Toronto’s Colleges and Universities: An Economic Engine for Ontario

TWIG
8 October 2026

Toronto’s public colleges and universities make a substantial contribution to the economies of both the city and Ontario. The eight institutions in this chart recorded more than 321,000 enrolments in 2024/25, including over 87,000 international enrolments. To put that scale in perspective, 321,000 is roughly equivalent to the entire population of Saskatoon, estimated at about 318,000 residents in July 2025.

Their economic contribution extends through jobs for faculty and staff, purchases from suppliers, investments in facilities, and student spending on housing, food, transportation and local services. Their graduates bring skills to manufacturing, health care, technology, business, industrial trades and the creative industries. Research and partnerships with employers help turn ideas into practical improvements and new business opportunities, supporting employment and economic growth across Ontario.

Author

TWIG

Toronto Workforce Innovation Group is a non-profit and independent research organization devoted to finding and promoting solutions to employment-related problems in the Toronto Region.

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