Ivies' designation highlights the growing reputation and influence of Georgia Tech and Emory as leading institutions that are equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven economy. This recognition helps cement Atlanta's status as an emerging tech hub and talent magnet.

The details

For this year's 'New Ivies' list, Forbes researchers asked 100 executives to rate schools overall and on how AI is changing hiring practices. The list looks beyond the traditional Ivy League schools to recognize universities that 'prioritize intellectual rigor over inherited prestige.' In addition to Georgia Tech and Emory, other institutions making the list include Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, the University of Florida, the University of Michigan, and Purdue University.

  • Forbes released its annual 'New Ivies' list on April 11, 2026.

The players

Georgia Tech

A public research university in Atlanta, Georgia, known for its strong programs in engineering, computing, and technology.

Emory University

A private research university in Atlanta, Georgia, with a reputation for excellence in fields like medicine, business, and the liberal arts.

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The takeaway

The inclusion of Georgia Tech and Emory on Forbes' 'New Ivies' list underscores Atlanta's growing reputation as a hub for talent and innovation, driven by the strength of its top-tier universities and their ability to prepare students for the demands of the modern, AI-driven job market.