Gabriel Miller
President & CEO,
Universities Canada
Canadian universities equip students with essential skills, ensuring graduates are prepared for today’s evolving workforce.
A university degree is more than just a credential; it’s a pathway to higher earnings, broader career options, and greater job stability in an evolving job market. With employment rates and income levels significantly higher for university graduates, Canadian universities are proving their value by equipping students with skills that meet the demands of today’s economy, making a university education one of the most impactful investments for career success.
University degrees transform people’s lives.
“University degrees transform people’s lives,” says Gabriel Miller, President and CEO of Universities Canada, an organization that acts as the voice of Canadian universities. “The value of a degree in today’s economy is clear. There’s really nothing you can do that’ll have a better effect on your career prospects.”
Skills for success
Miller emphasizes that Universities Canada’s 97 public university members are continuously engaging with students, local businesses, and communities to ensure programs provide valuable skills. This includes technical knowledge in areas like engineering, computer science, and medicine, as well as effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability, which are essential in today’s workforce.
University graduates not only earn more — with bachelor’s degree holders averaging $66,500 annually, master’s graduates around $82,000, and doctorate holders about $97,400 — but they also have better job security and higher employment rates.
The value of a degree in today’s economy is clear. There’s really nothing you can do that’ll have a better effect on your career prospects.
In 2023, Statistics Canada reported that the unemployment rate was 4 per cent for individuals with a bachelor’s degree and 3.8 per cent for those with advanced degrees, underscoring the strong return on investment of higher education. With expanding career options and earning potential, a university degree opens doors to a fulfilling and adaptable future.
Learn more at univcan.ca/priorities.
