Photo courtesy of: Trent University
Trent University has earned top marks for student financial support, ranking first in Ontario for scholarships and bursaries among mid-sized universities in the 2027 Maclean’s University Rankings.
The Peterborough-based institution placed fourth nationally in the category, while also receiving strong results for student services, research and faculty recognition.
The latest rankings introduce a new classification system based on university size, moving Trent from the former Primarily Undergraduate category into the new Mid-Sized category.
Trent is one of only two universities to make that transition, reflecting growth in enrolment, graduate education and research activity.
University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Cathy Bruce says the results demonstrate Trent’s commitment to supporting students as the institution continues to expand.
“For more than a decade, we’ve expanded our programs, research, and career opportunities for students while preserving the personalized, supportive learning environment that defines the Trent experience,” said Bruce. “We continue to invest in scholarships, supports, and campus communities that help students thrive from the moment they arrive on campus and through the legacies they create.”
Beyond scholarships and bursaries, Trent ranked second in Ontario and third nationally for student services among mid-sized universities.
It also placed second provincially for research volume and third for faculty awards.
The university says its financial assistance includes renewable entrance scholarships, with students entering with grade averages of 95 per cent or higher eligible for scholarships covering their full first-year tuition.
Trent notes that the Maclean’s scholarship and bursary ranking does not include donor-funded awards, which totalled nearly $2 million in 2025.
The university also pointed to results from the National Survey of Student Engagement, which found first-year Trent students reported stronger interactions with academic advisors and faculty than their peers at other Ontario universities.
The rankings come as Trent prepares for further expansion.
Earlier this month, the province announced a $38-million investment through its Priority Growth Fund to support 1,504 additional student spaces at Trent. That funding will help expand programs in healthcare, education and STEM-related fields, including nursing, kinesiology and social work.
University officials say the latest Maclean’s results reflect their efforts to maintain a supportive learning environment while accommodating continued growth.
