Brief
University of Alberta ranks sixth among Canada’s large universities in Maclean’s 2027 list
The ranking, released Oct. 17, groups schools by enrollment size and adds new performance indicators.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Maclean’s released its 2027 Canadian University Rankings on Oct. 17, placing the University of Alberta sixth among the country’s large universities (those with over 30,000 full‑time students), according to Daily Hive.
What happened
The magazine reshaped its methodology, moving from category‑based groupings to size‑based ones: large (30,000+ students), mid‑size (10,000‑30,000) and small (under 10,000). Fifteen indicators were used, including student retention, six‑year graduation rates, research output per faculty member, and research impact. Among the large institutions, McGill University topped the list, followed by the University of Toronto and the University of British Columbia.
What the reports add
Daily Hive notes that the University of Alberta offers more than 200 undergraduate and 500 graduate programs and receives roughly $600 million in annual research funding. The outlet also cites the university’s 97 percent alumni employment rate and the $250 billion in revenue generated by companies founded by its graduates.
What was said
Bill Flanagan, president and vice‑chancellor of the University of Alberta, is quoted in the ranking profile: “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.”
How it came about
The new size‑based classification follows Maclean’s earlier three‑category system (medical‑doctoral, comprehensive, primarily undergraduate). The university’s strong showing aligns with its recent performance in other global rankings, such as the Times Higher Education 2027 World University Rankings, where it placed 118th worldwide, and the THE Sustainable Development Goals ranking, where it was 10th globally.
Key facts
- University of Alberta ranked sixth among large Canadian universities in Maclean’s 2027 ranking (dailyhive.com)
- Maclean’s now groups universities by enrollment size: large (30,000+), mid‑size (10,000‑30,000), small (<10,000) (dailyhive.com)
- The ranking uses 15 indicators, including retention, six‑year graduation, research output per faculty and research impact (dailyhive.com)
- U of A receives about $600 million in annual research funding and has a 97% alumni employment rate (dailyhive.com)
- Bill Flanagan, president and vice‑chancellor, praised the university’s international reputation and student experience (dailyhive.com)
Sources
- [1] dailyhive.com — originally reported as “University of Alberta ranks high among best schools in Canada for 2027 | Daily Hive | Business & Tech”
