Algoma University Ranks Last in Maclean’s 2023 University Survey

Algoma University has once again found itself at the bottom of the annual Maclean’s magazine rankings, placing 20th out of 20 primarily undergraduate institutions in 2023. This marks the second consecutive year that the institution has received this ranking, which evaluates universities across Canada based on various metrics including reputation, student services, and faculty awards.

The university’s performance was particularly poor in several key areas, finishing last in seven out of the twelve metrics used by Maclean’s. Among these, Algoma faced challenges in reputation, which is determined through surveys of faculty, administrators, and employers regarding their perceptions of the university and its graduates. Additionally, it was tied for last place in both student awards and faculty awards. The university also ranked lowest for student-faculty ratio, which indicates the number of full-time students per full-time faculty member, as well as for student services, library expenses, and grants in the social sciences and humanities.

Despite these setbacks, Algoma University excelled in the area of scholarships and bursaries, allocating more funds for these opportunities than any other primarily undergraduate institution. The university also led in operating budget per full-time student, with a figure of $43,826. This is nearly $20,000 higher than the second-place institution, St. Thomas University in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

As of this fall, Algoma has an estimated 4,482 students enrolled, a significant decline from approximately 9,000 last year. This drop has been largely attributed to a 60 percent decrease in international students, which occurred due to enrolment caps imposed by the federal government.

When addressing the university’s reputational score, officials acknowledged that the ranking aligns with Algoma’s relatively young status. “Algoma’s reputational ranking remains relatively low, which is expected for a young and growing university,” a spokesperson stated. Established as an independent institution in 2008, Algoma University is one of the smallest universities in Canada, with a focused mandate as an access university. The spokesperson noted that awareness of Algoma is limited compared to larger, more established universities.

Officials expressed optimism that recognition of Algoma’s strengths will increase over time. “We’re particularly excited that Maclean’s has recognized Algoma University as the best public university in Canada for scholarship opportunities,” they said. They also emphasized that the university continues to invest strategically in areas that respond to evolving student needs.

The statement highlighted that certain metrics, such as student services, measure budget allocation rather than the effectiveness of those services. Algoma is committed to expanding its resources, including recent investments in Learning and Accessibility Services to meet growing student demand, and enhancing data systems for better student support.

Although the university faces challenges in several categories, officials remain proud of its inclusion in the top 20 primarily undergraduate universities. The recognition reflects Algoma’s commitment to fostering a supportive community for current and future students.