Tufts University Earns Forbes’ ‘New Ivy’ Recognition for Second Straight Year

Massachusetts has its share of Ivy League schools, but a new report by Forbes is spotlighting another exceptional college in the New England region.

Forbes has named Tufts University in Medford a "New Ivy" for 2026, marking its second consecutive inclusion on the publication's "New Ivies" list.

In its report, Forbes highlights 20 schools — 10 private and 10 public — chosen for employer appeal based on size, selectivity, test scores, and AI adoption and integration.

According to Forbes, Tufts' inclusion in the list is highlighted by its 96% retention rate, an 86% four-year graduation rate, and 98% of graduates either employed, in graduate school, or in the service within six months. The university reports an overall acceptance rate of 10% and SAT scores typically in the 1500s.

Forbes also commends Tufts' research initiatives, including seaweed-farming technology at the Friedman School and sustainable shipping innovations at the Fletcher School.

Tufts was the only New England school to appear on the list for a second year in a row. The university is joined by the following private "New Ivies" for 2026, according to The Patriot Ledger: