University of Florida Among Forbes’ 2026 Public “The New Ivies” list, highlighting AI leadership
The University of Florida is among the 10 public universities on Forbes’ 2026 “The New Ivies” list, which was recently released and highlights institutions leading the nation in artificial intelligence adoption and preparing students for an AI-driven workforce.
“This confirms that the University of Florida is focused on the right things – providing an outstanding education and preparing our students for success in the real world,” said Mori Hosseini, UF Board of Trustees chair. “C-suite and hiring executives seek out UF graduates because they know they can deliver.”
The 2026 list emphasizes how universities are embedding AI across academics, research and career preparation as employers increasingly prioritize graduates with AI experience and skills.
UF’s national leadership in AI has been accelerated by a $50 million gift in 2020 from NVIDIA cofounder Chris Malachowsky, which helped expand the university’s AI infrastructure and research capacity. The university now encourages all students to pursue a nine-credit AI Fundamentals & Applications Certificate, along with discipline-specific AI certificates in fields such as tourism and hospitality, public health, health care and the arts.
“Our AI Across the Curriculum initiative was the first of its kind in higher education and distinguishes us as a true leader,” UF Interim President Donald W. Landry said. “We’re pleased with this recognition, and we’re even more pleased to be able to provide excellent outcomes for our vast legion of high-achieving students.”
In addition, UF has significantly expanded its AI-focused faculty, hiring dozens of experts in recent years to advance research and instruction across disciplines, part of a broader trend among leading universities investing heavily in AI talent and programs.
Forbes’ 2026 “The New Ivies” list identifies 20 universities — 10 public and 10 private — whose graduates are highly regarded by employers. The list is based in part on a national survey of C-suite and hiring executives who evaluated schools based on their experience with graduates, including how well institutions are preparing students for an evolving workforce shaped by artificial intelligence. Colleges were also evaluated on factors including enrollment size, admissions selectivity and standardized test participation rates, with data drawn from the most recent available federal sources.
UF was also recognized by Forbes in 2024 as a “New Ivy,” underscoring its continued rise as a leader in innovation, student success and workforce readiness.
