Centennial College is ranked 601-620 globally in the QS World Sustainability Ranking, reflecting its social impact and sustainability efforts. Additionally, it is placed among the top 50 research colleges in Canada, highlighting its contributions to innovation and applied research.
This ranking analysis explores Centennial College's standings across different ranking bodies, helping prospective students evaluate its academic reputation and industry relevance.
Centennial College World Rankings 2024-25
Centennial College has made its mark in global higher education rankings, particularly in sustainability and applied learning. Meanwhile, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings has recognized Centennial College's academic quality and industry partnerships.
Though, recently, it hasn't been ranked under QS, THE, and other prominent rankings, here's an overview of their past year's rankings:
Ranking Organization
Ranking(2020)
Ranking(2021)
Ranking(2022)
QS World University Rankings
#1,002
#1,002
#1,302
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
#1,003
#1,002
#1,203
US News & World Report
#41
#41
#41
The changing trends can be captured through the following graphical representation:
Centennial College has experienced fluctuations in global rankings over recent years, reflecting shifts in institutional assessments and criteria.
In the QS World University Rankings, Centennial was ranked #1,002 in both 2020 and 2021 before dropping to #1,302 in 2022, indicating increased competition and evolving ranking methodologies.
Similarly, in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, Centennial held a #1,002 position in 2021 but declined to #1,203 in 2022, showing a slight shift in its global standing.
On the national front, Centennial College maintained a consistent position in U.S. News & World Report's rankings at #41 for three consecutive years (2020-2022), reaffirming its stable reputation within Canada's higher education sector.
Although it has not been ranked in recent editions of QS or THE, its past rankings showcase its role as a key player in applied education and career-focused learning.
Subject-Wise Ranking of Centennial College
Subject-wise rankings assess academic quality and program reputation, guiding students in making informed decisions about college and programs.
Centennial College offers programs across multiple disciplines, with engineering (#6,712), arts (#3,252), and many more ranked among the global rankings.
Here’s how Centennial College programs perform globally:
Subject Area
Global Rank (2025)
Engineering & Technology
#6,172
Medical & Health Sciences
#6,440
Natural Sciences
#13,032
Business & Management
#9,942
Art and Humanities
#3,252
Note: Rankings can vary based on specific programs or departments within the university.
These rankings are based on specific metrics and reflect its performance in various academic disciplines, underscoring its broad strengths.
Now, let’s explore how Centennial College stands in other rankings.
Miscellaneous Ranking
Centennial College ranks among the top 2 in Canada for providing paid research opportunities. It has achieved notable distinctions beyond traditional academic rankings, reflecting its commitment to research, GTA, and global engagement.
Here's a look at some of the distinct positions of the college:
Ranking Category
Rank/Recognition
Description
Top Research College in Canada
#20 overall
Recognized as one of Canada’s leading research colleges based on innovation, industry partnerships, and applied research projects.
Paid Student Research Opportunities
#2 in Canada
Ranked second in Canada for providing students with paid research opportunities, ensuring hands-on experience in real-world projects.
Graduate Satisfaction (GTA)
#1 in the Greater Toronto Area
Centennial graduates report the highest satisfaction levels among colleges in the Greater Toronto Area, reflecting strong career support and education quality.
Global Engagement Ranking
#1 in Canada, #4 globally
Ranked first in Canada and fourth worldwide for international learning participation, highlighting its global student exchange programs and study-abroad initiatives.
Centennial College has become a leader in applied education, research, and global engagement. It ranks #20 among Canada’s top research colleges, showcasing its strong emphasis on innovation, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning through applied research projects. A standout achievement is its #2 ranking in Canada for paid student research opportunities, demonstrating its commitment to experiential learning.
Centennial College also leads in student satisfaction, ranking #1 in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for graduate satisfaction. This reflects its strong academic support, career services, and employment outcomes, making it a preferred choice among students in the region.
On the global stage, Centennial College ranks #1 in Canada and #4 worldwide for Global Engagement, emphasizing its commitment to international education. With extensive student exchange programs and study-abroad initiatives, Centennial provides a diverse, globally connected learning experience.
Now that you've seen all the categories of rankings, let's explore its academic and extracurricular offerings.
Centennial College Campus: Excellence and Achievements
Beyond the global rankings, Centennial College has consistently demonstrated excellence across its campuses, earning recognition in academics, community engagement, and cultural initiatives.
Here are some of the achievements of Centennial College.
