LUT is Finland’s Most Prestigious University in 2023 – University Reputations Have Economic Significance

 

The " Reputation&Trust " survey of universities conducted by T-Media reveals that Finland’s most reputable universities in Finland are LUT, Aalto, and the National Defence University. Finnish universities generally a good reputation among the public.

In February 2023, T-Media conducted a survey on the reputation of all Finnish universities among the general public.
Over 2,200 respondents took part in the survey.

The study revealed that nearly all Finnish universities have a good reputation. The study used a scale of 1–5, with good ratings falling between 3.50 and 4.00. The top-ranked universities in terms of reputation are Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology (LUT), Aalto University, the National Defence University, and, as the best multidisciplinary university, the University of Eastern Finland.

 

Finland's Most Reputable Universities 2023

 

 

“There is a growing trend among universities to distinguish themselves through their public image, which can
manifest itself, for example, in innovative communication and the building of an international brand. The rankings of LUT and Aalto University, which have strongly
established their profiles, show that this differentiation is visible to the public and supports the creation of a good reputation. “The National Defence University’s special mission has become more concrete in the current global situation and has grown in significance,” says Nina Laakso, Senior Advisor at T-Media.

“Universities are distinguishing themselves from one another more clearly than ever. One could even say that they are developing their own unique identities.
Universities no longer form a group of organizations that are virtually indistinguishable from one another. For example, LUT wants to stand out as a modern and innovative university through its operating methods. “It markets its technical education in particular very strongly throughout Finland,” Laakso continues.

 

Education and research play a key role in fostering public support for universities

Citizens rated the reputation of universities in the area of products and services at a good level (3.93),
close to an excellent level (≥4.00). At the same time, universities’ products and services emerged as the most significant
factor influencing citizens’ behavior.

“It can be said that the core mission of universities—namely, education and research—is considered the most significant factor influencing citizens’ behavior,” says Laakso.

 

The Overall Reputation of Finnish Universities in 2023

 

 

“It is very important that universities and their activities enjoy strong public support. It is particularly
important that the core mission of universities is valued and its significance for society is recognized. In the public imagination, universities are also strongly recognized as communities that operate with social responsibility
,” says Laakso.

Finnish universities generally enjoy a good reputation among the public (3.68).

“This shows that universities are generally considered important and that their education and research are highly valued. In addition to their products and services, Finns’ perceptions of universities are particularly influenced by sustainability and innovation.”

“The reputation of universities can also be seen to have a direct economic impact. The better a university’s reputation
is, the more motivated students will apply there. This directly affects
the university’s financial results through the Ministry of Education and Culture’s funding model.”

The public's perceptions of universities' finances and leadership are less favorable.

“In recent years, public discourse on universities has focused particularly on university leadership and its impact on perceptions of universities as places of employment. The impact of leadership on the formation of reputational perceptions was also evident in this study. The moderate reputation of the University of Tampere reflects the negative impact of management crises in previous years. Alongside Tampere, many regional universities distinguish themselves through their leadership—openness and interaction are important,” says Laakso.

 

The city where the university is located has a clear connection to its appeal

This year’s study also examined the potential impact of the host city’s reputation
on the university’s reputation. In addition to the university’s own reputation, the host city’s reputation also influences the university’s appeal.

Attraction&Retention T-Media’s 2022 Attraction&Retention of the ten largest cities, residents rated Tampere as Finland’s most attractive city.

“Although the University of Tampere ranked only moderately in university research, its applicant numbers
are substantial. The location of some regional universities, on the other hand, may dampen interest in them,” Laakso says.

The University of Helsinki, on the other hand, has a better reputation than the City of Helsinki.

“It can be said that universities and cities have a mutual connection. If the host city lacks appeal, the university must be able to build that appeal itself,” Laakso says.

 

This is how we conducted the study

The aim of the Reputation&Trust Universities Reputation&Trust survey was to assess the reputation of Finnish universities among the general public. All 14 universities in Finland participated in the survey.

The universities were evaluated using T-Media’s Reputation&Trust, in which an organization’s reputation score is calculated as the average of eight different sub-areas. The sub-areas are corporate governance, finance, leadership, innovation, interaction, products and services, workplace, and responsibility. The study used a five-point rating scale (1–5).

Data for the survey was collected via an online questionnaire between February 14 and February 27, 2023. A total of 2,224 Finns participated in the survey. The survey’s target group consisted of Finns aged 15–65 nationwide (excluding the Åland Islands). The sample was weighted to be representative of the population by gender, age, and region of residence.

 

More information

Nina Laakso, Senior Advisor
+358 400 808 940, nina.laakso@reptrust-staging.fi-p.seravo.com

 

Featured image: LUT Lappeenranta Campus © Teemu Leinonen