University of Alberta ranks high among best schools in Canada for 2027

Choosing a university is a big decision, and a new ranking reveals that the University of Alberta ranks among the top large schools for 2027.

Maclean’s just dropped its 2027 Canadian University Rankings and has made some major changes.

According to a release, it previously categorized schools into medical doctoral, comprehensive, and primarily undergraduate categories. This year, universities are grouped by size based on full-time enrollment: large (over 30,000 students), mid-size (10,000 to 30,000), and small (less than 10,000 students).

Universities were also evaluated based on four new performance indicators: student retention rates, the percentage of students who graduate within six years, research output per faculty member, and research impact. In total, schools are assessed using 15 indicators that look at student resources and support, student experience and success, faculty quality, and reputation.

And among the large universities, Maclean’s ranked the University of Alberta sixth.

The Edmonton-based university offers more than 200 undergraduate programs and 500 graduate programs, with approximately $600 million in research funding annually.

“Located on the edge of the North Saskatchewan River, the main campus is a serene green space,” Maclean’s wrote.

According to its profile in the rankings, the U of A has a 97 per cent employment rate among its alumni, while companies founded by its graduates generate $250 billion in annual revenue.

sockagphoto/Shutterstock

Tuition is listed at $9,184, with median entering grades of 82 per cent for Arts, 89 per cent for Science, 85 per cent for Commerce, and 88.5 per cent for Engineering.

The university also supports Indigenous language revitalization initiatives that help communities work toward a future where Indigenous languages are spoken in all aspects of life.

“Recognized internationally as a leader in education and research, the University of Alberta is dedicated to providing students with an exceptional experience that challenges them, provides them with opportunities for exploration and connection, and prepares them to become global innovators who lead with purpose,” said president and vice-chancellor Bill Flanagan.

“Students learn from experts in their fields and thrive in a welcoming, supportive and vibrant community.”

The U of A has earned strong results in several university rankings this year.

The 2027 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, released on Sept. 30, placed the U of A 118th globally, putting it among the top 150 universities worldwide.

In June, THE also released its eighth annual ranking assessing 100 universities’ progress toward the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the U of A placing 10th globally.

McGill University was Canada’s top large university, according to Maclean’s ranking, followed by the University of Toronto in second, and the University of British Columbia in third place.

You can view the full ranking on the Maclean’s website.

With files from Irish Mae Silvestre.