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
Students from Centennial have achieved rare academic achievements, such as the Minister's Award and Board of Governors' Awards. The college's commitment to academic excellence is evident through various accolades as below:
Award/Recognition
Year
Description
Minister's Award of Excellence
2024
Recognized Centennial's Early Childhood Education program tailored for Black, African, and Caribbean students.
Board of Governors' Awards of Excellence
2024
Honored faculty and staff for outstanding contributions to student success and innovation.
CICan Global Engagement Award
2024
Received a bronze award for international collaboration and student success.
Community and Lifestyle Recognitions
Centennial's community development initiatives, including the student volunteer appreciation awards, engage students, faculty, and alumni in giving back to society. Here are some that have been acknowledged:
Award/Recognition
Year
Description
Student Volunteer Appreciation Awards
2023-2024
Recognized students for exemplary community involvement and leadership.
Centennial Colts Athletic Banquet
2024
Introduced new awards, including Coach of the Year, celebrating sports leadership.
Cultural and Creative Excellence
Awards like interior design and community works are key highlights of Centennial's commitment to fostering cultural excellence. The college's cultural diversity and creative expression is evident through various initiatives as below:
Award/Recognition
Year
Description
Premier’s Award for Community Work
2022
Graduate Shereen Ashman was honored for significant contributions to community service.
Interior Design Excellence Award
2023
Recognized Centennial's innovative campus design in an international competition.
These achievements reflect Centennial College's unwavering dedication to excellence across various domains, contributing significantly to its esteemed reputation.
Now that you've explored its performance in different rankings, let’s understand the ranking vs. acceptance rates.
Centennial College: Rankings vs. Acceptance Rate
Centennial College maintains a moderate acceptance rate of approximately 65% to 67%, reflecting a balanced approach to admissions that ensures diversity while upholding academic standards.
This rate indicates that while the college is accessible to a broad range of students, it also seeks applicants who meet specific academic criteria.
Although detailed program-specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed, Centennial College offers a variety of popular programs, including Computer Science, Business Analytics, Business Administration, Engineering, and Hospitality. The overall acceptance rate suggests a welcoming approach across these disciplines.
Now, let’s check out the methodologies used for rankings.
Ranking Bodies Methodologies
Each ranking body employs a distinct methodology, emphasizing various aspects of academic excellence, research output, and global engagement.
Let's dive into the methodologies of three prominent ranking organizations: QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, and U.S. News & World Report Rankings.
QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings emphasize employer reputation and academic outcomes, obtained from surveys of thousands of academic experts and employers worldwide. It also gives importance to faculty research and international student admissions.
Here are the criteria used in QS World University Rankings.
Focus Area
Indicators
Weightage
Research and Discovery
Academic Reputation
30%
Citations per Faculty
20%
Employability and Outcomes
Employer Reputation
15%
Employment Outcomes
5%
Global Engagement
International Faculty Ratio
5%
International Research Network
5%
International Student Ratio
5%
International Student Diversity
0%
Learning Experience
Faculty Student Ratio
10%
Sustainability
Sustainability
5%
These indicators collectively provide a comprehensive view of a university's global standing.
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings focus on research influence, teaching reputation, and staff-to-student ratio. It also emphasizes international diversity and industry income, assessing how well universities collaborate with industries and global academic networks.
Here are the criteria used by THE rankings.
Focus Area
Indicators
Weightage
Teaching
Teaching Reputation
15%
Staff-to-student ratio
4.5%
Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio
2%
Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio
5.5%
Institutional income
2.5%
Research Environment
Research reputation
18%
Research income
5.5%
Research productivity
5.5%
Research Quality
Citation impact
15%
Research strength
5%
Research excellence
5%
Research influence
5%
International Outlook
Proportion of international students
2.5%
Proportion of international staff
2.5%
International collaboration
2.5%
Industry
Industry income
2%
Patents
2%
U.S. News & World Report Rankings
This indicator uses special criteria like first-year retention rates, graduation rates, and student-faculty ratio. Other criteria like borrower debt and financial resources measure how well universities support low-income students.
Here are the criteria used in U.S. News and World Report Rankings
Focus Indicators
Weightage
Graduation Rates
16%
First-year retention rates
5%
Graduation rate performance
10%
Pell graduation rates
5.5%
Pell graduation performance
5.5%
College grads earning more than a high school grad
5%
Borrower debt
5%
Peer assessment
20%
Financial resources
8%
Faculty salaries
8%
Full-time faculty
3%
Student-faculty ratio
4%
Standardized tests
5%
The above rankings reflect how well a university is positioned to offer quality education and outcomes to students, using indicators like employability and industry applications.
