Facts and Figures 2008
Student Quality and Performance
An increasing number of secondary school applicants make the University of Guelph their university of choice. Between 1998 and 2008, the number of secondary school applications indicating Guelph as one of their top three choices grew by more than 40 percent. Between Fall 2007 and Fall 2008, first choice applications to the University of Guelph grew by five times the rate for the rest of the Ontario university system.
Guelph - The Institution of Preference
On average, in Fall 2008, there were six applications per available seat for undergraduate degree programs.
Why do students choose Guelph?
U of G ranked 2nd in reputation in Canada among comprehensive universities ‑ defined as institutions with significant research activity and a range of programs, including professional degrees ‑ in the 2008 Maclean's magazine survey of Canadian universities.
In the 2008 University Report Card, students cited the quality of education, close interaction with faculty, the friendly, caring community and the beautiful campus as main reasons for attending this learner‑centered institution.
Undergraduate Admissions Quality
Not only is U of G attracting more students, but it's drawing more of the best students. In 2007, nearly 87 % of the secondary school students entering arts and science programs at the U of G attained a 75+ entrance average. This was well above the average for the rest of the system.
Student Success
The transition from secondary school to university is challenging—personally as well as financially—for both students and their families, and demands from the University capable and comprehensive support programs and staff, as well as a commitment to accessibility.
Guelph’s recruitment and student acclimatization programs and publications, including S@GE, START, UPDATE, and Creative Encounters, have been recognized as particularly effective in preparing students for their university experience.
Innovative and demanding academic programs, delivered by enthusiastic and skilled faculty and staff and, comprehensive and well-designed support services, not only to facilitate and enhance learning, but also to help resolve personal, social, health, or financial concerns that may arise provide an environment facilitating success.
The University of Guelph has one of the highest Year 1 to Year 2 retention rates in the province. For those students in Year 1 in Fall 2006, Guelph’s retention rate was 90.5% well above the provincial average of 88.4%.
Student Success
The University of Guelph boasts one of the highest graduation rates in the province. For those students entering Ontario Universities in the fall of 2001, 78.8% graduated within six years. This is significantly higher than the system average of 74.5%.
Student Success
The overall experience at the University prepares graduates well for their transition to the labour market.. Guelph graduates In the 2008 University Report Card, University of Guelph was given high marks for quality of career /employment preparation and opportunities to acquire work-related knowledge. The survey also indicated that students believe that their skills wree valued by prospective employers. The survey provides evidence that Guelph graduates are well-positioned to compete for the best opportunities in the market.
Student Success
Student satisfaction extends beyond graduation. The most recent MTCU Graduate Placement Survey found that 96 per cent of Guelph grads in the labour force find jobs within two years of completing their studies. And within two years of graduation, U of G graduates on average earn at least 30 per cent more than their secondary school counterparts within the same age group.
Student Success
The University of Guelph educational experience prepares students for life-long learning. Graduands from the University of Guelph who choose not to enter the labour force go on to pursue additional schooling including graduate and professional degrees at a much higher rate than graduands from our sister institutions in the province.
Superior Achievements
Guelph students ranked ahead of the national average in its share of students holding national scholarly awards.
