Lakehead University has once again been recognized as Ontario’s top university among institutions with fewer than 10,000 students, according to the 2027 Maclean’s University Rankings.
The annual rankings placed Lakehead at the top of its category in Ontario, highlighting the university’s strengths in student support, faculty engagement, research performance, and academic achievement.
Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall said the recognition reflects the university’s commitment to providing students with both academic excellence and personalized support, “These rankings recognize the quality of a Lakehead University education and the commitment of our faculty and staff to student success,” said 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 in the under-10,000-student category, Lakehead ranked first in student awards and faculty-to-student class ratios. The university also placed second in scholarship and bursary support, as well as student retention and graduation rates.
The rankings also highlighted Lakehead’s research strengths. The university finished first in its category for research income and impact, reflecting what officials say is the growing influence of research taking place at its campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia.
Nationally, Lakehead ranked eighth among 22 Canadian universities in the under-10,000-student category.
The latest recognition adds to a strong year for the university. Earlier in 2026, Lakehead ranked among the top 10 per cent of universities globally for sustainability and positive societal impact in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings. The institution was also named the top-ranked university with fewer than 10,000 students in Canada and North America in those rankings.
Maclean’s groups Canadian universities into three categories based on enrolment size: large, medium, and small institutions, allowing schools to be evaluated against peers with similar student populations and research profiles.