Conclusion
Centennial College's past rankings in QS (#1,302 in 2022) and THE (#1,203 in 2022) reflect its presence in global higher education, while its consistent #41 rank in the U.S. News & World Report underscores its national stability.
Beyond traditional rankings, Centennial is #20 among Canada's top research colleges and #2 for paid student research opportunities, proving its strong industry ties. It also ranks #1 in graduate satisfaction in the GTA and #1 in Canada, #4 globally for international engagement, reinforcing its student-focused approach.
While it may not be a top-tier global institution, Centennial stands out for career-driven education, hands-on learning, and international exposure. Prospective students should weigh these strengths alongside their academic and professional goals.
Centennial College is ranked 601-620 globally in the QS World Sustainability Ranking, reflecting its social impact and sustainability efforts. Additionally, it is placed among the top 50 research colleges in Canada, highlighting its contributions to innovation and applied research.
This ranking analysis explores Centennial College's standings across different ranking bodies, helping prospective students evaluate its academic reputation and industry relevance.
Centennial College World Rankings 2024-25
Centennial College has made its mark in global higher education rankings, particularly in sustainability and applied learning. Meanwhile, the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings has recognized Centennial College's academic quality and industry partnerships.
Though, recently, it hasn't been ranked under QS, THE, and other prominent rankings, here's an overview of their past year's rankings:
Ranking Organization
Ranking(2020)
Ranking(2021)
Ranking(2022)
QS World University Rankings
#1,002
#1,002
#1,302
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
#1,003
#1,002
#1,203
US News & World Report
#41
#41
#41
The changing trends can be captured through the following graphical representation:
Centennial College has experienced fluctuations in global rankings over recent years, reflecting shifts in institutional assessments and criteria.
In the QS World University Rankings, Centennial was ranked #1,002 in both 2020 and 2021 before dropping to #1,302 in 2022, indicating increased competition and evolving ranking methodologies.
Similarly, in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, Centennial held a #1,002 position in 2021 but declined to #1,203 in 2022, showing a slight shift in its global standing.
On the national front, Centennial College maintained a consistent position in U.S. News & World Report's rankings at #41 for three consecutive years (2020-2022), reaffirming its stable reputation within Canada's higher education sector.
Although it has not been ranked in recent editions of QS or THE, its past rankings showcase its role as a key player in applied education and career-focused learning.
Subject-Wise Ranking of Centennial College
Subject-wise rankings assess academic quality and program reputation, guiding students in making informed decisions about college and programs.
Centennial College offers programs across multiple disciplines, with engineering (#6,712), arts (#3,252), and many more ranked among the global rankings.
Here’s how Centennial College programs perform globally:
Subject Area
Global Rank (2025)
Engineering & Technology
#6,172
Medical & Health Sciences
#6,440
Natural Sciences
#13,032
Business & Management
#9,942
Art and Humanities
#3,252
Note: Rankings can vary based on specific programs or departments within the university.
These rankings are based on specific metrics and reflect its performance in various academic disciplines, underscoring its broad strengths.
Now, let’s explore how Centennial College stands in other rankings.
Miscellaneous Ranking
Centennial College ranks among the top 2 in Canada for providing paid research opportunities. It has achieved notable distinctions beyond traditional academic rankings, reflecting its commitment to research, GTA, and global engagement.
Here's a look at some of the distinct positions of the college:
Ranking Category
Rank/Recognition
Description
Top Research College in Canada
#20 overall
Recognized as one of Canada’s leading research colleges based on innovation, industry partnerships, and applied research projects.
Paid Student Research Opportunities
#2 in Canada
Ranked second in Canada for providing students with paid research opportunities, ensuring hands-on experience in real-world projects.
Graduate Satisfaction (GTA)
#1 in the Greater Toronto Area
Centennial graduates report the highest satisfaction levels among colleges in the Greater Toronto Area, reflecting strong career support and education quality.
Global Engagement Ranking
#1 in Canada, #4 globally
Ranked first in Canada and fourth worldwide for international learning participation, highlighting its global student exchange programs and study-abroad initiatives.
Centennial College has become a leader in applied education, research, and global engagement. It ranks #20 among Canada’s top research colleges, showcasing its strong emphasis on innovation, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning through applied research projects. A standout achievement is its #2 ranking in Canada for paid student research opportunities, demonstrating its commitment to experiential learning.
