Lakehead Upholds #1 Position in Maclean’s Rankings of Ontario Universities

Lakehead University is Ontario’s top university under 10,000 students, according to Maclean’s 2027 University Rankings.

Lakehead University’s top marks reflects the quality of the university’s faculty combined with 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.

“These rankings recognize the quality of a Lakehead University education and the commitment of our faculty and staff to student success,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall. “We offer students the opportunity to learn from outstanding scholars, contribute to meaningful research, and receive the personal support that helps them succeed. That combination is central to who we are and what students can expect when they choose Lakehead University."

Among Ontario universities under 10,000 students, Lakehead University scored first in student awards and faculty-to-student class ratios, emphasizing the university’s reputation for supporting students and nurturing their success, and second for scholarship and bursaries and student retention and graduation rates.

When it comes to research income and impact, Lakehead University also ranked first among universities in the category, reflecting the quality and impact of leading-edge research occurring at the university.

“This achievement underscores Lakehead University’s leadership in advancing discovery that addresses real-world challenges, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities for students to contribute to social, economic, and cultural progress across our regions and beyond,” explained Dr. Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

The university also ranked eighth overall in Canada out of 22 Canadian universities included in the under 10,000 students category.

“I’m pleased that we continue to be recognized as a leading university in Canada, and we remain committed to opening doors and creating opportunities that change lives,” Dr. Balfour added.

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 2026 Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings.

The annual Maclean’s rankings separate Canada’s universities into three groups — large (more than 30,000 students), medium (between 10,000 and 30,000 students) and small (under 10,000 students) — recognizing the differences in types of institutions, levels of research funding, diversity of offerings, and breadth and depth of graduate and professional programs.

Learn more about Lakehead University at one of our upcoming events, such as the Fall Open House on Saturday, Nov. 7 in Orillia and Barrie, or the Explore the North VIP Experience in Thunder Bay on Friday, Nov. 20. More details are available at https://www.lakeheadu.ca/admissions/events.