As certain as the beginning of term and the tens of thousands of first-year students arriving on campuses across the country, September brings questions about the value of education and anxiety about how to maintain that value as the world of work changes.
The value of the University of Toronto is globally recognized. In this year’sprestigious Times Higher Education ranking of the world’s universities, U of T was ranked 18th globally, placing it firmly among the world’s top 20 institutions. Jumping three spots from last year, the new rankingfurther cements U of T’s status as Canada’s top university. Among public institutions, U of T’s performance was even more impressive, ranking eighth in the world and third in North America.
For students and their families, a university degree is a solid foundation on which to build a rewarding and challenging life and career. That pays off for governments with higher tax revenues, healthier populations and more competitive economies driven by resilient and resourceful lifelong learners. In technology, health care, advanced manufacturing and many other sectors, universities are supplying the talent pipeline that is driving economic growth for the province.
Here are five reasons why university is worth it:
University education is changing: Whether it’s spending a semester abroad, or doing a work-integrated co-op term, students’ learning extends far outside the classroom. A majority of U of T students have a work-integrated learning experience, and U of T has also committed to helping more students study abroad. And with federal government support for initiatives like these, more Canadian postsecondary students will find that their university campus includes their city, province and the world.
Return on Investment: University graduates earn higher salaries than those with other postsecondary credentials. Sometimes, students’ skills are in hot demand while others may experience slower but steady increases. University grads have employment rates of 93.9 per cent overall and in many fields, almost every graduate is working. U of T students’ employability is ranked 5th in the world among public universities. For U of T grads, an investment in their education pays off.
Affordability: U of T guarantees that deserving students will not be turned away due to lack of funds. While U of T’s assistance is the most generous in the province, universities and governments across Canada work together to reduce the student debt burden. Half of students in Ontario graduating with a B.A. have no debt. According to Statistics Canada, another 40 per cent of bachelor’s degree graduates in Ontario pay off any debt they incurred within several years. At U of T, the combination of student assistance and healthy post-graduation earnings translate to a zero per cent debt default rate across many fields.
Better health: When governments invest in education, they are indirectly investing in the health and prosperity of their citizens for decades to come. The ways in which education affects health are myriad and complex, but researchers have established that education leads to better individual health and contributes to health-care savings. While higher tax revenues are the pay-off for governments, a healthier life has obvious benefits for individuals.
Prepared for change: Humans have always adapted to changes in work, and as more jobs will undergo shifts in the future, preparing for the certainty that a new graduate’s first few jobs are likely to have little in common with their last job is a necessity. People with a university degree are better prepared to upgrade their qualifications. As University of Toronto President Meric Gertler has said: ”the openness, creativity and agility needed to reinvent oneself seem more important than ever.”
FAQs
University grads have employment rates of 93.9 per cent overall and in many fields, almost every graduate is working. U of T students' employability is ranked 5th in the world among public universities. For U of T grads, an investment in their education pays off.
Is University of Toronto a good university? ›
University of Toronto is ranked #18 in Best Global Universities. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.
Is university education valuable? ›
Despite national conversation questioning the value of a college degree, a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that many employers still see higher ed as valuable, with three-quarters of respondents viewing college credentials as high quality.
What are the advantages of studying in the University of Toronto? ›
Customize Your Education
The University of Toronto offers an exceptional breadth and depth of study. Our undergraduate students choose from 700+ academic programs, learn from the best minds, get involved in research, and take advantage of intimate learning environments.
Are Canadian universities funded by the government? ›
Universities and colleges in Canada are funded through two main sources: government grants and individual user fees.
Is University of Toronto as good as Harvard? ›
Stay in the loop with the blogTO newsletter
The University of Toronto has just landed in an impressive position on yet another ranking of academic institutions, placing before such esteemed schools as Oxford and Yale Universities, and after only Harvard.
What is the Harvard of Canada? ›
Which University in Canada is considered Harvard of Ivy League? McGill University is Canada's second finest university, trailing only Toronto. This reflects in McGill University's status as Canada's Harvard and Toronto University's status as the country's Oxford.
Is university education better than college? ›
Universities may be better if you want to pursue a graduate degree or research opportunities. Both types of higher education institutions can provide quality education, so consider what environment aligns best with your preferences and aspirations.
Are college degrees losing value? ›
In 2023, 55% of companies removed bachelor's degree requirements for some roles. 70% removed it for entry-level roles, 61% for mid-level roles, and 45% for senior-level roles.
What are 3 disadvantages of going to college university after high school? ›
Is College Right for You?
| Pros of Attending College | Cons of Attending College |
|---|
| Higher earning potential | High cost |
| Access to more jobs | Opportunity cost of time spent not working |
| More learning opportunities | The availability of high-paying, no-degree jobs |
| Networking opportunities | Underemployed college graduates |
6 more rowsJan 23, 2023
The University of Toronto is among an elite group of universities whose teaching and research are highly regarded by the world's leading scholars, according to new rankings by Times Higher Education.
Is it worth going to University of Toronto? ›
The University of Toronto is one of the most sought-after universities in the world, thanks to its remarkable community of students, faculty and alumni. Canada's top-ranked university is also one of the world's best research-intensive universities, which has produced some of the top minds across different fields.
What are the pros and cons of Toronto? ›
Toronto is generally considered an expensive city to live in as the cost of living is high due to high demand for housing, and high taxes. In addition, other disadvantages of living in Toronto include traffic congestion, and a crowded city. Nevertheless, Toronto is a vibrant and diverse city with a lot to offer.
Is University of Toronto funded by the government? ›
The University of Toronto is a publicly-funded institution and because of that cannot offer financial aid to international students. Find out more about scholarships & awards for international students here.
What are the disadvantages of private colleges in Canada? ›
Compared to public universities, private institutions might have fewer research opportunities and resources due to limited funding. While some private universities in Canada hold a strong impression, others might lack recognition or accreditation, making it crucial to research thoroughly before enrolling.
Are private universities better than public universities? ›
When it comes to private versus public colleges, which one comes out on top? Well, public universities tend to be perceived as more accessible and economical, while private colleges often have a reputation of prestige and esteem — albeit at a higher cost of attendance.
Is University of Toronto hard to get into? ›
Having around 43% acceptance rate the University of Toronto is very selective in admissions. Students are evaluated based on their academic history; some programs require supplementary applications, auditions or profiles.
Is University of Toronto Ivy? ›
No; the University of Toronto is not considered part of the Ivy League, which comprises eight institutions from the US only.
What is the number 1 university in Canada? ›
Is University of Toronto better than NYU? ›
New York University is ranked as one of the top 25 US universities and comes under the top 50 global universities and is ranked at 39th position by QS. University of Toronto is one of the top public research universities in Canada. The university ranks at #=34 in the latest QS World Rankings, 2023.
