Forbes Names Duke Among 'Best Employers for New Grads' in 2026

Duke University and Duke Health appear again on list for workplaces that support early career professionals

An aerial view of Duke University and Duke University Hospital
Photo by Duke Communications

Duke University and Duke University Health System have been cited as top places to start careers as both were named to Forbes’ 2026 list of “America’s Best Employers for New Grads.”

Duke University ranked 414 and Duke Health was 146 on the list of 500 employers released Tuesday that recognized workplaces that fostered a positive working environment for young professionals.

It is Duke University’s third consecutive appearance on the list and Duke Health’s second straight listing.

"Duke is not only a great place to start your career, but we try to position ourselves to present professional development opportunities so that a person can progress and continue to grow with Duke as Duke continues to grow," said Antwan Lofton, Vice President for Duke Human Resources. "We are excited to be highlighted for the efforts on both the Health System and the University side, and we look forward to continuing to learn from our young leaders who are coming in straight out of school with fresh eyes."

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Created for Forbes by market research firm Statista, the list is based on data drawn over three years of responses from a survey panel of more than 100,000 U.S.-based professionals with less than 10 years of work experience and for organizations with 1,000 or more employees. More than 2 million evaluations are considered.

"Being named one of America’s Best Employers for New Grads reflects the culture our team members create every day at Duke Health — one grounded in learning, belonging, purpose and support," said Rhonda Brandon, Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Duke University Health System. "We are proud to be a place where new graduates can begin meaningful careers while making a difference in the lives of others.”

Respondents were asked how likely they would be to recommend working for organizations they have direct experience with, or that have employed their family, friends or industry colleagues. They were also asked to evaluate employers in areas such as atmosphere and development, company culture, working conditions, compensation, image of organization and workplace environment.

Forbes named Duke University and Duke University Health System to their 2026 lists of America’s Best Large Employers and America’s Dream Employers and Duke University to America’s Best Employers for Company Culture.

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