ROI of Higher Education
Measuring return on investment (ROI) for higher education
Recent releases
ROI of Higher Education—November 2025
There are notable differences in the general operating expenses associated with delivering academic programs across Canadian colleges and universities. These costs reflect the resources, equipment, facilities, and staffing required to deliver programs, and they vary widely depending on the field of study.
November 3, 2025 • 15-min read
About
The annual ROI of Higher Education report provides a comprehensive analysis of and insights into the fiscal and economic benefits of post-secondary education (PSE). It connects education spending directly to student outcomes, equipping Canadian colleges and universities with the data and intelligence they need to demonstrate their value amid rising costs, declining international student enrolment, budget cuts, and workforce changes.
Using Statistics Canada data, proprietary data from Vicinity online job postings, and Signal49 Research forecasts on job vacancies and skills shortages, ROI of Higher Education is the only report in Canada to demonstrate return on investment in post-secondary education, supporting funding advocacy and strategic program prioritization.
The report includes analysis of:
Income levels and tax revenue generated across education levels, fields of study, and regions
Operating costs of PSE programs, factors driving variances, and direct contributions from provincial and federal governments
Job vacancies and skill shortages, highlighting how targeted education investments can fill critical skill gaps and drive economic growth
Where leaders turn when faced with Canada’s toughest problems.
Our subscriptions deliver key intelligence to your fingertips so you can act on critical opportunities with confidence.
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