Centennial College also leads in student satisfaction, ranking #1 in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) for graduate satisfaction. This reflects its strong academic support, career services, and employment outcomes, making it a preferred choice among students in the region.
On the global stage, Centennial College ranks #1 in Canada and #4 worldwide for Global Engagement, emphasizing its commitment to international education. With extensive student exchange programs and study-abroad initiatives, Centennial provides a diverse, globally connected learning experience.
Now that you've seen all the categories of rankings, let's explore its academic and extracurricular offerings.
Centennial College Campus: Excellence and Achievements
Beyond the global rankings, Centennial College has consistently demonstrated excellence across its campuses, earning recognition in academics, community engagement, and cultural initiatives.
Here are some of the achievements of Centennial College.
Academic Excellence and National Recognition
Students from Centennial have achieved rare academic achievements, such as the Minister's Award and Board of Governors' Awards. The college's commitment to academic excellence is evident through various accolades as below:
Award/Recognition
Year
Description
Minister's Award of Excellence
2024
Recognized Centennial's Early Childhood Education program tailored for Black, African, and Caribbean students.
Board of Governors' Awards of Excellence
2024
Honored faculty and staff for outstanding contributions to student success and innovation.
CICan Global Engagement Award
2024
Received a bronze award for international collaboration and student success.
Community and Lifestyle Recognitions
Centennial's community development initiatives, including the student volunteer appreciation awards, engage students, faculty, and alumni in giving back to society. Here are some that have been acknowledged:
Award/Recognition
Year
Description
Student Volunteer Appreciation Awards
2023-2024
Recognized students for exemplary community involvement and leadership.
Centennial Colts Athletic Banquet
2024
Introduced new awards, including Coach of the Year, celebrating sports leadership.
Cultural and Creative Excellence
Awards like interior design and community works are key highlights of Centennial's commitment to fostering cultural excellence. The college's cultural diversity and creative expression is evident through various initiatives as below:
Award/Recognition
Year
Description
Premier’s Award for Community Work
2022
Graduate Shereen Ashman was honored for significant contributions to community service.
Interior Design Excellence Award
2023
Recognized Centennial's innovative campus design in an international competition.
These achievements reflect Centennial College's unwavering dedication to excellence across various domains, contributing significantly to its esteemed reputation.
Now that you've explored its performance in different rankings, let’s understand the ranking vs. acceptance rates.
Centennial College: Rankings vs. Acceptance Rate
Centennial College maintains a moderate acceptance rate of approximately 65% to 67%, reflecting a balanced approach to admissions that ensures diversity while upholding academic standards.
This rate indicates that while the college is accessible to a broad range of students, it also seeks applicants who meet specific academic criteria.
Although detailed program-specific acceptance rates are not publicly disclosed, Centennial College offers a variety of popular programs, including Computer Science, Business Analytics, Business Administration, Engineering, and Hospitality. The overall acceptance rate suggests a welcoming approach across these disciplines.
Now, let’s check out the methodologies used for rankings.
Ranking Bodies Methodologies
Each ranking body employs a distinct methodology, emphasizing various aspects of academic excellence, research output, and global engagement.
Let's dive into the methodologies of three prominent ranking organizations: QS World University Rankings, Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings, and U.S. News & World Report Rankings.
QS World University Rankings
The QS World University Rankings emphasize employer reputation and academic outcomes, obtained from surveys of thousands of academic experts and employers worldwide. It also gives importance to faculty research and international student admissions.
Here are the criteria used in QS World University Rankings.
Focus Area
Indicators
Weightage
Research and Discovery
Academic Reputation
30%
Citations per Faculty
20%
Employability and Outcomes
Employer Reputation
15%
Employment Outcomes
5%
Global Engagement
International Faculty Ratio
5%
International Research Network
5%
International Student Ratio
5%
International Student Diversity
0%
Learning Experience
Faculty Student Ratio
10%
Sustainability
Sustainability
5%
These indicators collectively provide a comprehensive view of a university's global standing.
Times Higher Education (THE) Rankings
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings focus on research influence, teaching reputation, and staff-to-student ratio. It also emphasizes international diversity and industry income, assessing how well universities collaborate with industries and global academic networks.
Here are the criteria used by THE rankings.
