TRU offers a range of degree, diploma and certificate programs and is profiled in both the Maclean’s Universities Guidebook and the Maclean’s Colleges Guide. To learn more about the school’s degree programs, see the Colleges Guide profile.

This profile appears in the 2022 Maclean’s University Guidebook. As part of a partnership with Maclean’s, Thompson Rivers University (TRU) has supplied additional photos and videos as indicated below. TRU did not have editorial input into the wording of the profile itself.

Thompson Rivers University offers 140 on-campus programs and another 60 programs through its Open Learning division. They range from apprenticeships and certificates to bachelor’s, law and master’s degrees. A laddering system allows students to move from certificate and diploma programs to degrees. About 13,000 students study on campus, and more than 17,000 study online—almost 2,000 students do both. “At TRU we believe education comes through many paths. From our unique mix of programs, available on campus and online, whether academics or trades, students will find a university like no other,” says president Brett Fairbairn.

Students benefit from small class sizes, and some can participate in undergrad research even before they reach higher-level classes. TRU's main campus is flanked by 40 km of pine-shaded hiking trails and is a short drive from ski hills and lakes. The Old Main building is a hub of student services, including a student employment centre, lounge, wellness centre and theatre. Recent developments include the Industrial Training and Technology Centre and the Chappell Family Building for Nursing and Population Health. TRU has converted a former warehouse into an early childhood education and research centre, complete with a non-profit daycare. Business students get practical investment experience at the new Raymond James Trading Lab. A second campus is located in Williams Lake, B.C. The campuses welcome a diverse student population that is 10 per cent Indigenous and 20 per cent international.