News Summary
William & Mary and the University of Virginia-Charlottesville have been recognized as part of the exclusive ‘New Ivies’ by Forbes. This recognition comes at a time when traditional Ivy League institutions are facing scrutiny amid political shifts and changing employer perceptions. With a focus on hard work and dedication, these institutions may offer viable alternatives for students seeking quality education and employment opportunities. The New Ivies emphasize merit over reputation, reflecting a significant shift in the higher education landscape.
The Rising Stars of Academia: William & Mary and UVA Shine Bright as New Ivies
In a time of shifting tides in higher education, the historic cities of Williamsburg and Charlottesville in Virginia are receiving a fabulous flag of recognition. Forbes has recently acknowledged William & Mary and the University of Virginia-Charlottesville as part of the exclusive “New Ivies” fraternity. This news comes at a pivotal moment when traditional Ivy League institutions are facing scrutiny amid political turmoil and changes in federal policies.
Political Shifts and Changing Perceptions
The backdrop for this recognition is a whirlwind of political landscape changes initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration. As efforts to dismantle established diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs continue, traditional Ivy League schools are feeling the pinch. Federal funding has been slashed significantly, with schools like Columbia University and the University of Pennsylvania facing pauses in funding amounts that are nothing short of staggering, totaling $400 million and $175 million, respectively.
Further complicating matters, a federal antisemitism task force is reevaluating funding for Harvard University, which could bear consequences as hefty as $255.6 million in contracts and $8.7 billion in multi-year grants on the line. As these controversies pile up, a surprising shift in employer attitudes toward Ivy League graduates is also emerging.
The New Landscape of Hiring
According to a recent survey of 380 top executives, a sizable 37% of them are now less inclined to hire Ivy League graduates than they were just five years ago. Even more astonishingly, 12% have gone as far as to declare they would never hire an Ivy League candidate. There’s a growing sentiment that these candidates, while academically talented, come with an attitude that some firms perceive as overly self-important and lacking in humility.
In stark contrast, the New Ivies are prided on their emphasis on hard work and dedication. As a result, these institutions have swiftly made a name for themselves, sometimes even ranking higher than traditional Ivies in terms of employer preference. The New Ivies were identified through an analytical prowess that sifted through data from over 1,700 colleges, examining admissions criteria, standardized test scores, and more.
Inside the New Ivies
William & Mary, the second oldest institution of higher education in the United States, has approximately 7,000 undergraduate students and boasts a 33% acceptance rate. Meanwhile, the University of Virginia-Charlottesville has an enrollment of nearly 20,000 undergraduates with a remarkably low 17% acceptance rate.
Both schools belong to a select group that prioritizes high-achieving scholars. Private New Ivies have an impressive median SAT score of 1530, edging out even Cornell University’s median score of 1520. Public New Ivies, on the other hand, admit students with a median SAT score of 1410. When it comes to selectivity, the scores tell the tale: private New Ivies present a one in seven chance of acceptance while public ones maintain a competitive edge with a 50% chance or less.
Beyond William & Mary and UVA
Notably, other institutions making the New Ivies list include renowned schools like the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and University of Wisconsin-Madison among public universities. Northwestern University and the University of Notre Dame have also joined the ranks of private New Ivies.
The Road Ahead
As dissatisfaction with traditional Ivies grows—driven by campus activism, rising antisemitism, and soaring tuition rates—the emergence of the New Ivies represents a refreshing perspective. Students from these institutions are now seen as viable choices for companies looking for talented individuals, further reinforcing the notion that hard work and dedication often resonate more than an Ivy League label alone.
As we witness this academic evolution unfold, it’s hard not to feel a sense of excitement for students considering their options. The New Ivies not only foster potential leaders of tomorrow but also reflect a changing culture in higher education that values merit over reputation. Who knows what new opportunities and dynamics will be born from this rising phenomenon?
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Additional Resources
- Patch: 2 VA Colleges Among New Ivies Employers Prefer
- Patch: Forbes Names 20 Colleges New Ivies
- Arlington Magazine: Ivy League Acceptance
- Google Search: New Ivies
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ivy League
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
