Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC)

The Canadian University Survey Consortium (CUSC) is a group of Canadian Universities that works together to survey students in order to gain a better understanding of the Canadian undergraduate student population. The surveys provide comparative information on student characteristics and experiences. Each survey targets a specific undergraduate sub-sample based on a three-year cycle that alternates between:

  • first-year students
  • middle years (Prior to 2013, all undergraduates)
  • graduating-year students

The surveys establish a profile of undergraduate students and cover a range of topics, including:

  • student demographics
  • involvement in academic activities
  • extra-curricular activities
  • skill growth and development
  • student satisfaction with their university
  • education financing and debt
  • future education and employment

Waterloo has participated in CUSC first-year and graduating student surveys only since 1998. The most recent survey instruments and summary results are available below.

If you are interested in survey results, please send a request to IAP through the Survey data request form or email analysis@uwaterloo.ca.

Survey of First-Year (FY) Students

CUSC First-Year 2022

CUSC First-Year 2019

CUSC First-Year 2016

Survey of Graduating Students

CUSC Graduating 2018

CUSC Graduating 2015