The Value of Post-Secondary Education in Canada explores how working-age Canadians view, experience, and benefit from post-secondary education, based on a May 2025 Abacus Data survey of working-age Canadians (18–65). The findings show that post-secondary education (PSE) delivers lasting benefits for individuals and the economy, and that public investment in the system is both valued and necessary. At the same time, working-age Canadians identify significant barriers, such as affordability, student debt, and gaps in job-relevant training, that must be addressed to strengthen the system’s value even further.
Working-age Canadians value and support post-secondary education and research
Across regions, ages, and political affiliations, working-age Canadians believe that public funding for PSE is essential to the country’s economic future. They support targeted assistance for low-income students, stronger incentives for employers to hire apprentices, and continued investment in both curiosity-driven and mission-driven research at universities, colleges, and polytechnics. A vast majority of individuals would encourage their children to pursue some form of PSE, whether in skilled trades, college, polytechnic, or university.
Post-secondary graduates see lasting personal and professional benefits
Those who have completed PSE report stronger skills, broader career opportunities, and greater confidence in navigating the labour market than those who have not. They are more likely to hold positions of responsibility, adapt to job changes, and report higher life satisfaction, better mental health, and stronger community ties. Work-integrated learning experiences further enhance these benefits, equipping graduates with both improved practical skills and professional networks.
High costs and other challenges limit post-secondary education’s full potential
Despite these clear advantages, affordability remains the most significant barrier to access and success. Cost is identified as the biggest barrier to enrollment, and high tuition and student debt are cited as the biggest downsides of attending PSE, with lasting effects on graduates’ ability to buy homes, start families, or launch businesses. Respondents also pointed to inadequate government funding, weak policy-making, and a lack of job-relevant training as major system shortcomings.
Read the full publication here to learn more!
