Publications

HEQCO conducts and commissions studies and evaluations, often in partnership with Ontario’s colleges and universities, on key issues in accessibility, quality and accountability. Various organizations and individuals have considerable and valuable expertise in postsecondary education research. The research publications below reflect this collaboration with some of the best thinkers on issues related to higher education. Join our mailing list and keep current with the latest HEQCO research.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

At HEQCO, we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner, and will do so by preventing and removing barriers to accessibility and meeting requirements under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. To request HEQCO material in alternate formats, please contact info@heqco.ca​​.

@ Issue Paper No. 5 Student Engagement as a Quality Measure in the Ontario Postsecondary Education System: What We Have Learned About Measures of Student Engagement​​​​

Student Engagement Surveys Forge Pathways to Quality Improvement But Can Mislead when Used for Competitive Rankings  Student engagement surveys are helping colleges and universities, and the postsecondary system overall, be more responsive to the learning needs of students. Designed in part to measure the time, effort and interest student invest in their education, the dominant […]

The NSSE National Data Project Report

Research Summary: Student Engagement Surveys Forge Pathways to Quality Improvement But Can Mislead when Used for Competitive Rankings Student engagement surveys are helping colleges and universities, and the postsecondary system overall, be more responsive to the learning needs of students. Designed in part to measure the time, effort and interest student invest in their education, […]

The Transfer Experience of Ontario College Graduates who Further their Education

Research Summary:  More College Graduates Continuing Their Education in Pursuit of Increased Earnings and Career Advancement An increasing number of college graduates are returning to school to continue their education, not due to lack of employment options, but in pursuit of higher earnings, interesting and challenging career opportunities and enhanced status. A new report co-authored […]

Access to Post-secondary Education: How Ontario Compares

Research Summary:  Parental education key determinant of who goes to college or university  Throughout Canada, having no family history of college or university is the most significant obstacle to postsecondary education (PSE). Family income is much less of a barrier. In fact, according to two new studies, a single year of parental education has a […]

Under-represented Groups in Postsecondary Education in Ontario: Evidence from the Youth in Transition Survey

Research Summary:  Parental education key determinant of who goes to college or university Throughout Canada, having no family history of college or university is the most significant obstacle to postsecondary education (PSE). Family income is much less of a barrier. In fact, according to two new studies, a single year of parental education has a […]

Assessment of Debt Load and Financial Barriers Affecting Students with Disabilities in Canadian Postsecondary Education, Ontario Report

Research Summary:  Ontario Postsecondary Students with Disabilities Face Unique Challenges College and university students with disabilities face significant financial burdens and a number of barriers that can strain their ability to successfully complete their education. Students with registered disabilities take longer to complete their education, which can significantly increase the costs of their education. They […]