For the first time in its history, Algoma University has made the Maclean's magazine list of Canada's Top 20 undergraduate universities.
“It’s great to see Algoma University make its debut in the Maclean's University Rankings — a testament to our continued evolution as one of Canada’s fastest-growing public universities," said Craig Fowler, Algoma U's vice president of Growth, International & External Relations, in an email on Tuesday. "Making the list is an important milestone and it’s encouraging us to keep going on our journey to lead change for generations to come – creating a lasting impact through teaching and learning, research, and leading community-building projects."
The university, which offers programming in Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins and Brampton, just cracked the Top 20, placing 19th in the magazine's 2024 list of Primarily Undergraduate Universities.
When looking at the individual categories that made up the ranking, Algoma placed first overall for Operating Budget and second in Canada for Scholarships and Bursaries.
Fowler said the university is particularly proud of the scholarships and bursaries ranking.
"We provide access," said Fowler. "Many of our incredible students are the first in their families to go to university, but we know they won’t be the last. That’s just one of the ways we’re impacting generations."
Algoma U also ranked in the Top 10 in the categories of Medical/Science Grants and Library Acquisitions. It ranked last place in Library Expenses, Student Services and in its Reputational Survey.
According to the university's profile in the Maclean's listing, it offers full-time programming to 1,758 undergraduate students, as well as to 327 part-time students. International students make up 72 per cent of the first year student body.
In its description of the methodology behind the rankings, Maclean's said Algoma U was eligible for the ranking because it has consistently maintained full time enrolment of over 1,000 students.