Big benefits to a university education, say Canadians

A large majority of Canadians see the benefits of a university education and believe government should do more to ensure there's a spot for every qualified student, according to a recent poll by Ekos Research Associates.

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) commissioned the survey.

At least three-quarters of Canadians say a university degree greatly improves one's chances of getting a job and has a big impact on a person's quality of life and personal growth. An even larger number, 82 per cent, believe a degree positively affects lifetime earnings and career advancement opportunities.

However, when asked if they thought universities have enough room for all qualified students who want to go, two-thirds of Canadians said no.

This is not an idle concern. AUCC estimates that rising demand will push enrolment up at Canadian universities by at least 30 per cent, or 200,000 additional full-time students, in the decade ending in 2011.