SFU takes top spot in Maclean’s 2024 university rankings

Simon Fraser University hit a prestigious milestone as it was named the top comprehensive university in Canada for the 15th time over the past 16 years.

The university retained the top spot as the 2024 Maclean’s University Rankings were released on Thursday.

The annual rankings gave top marks to SFU for its student services and awards, library resources (expenses and acquisitions) and operating budget, while also placing in the top three for student/faculty ratio, faculty awards, social sciences and humanities grants, medical/science grants and reputation.

“It’s an honour for Simon Fraser University to be once again ranked as Canada’s top comprehensive university by Maclean’s,” says SFU President Joy Johnson. “I am so proud of our community and all the work from across the university that has led to this result as we work to advance an inclusive and sustainable future, together.”

Maclean’s puts universities into three categories, recognizing the differences in types of institutions, levels of research funding, diversity of offerings, and breadth and depth of graduate and professional programs.

Universities in the comprehensive category have a significant degree of research activity and a wide range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including professional degrees.

Maclean’s lists SFU’s Indigenous languages, environmental science and sustainable energy engineering offerings as standout programs.

The last year saw SFU continue to grow and build on its commitment to staff, students and faculty and our shared values.

The Courtyard Residence building opened its doors to nearly 400 first-year students this fall and the Evolve E-Bike Share Program rolled out to give people a new, sustainable way of getting around Burnaby campus.

Construction is underway on the First Peoples’ Gathering House and the Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum, both of which will transform the university’s cultural landscape once open.

And plans for the SFU medical school in Surrey – the first new medical school in Western Canada in over 50 years – continue to move along at rapid pace.

SFU’s growth continues as the university looks ahead with its What’s Next: The SFU Strategy campaign while forging ahead on existing goals, including its commitment to reducing greenhouse gases and advancing sustainable divestment, while also being recognized internationally for supporting UN targets for sustainable cities.