Lakehead secures top spot in Maclean’s rankings
Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. – Lakehead University is Ontario’s top primarily undergraduate university and fifth in Canada, according to the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings.
Lakehead also scored first in student awards and faculty-to-student class ratios, emphasizing the university’s reputation for supporting students and nurturing their success. Further recognition saw Lakehead rank in the top two among primarily undergraduate Ontario universities for faculty success in securing social sciences and humanities research grants, and third for scholarships and bursaries and overall reputation.
“Students choose Lakehead for its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, liveable communities, and ultimately, to realize their full potential,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “We meet students where they’re at and help them achieve their dreams. We do this through our uniquely accessible pathways to entry, student support programs, and extensive opportunities for experiential learning and research. This year’s Maclean’s rankings recognize the important investments made by Lakehead’s passionate faculty, staff and community partners dedicated to creating an environment where every student can thrive.”
Lakehead’s top ranking reflects the university’s distinctive approach to learning and support that fosters an inclusive and accessible learning environment designed to meet students’ complex and evolving needs, interests, and career goals. While an estimated 95 per cent of Lakehead’s domestic student population face barriers to attending university – such as financial need, coming from a rural or remote community, or being the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education – the Maclean’s rankings highlight Lakehead’s strong graduation rate, which is the second highest among Ontario’s primarily undergraduate universities – changing the life trajectory for Lakehead grads.
To set students up for success, 100 per cent of undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiential learning opportunities, helping students transition into the workforce after completing their studies. Within six months of graduating, 88 per cent of Lakehead grads are employed, increasing to 97.4 per cent within two years of completing their degrees. Over 90 per cent of graduates are employed in jobs directly related to their studies.
This year’s rankings also reflect the quality and impact of leading-edge research occurring at Lakehead. At just over $69,000 per faculty member, Lakehead continues to have a higher level of sponsored research than many other universities in the province.
“It is a proud moment to see Maclean’s recognize the high quality of education we provide and the significant research capacity we have among our faculty, which supports our role as a local and global changemaker and community builder,” Siddall added.
The annual Maclean’s rankings separate Canada’s 50 universities into three categories, recognizing the differences in types of institutions, levels of research funding, diversity of offerings, and breadth and depth of graduate and professional programs. As part of the primarily undergraduate category, Lakehead is recognized as a smaller university largely focused on undergraduate education, with fewer graduate programs and graduate students than comprehensive or medical/doctoral universities.
Earlier this year, Lakehead ranked in the top 10 per cent globally for universities making an impact through a commitment to sustainability and positive societal change, and the top-ranked university with under 10,000 students in Canada and North America in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. The university also continues to be recognized in the top 50 per cent of universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
Learn more about Lakehead University’s offerings by attending an open house on Sat. Nov. 9 in Orillia, and preview day on Fri. Dec. 6 in Thunder Bay. Register today.
