Duke Named Among ‘America’s Best Large Employers’ in 2026

The University earns its ninth appearance on the Forbes list, while the Health System is recognized for the fifth time

An aerial view of Duke University and Duke University Health System
Duke University and Duke University Health System both have been named to Forbes' "America's Best Large Employers" list for 2026. Photo by Duke University Marketing and Communications

Duke University and Duke University Health System have both been named to Forbes’ “America’s Best Large Employers” list for 2026.

Duke University was ranked 175th, and Duke University Health System was 105th on the list of 700 employers honored.

It’s the ninth time Duke University has been included in the list in the 11-year-history of Forbes’ ranking, and the fifth time in the past six years it has earned the honor. The Health System has been named to the list five times.

“It’s meaningful to see our continued commitment to be an employer of choice recognized both within Duke and beyond,” said Antwan Lofton, Duke Vice President for Human Resources. “This is not something where we say, ‘We won the award, we're there and we're done.’ We continue to ensure that Duke will be the destination place where people want to come to work and grow.”

Forbes partnered with the business analytics firm Statista, which collects and analyzes workplace evaluation data, to create its annual list. The list is based on information drawn from surveys of more than 217,000 U.S.-based employees working for organizations employing more than 1,000 people.

The respondents shared evaluations of their employers and employers of people they know, as well as industry peers. In all, the survey data, which was collected during the last three years, included roughly 3.5 million evaluations of workplaces across a range of industries.

Employers were evaluated on dimensions such as atmosphere and development opportunities, compensation, image, culture and working conditions.

“Being named to Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers list for the fifth time is an incredible honor and a powerful reflection of our people,” said Rhonda Brandon, SVP & Chief People Officer for Duke University Health System. “This recognition belongs to all of our team members across Duke Health who bring compassion, expertise, and dedication to their work every day. Their commitment to caring for our patients, supporting one another, and advancing our mission in service to humanity is what makes Duke Health an exceptional place to work. While we are proud of this achievement, our focus remains on creating an inclusive, supportive environment where our people can grow and thrive.”

Forbes’ full list of “America’s Best Large Employers for 2026” can be found here.

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