Wilfrid Laurier University’s $3.8 billion impact

Oct. 27, 2025

A new report confirms that Wilfrid Laurier University’s annual economic impact in Ontario exceeds $3.8 billion.

Building a Thriving Future: Wilfrid Laurier University’s Social and Economic Impact quantifies Laurier’s far-reaching impact on communities, local economies, and the lives of its alumni.

Highlights include:

• $3.8 billion annual economic impact in Ontario
• 305,000 jobs created nationwide by entrepreneurial alumni
• 5 million volunteer hours contributed annually by alumni in their communities

The report, led by Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA), surveyed more than 4,400 alumni who shared their pathways to the university, and career and life trajectories since graduating from Laurier.

The survey revealed strong entrepreneurial and community spirit among alumni, with 28 per cent of respondents indicating they had started at least one business since leaving Laurier, and nine per cent founding or co-founding a charity or non-profit.

“This report confirms what we’ve known for a very long time: that our alumni are strengthening communities across Ontario and Canada through their talent, entrepreneurship and civic engagement,” said Deborah MacLatchy, president and vice-chancellor.

The evidence presented in the HESA report reinforces Laurier’s role as an anchor institution in Southwestern Ontario, proving that investing in the university sector is an investment in the prosperity of communities.