(Wolfville, N.S.)  - Acadia University has maintained its reputation as one of Canada’s best primarily undergraduate universities in the annual Maclean’s magazine ranking of post-secondary institutions. This year, Acadia placed second behind Mount Allison University, up from third overall last year. In the 19 years that Maclean’s has published its annual comparisons, Acadia has been in the top three 18 times.

“Acadia has a long history of being one of Canada’s top-ranked universities according to Maclean’s and this is another strong showing for us,” said Ray Ivany, Acadia’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

“Maclean’s is one of many sources of information for students and their parents when considering the universities they want to learn more about. Today’s news from Maclean’s confirms that Acadia is a university that offers students a personalized experience through access to exceptional faculty, research opportunities that enrich their academic experience, and resources that help ensure their academic success. It also acknowledges the institutional strength we have here in Atlantic Canada and the broad range of high quality options our region presents to students.”

In addition to its university rankings, which are based on information available from publicly available sources such as Statistics Canada, Maclean’s includes information from nationally-recognized student surveys. For example, Acadia consistently ranks above the national average for key student satisfaction elements such as faculty-student interaction, active and collaborative learning, and supportive campus environment in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE).

“The positive student response to key questions about how Acadia meets their expectations is very gratifying,” said Dr. Tom Herman, Acadia’s Vice-President, Academic. “When high school students want to know more about any university, they will often ask their friends for their impressions. Acadia’s students speak highly of the interaction they have with faculty and the level of support they receive from the entire university community to help them meet their goals.”

Jon Cottreau, Acadia Students’ Union President, recently shared his Acadia experience with prospective students during Acadia’s Open House, which had its largest attendance in history. He expected a strong showing for the university in the Maclean’s rankings.

“Acadia’s consistent ranking among the top undergraduate institutions in Canada is a true reflection of the academic excellence and quality personal experience Acadia students enjoy,” Cottreau said. “An Acadia education focuses on developing well-rounded students and providing as many opportunities to grow outside of the classroom as within. Without doubt, a student who chooses Acadia will be rewarded with a top-notch personalized education from some of the best faculty in Canada.”