Carleton University
Founded 1942 | Ottawa, ON
Carleton University takes advantage of its location in the nation’s capital. Computer science students participate in paid co-op placements at leading technology companies in the city, such as Shopify and Ericsson. Many students work as political aides and pages on Parliament Hill. Carleton was the first university in Canada to establish a graduate degree in public administration, and it is also home to the country’s oldest four-year journalism program. It boasts one of the largest engineering faculties in the country and continues to expand its cognitive science program. Many of Carleton’s programs focus on wellness and sustainability.
“Carleton is a compassionate and connected community with a shared vision for purposeful, positive change,” says president Benoit-Antoine Bacon. “Every member of our community can be themselves, pursue their dreams, challenge what’s possible, and become a catalyst for a better world.”
The Institute for Advanced Research and Innovation in Smart Environments (ARISE)—which focuses on applied research in clean technology, health technology and communications technology—and the Health Sciences Building provide state-of-the-art facilities. The Nicol Building, a place of collaborative learning and the new home of the Sprott School of Business, opened last year. Construction is set to begin on a new multi-purpose Wellness Hub that will offer a variety of programs and services and connect to athletic facilities.
Standout Programs
• Health Sciences: This interdisciplinary, career-focused program provides a broad foundation and is organized around five concentrations, including environment and health, health throughout the lifespan, and disability and chronic illness.
• Engineering: Students get hands-on experience and in-depth theory. Specializations include aerospace engineering, civil engineering, and architectural conservation and sustainability engineering.
• Commerce: Students develop business skills and professional contacts, can choose from eight concentrations and take advantage of co-ops, studying abroad and international business case competitions.
Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$6,837
Minimum Entering Grades
Arts: 80% · Science: 80% · Commerce: 80% · Engineering: 80-86%
Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 21,204 · Part-time: 6,625
Graduates: Full-time: 3,815 · Part-time: 472
International Students: First-year: 13%
Graduate: 25.4%
Male-Female Ratio: 48 to 52
Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 3,124 (2,320 reserved for first-year students)
Residence Costs: Double room with meals: $11,358 to $11,658
Single room with meals: $12,546 to $12,846 · Apartment-style: $8,648
Cool Courses
• Crafting Digital History: Learn to use a variety of digitized historical resources and draft a digital history.
• Climate Change and Collaborative Specialization: Students learn how disciplines outside their own consider climate change and explore areas for collaboration.