How BU Compares

Brandon University’s total economic impact exceeds $417 million every year, the vast proportion contributing directly to the Brandon economy and the economy of southwestern Manitoba.

With an initial operating grant of $37 million from the province, this represents an outstanding return on investment. Every dollar invested by the province returns $11.30 in economic activity.

Brandon University’s total spending in Manitoba also brings excellent value. BU’s total institutional spending of $48.2 million means every dollar BU spends generates $8.66 in local economic impact.

However, Brandon University’s impact is not limited by the dollars it spends. Staff and faculty, students and visitors, also spend their money in the local economy, adding tremendous value to Brandon, to southwestern Manitoba, and to the entire province. The ultimate impact on Brandon’s overall economy through BU’s alumni, and the long-term impact of research at the university also need to be considered.

Comparing BU’s Economic Impact to other Universities

When adjusted for the size and student population of BU, that total economic impact is comparable to the average of other universities across Canada — a result that shows the analysis is reasonable, with fair and appropriate assumptions.

This economic impact provides a consistent baseline to track the growing economic impact of Brandon University through the future.

Economic Impact Brandon University Simon Fraser University University of Ottawa University of Calgary University of BC University of Alberta
Institutional 74 659 711 1,266 2,014 2,021
Student 36 295 391 298 314 293
Visitor 16 166 18 186 284 213
Alumni 204 1,682 1,604 3,024 2,668 4,133
Research 87 851 1,209 3,141 5,097 5,654
Total Economic Impact (TEI) 417 3,653 3,933 7,915 10,377 12,314
Student Numbers 3,022[1] 34,990 42,587 30,201 59,659 39,312
TEI/Student #s ($,000s) 138 104 92 262 174 313

[1] 2014/2015 school year

Data Source: Modified from University of Calgary 2013

Comparing the Research Capacity of Manitoba Universities

Brandon University has been traditionally known as an undergraduate teaching university. However, with new graduate programs, reduction in teaching load, and successful grant applications, faculty are increasing their research impact. Three research institutes at BU are also adding to this research impact through their connections to the community.

Brandon University has the second-highest number of graduate students of Manitoba universities, with more than 300 students in five Master’s programs. As well, undergraduate students are encouraged to complete independent research or a thesis in their final year of studies.

Research at Brandon University creates new knowledge, applies knowledge in new ways, and comes up with industry-focused solutions that improve other sectors of the economy — one of the key ways through which Brandon University helps drive the local and regional economy.

Research Capacity in Manitoba ($M for 2014/2015)

University Full Time1 Undergrad Students Full Time1 Graduate Students Part Time1 Undergrad Students Part Time1 Graduate Students Faculty3 Research Rank Research Dollars2
U of Manitoba 20,889 3,697 4,409 662 1,063 13 154.3
Proportion 73% 95% 49% 68% 67% 94%
U of Winnipeg 5,708 81 3,930 123 351* 49 7.9
Proportion 20% 2% 43% 13% 22% 5%
Brandon University 1,939 115 732 186 162 364 2.4
Proportion 9% 3% 8% 19% 10% 2%
Total 28,536 3,893 9,071 971 1,576 164.6

*2015 faculty data assumed to be full time academic from, https://uwinnipeg.ca/about/fast-facts/index.html

1Source : http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ald/statistics.html

2Source: Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities

3Source: Institution website

4Source: Brandon University Research Strategy