Despite rising tuition costs in most parts of the country, a majority of Canadians still have a positive impression of their universities, according to a poll conducted by Abacus Data.
The results, published on Nov. 3, found 77 per cent of Canadians had good feelings towards their university. Twenty per cent of those polled were on the fence, while only two per cent had a negative impression.
Seventy-one per cent of respondents agreed that universities will have a good future.
Sixty-three per cent said universities need to change, while 54 per cent said schools were inadequately funded.
Abacus Data polled 2,000 Canadians reflective of the country’s population based on age, gender, educational attainment, and region. The study was done in co-operation with Universities Canada.
David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, said the study is measured by the perceptions of Canadians, not actual outcomes or performances.
He said the fact only two per cent said they have a negative impression of universities is very low compared to other institutions and sectors Abacus Data does research for.
“The results suggest that Canadian universities are held in high regard by most Canadians,” he said. “Compared to other types of post-secondary institutions, Canadians are more likely to think that universities help students become leaders, solve big challenges, help students think and communicate well.”
Impressions of colleges, Quebec schools, American universities, and online education polled lower. Sixty-three per cent of Canadians had good impressions of colleges, 59 per cent of CEGEP Quebec schools, 47 per cent of American schools, and 33 per cent of online education.
Fourteen per cent had negative impressions about CEGEP schools and 17 per cent on online education.
Joel Landa, a second-year psychology and neuroscience student at Carleton, said the poll reflects his own views of higher education.
“I believe university is an all around great thing to have, to further our future, bring knowledge, and in general prepare the future generations for the real world,” he said.
“I think the knowledge and skills I am obtaining in school right now will help me get a job, not right out of university,” he added.
Mustafa Murtaza, an international student who is studying engineering, said despite some impracticalities about what he learns, a university education teaches him other skills.
“The education [does] not necessarily give skills. In engineering it’s on job learning, however it teaches us important skills such as time management, responsibility, and working under pressure,” he said.