Focus Area
Indicators
Weightage
Teaching
Teaching Reputation
15%
Staff-to-student ratio
4.5%
Doctorate-to-bachelor’s ratio
2%
Doctorates-awarded-to-academic-staff ratio
5.5%
Institutional income
2.5%
Research Environment
Research reputation
18%
Research income
5.5%
Research productivity
5.5%
Research Quality
Citation impact
15%
Research strength
5%
Research excellence
5%
Research influence
5%
International Outlook
Proportion of international students
2.5%
Proportion of international staff
2.5%
International collaboration
2.5%
Industry
Industry income
2%
Patents
2%
U.S. News & World Report Rankings
This indicator uses special criteria like first-year retention rates, graduation rates, and student-faculty ratio. Other criteria like borrower debt and financial resources measure how well universities support low-income students.
Here are the criteria used in U.S. News and World Report Rankings
Focus Indicators
Weightage
Graduation Rates
16%
First-year retention rates
5%
Graduation rate performance
10%
Pell graduation rates
5.5%
Pell graduation performance
5.5%
College grads earning more than a high school grad
5%
Borrower debt
5%
Peer assessment
20%
Financial resources
8%
Faculty salaries
8%
Full-time faculty
3%
Student-faculty ratio
4%
Standardized tests
5%
The above rankings reflect how well a university is positioned to offer quality education and outcomes to students, using indicators like employability and industry applications.
Conclusion
Centennial College's past rankings in QS (#1,302 in 2022) and THE (#1,203 in 2022) reflect its presence in global higher education, while its consistent #41 rank in the U.S. News & World Report underscores its national stability.
Beyond traditional rankings, Centennial is #20 among Canada's top research colleges and #2 for paid student research opportunities, proving its strong industry ties. It also ranks #1 in graduate satisfaction in the GTA and #1 in Canada, #4 globally for international engagement, reinforcing its student-focused approach.
While it may not be a top-tier global institution, Centennial stands out for career-driven education, hands-on learning, and international exposure. Prospective students should weigh these strengths alongside their academic and professional goals.
How does Centennial College rank among Ontario colleges?
Centennial College is recognized as one of Ontario's leading institutions. It has been listed among the top research colleges in Ontario, reflecting its commitment to quality education and student satisfaction.
What is Centennial College's acceptance rate compared to other Canadian colleges?
Centennial College has an acceptance rate of approximately 67%, which is moderate compared to other Canadian colleges. Acceptance rates vary widely among institutions, depending on program demand and admission criteria.
How does Centennial College's student satisfaction compare to other colleges in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)?
Centennial College has achieved the #1 ranking in the Greater Toronto Area for graduate satisfaction, indicating high levels of student contentment with their educational experience.
Is Centennial College included in global university rankings like QS or Times Higher Education (THE)?
Centennial College is not typically included in global university rankings as of the latest. Though it has its past records in QS (#1,302 in 2022) and THE (#1,203 in 2022) reflect its presence in global higher education.
How does Centennial College focus on applied learning compared to other institutions?
Centennial College emphasizes practical, hands-on learning experiences like other polytechnic institutions. This approach ensures students gain industry-relevant skills, aligning with the educational philosophies of colleges like George Brown and Humber.
How does Centennial College rank for global engagement?
Centennial College is #1 in Canada and #4 globally for international learning participation, ranking higher than many Canadian institutions. This recognition showcases its robust student exchange programs and global study opportunities.
How does Centennial College's diversity compare to other Canadian colleges?
Centennial College is known for its diverse student body, with nearly 100 ethnocultural groups and 80 languages spoken on campus, reflecting a multicultural learning environment.
Is Centennial College a top choice for research opportunities?
Yes, Centennial College ranks #2 in Canada for paid student research opportunities, ensuring hands-on industry experience. This places it ahead of many other colleges in Ontario when it comes to real-world research exposure.
What is Centennial College’s national ranking?
Centennial College holds a consistent #41 rank in U.S. News & World Report's Best Colleges in Canada (2020-2022). This stable ranking reflects its strong academic quality and student satisfaction.
Should I choose Centennial College based on its rankings?
While rankings provide a useful benchmark, Centennial College’s career-focused programs, global opportunities, and student satisfaction rankings make it a strong choice. Prospective students should consider their academic goals alongside rankings when choosing an institution.
How does Centennial College's campus infrastructure compare to other colleges?
Centennial College boasts modern campus facilities equipped with state-of-the-art technology and resources, comparable to other leading colleges in Ontario, providing students with a conducive learning environment.
All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.
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