The New Ivies: What Schools Are Included & What It Means For Your Application

As college admissions evolve, families are getting smarter about what really matters in a college experience. Instead of chasing brand names or top rankings, students are looking for places where they’ll be challenged, supported, and prepared for life beyond the classroom.

In 2025, Forbes recognized 20 schools—dubbed the New Ivies—that are gaining national attention not just for their selectivity, but also for their meaningful outcomes. These 10 public and 10 private colleges are producing highly employable graduates, fostering strong student communities, and offering world-class academics without the baggage of tradition for tradition’s sake (Forbes, March 2025).

But here’s the important part: just because a school makes this list doesn’t mean it’s the right school for you.

The New Ivies, According to Forbes (2025)

These schools are gaining recognition for good reason—but again, they’re not the only schools worth considering:

Private Colleges

• Carnegie Mellon University

• Emory University

• Georgetown University

• Tufts University

• Northwestern University

• Johns Hopkins University

• University of Notre Dame

• Vanderbilt University

• Rice University

• Washington University

Public Colleges and Universities

• University of Pittsburgh

• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

• Purdue University

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

• Georgia Institute of Technology 

• University of Texas at Austin

• University of Virginia

• William & Mary (Note: Public university with a private feel)

• United States Military Academy at West Point (service academy, no tuition)

What These Schools Have in Common

These colleges stand out not just for academics, but for the experience they offer:

• Interdisciplinary opportunities and access to research and internships from day one

• Employer respect in fields like tech, healthcare, policy, and business

• Supportive environments where students feel seen and challenged

• Alumni networks that help students land competitive jobs and grad school spots

• Affordability, particularly at high-performing public universities

A Note On Selectivity

While these colleges offer incredible opportunities, it’s important to recognize that most of them are still highly selective. Strong academic performance, authentic extracurricular involvement, and thoughtful applications remain crucial. Even many public universities on this list have become extremely competitive, particularly for out-of-state applicants. Building a balanced college list with reach, match, and likely schools is more critical than ever.

Keep in mind, you don’t need a name on this list to launch a successful career. There are hundreds of schools doing excellent work—sometimes under the radar.

Rankings like these can be helpful conversation starters—but they shouldn’t dictate your final decision. Here’s why:

• Data can be inconsistent. Colleges self-report much of the information, and definitions vary (for example, who counts as a graduate or how they measure “outcomes”).

• Rankings change constantly. What’s prioritized one year may shift dramatically the next.

• Not all priorities are YOUR priorities. Rankings often value wealth, selectivity, and alumni donations—metrics that may not matter to you.

• Some colleges “game” the system. Whether it’s test-optional policies or manipulating class sizes, some schools know how to climb rankings strategically.
  

Ultimately, it’s not about finding the highest-ranked school—it’s about finding the right fit.

So, What Should You Do?

If you’re building your college list, use rankings as a resource, not a roadmap. Consider:

• Does this school offer programs in my area of interest?

• What’s the vibe? Are students collaborative or competitive?

• Can I afford it—and will I graduate with options, not debt?

• What do alumni say about their experience?

• How will I be supported—academically, socially, emotionally?

And don’t be afraid to trust your instincts. A college that makes you feel confident, curious, and capable is far more valuable than one that just “looks good” on a bumper sticker.

The Ivy League may still carry name recognition, but that doesn’t make it the gold standard for everyone. The New Ivies show that success comes in many forms and from many places.

And here’s your reminder: you don’t need to apply to a college just because it made a list. Your path is yours to create—and the best college for you might be one the rankings missed entirely.