Okanagan College
Serving the beautiful Okanagan, Shuswap and Similkameen valleys, Okanagan College boasts campuses in Salmon Arm, Vernon, Penticton and Kelowna. Its mission is to transform lives and communities, and the school aims to inspire and empower individuals and communities to strengthen and sustain the social, economic, environmental, and cultural resiliency of the region for current and future generations. It delivers more than 150 programs to more than 17,000 students. Approximately 12 per cent of students are Indigenous and around 14 per cent are from outside Canada. The college offers various university transfer, health, engineering technology, trade, vocational, adult basic education and continuing studies programs. It also provides two bachelor’s degrees—business administration and computer information systems—along with four post-baccalaureate diplomas.
Students who wish to pursue a science degree can get credit for their studies at a number of universities. In 2021, OC welcomed students into its new applied bachelor of arts degree in community research and evaluation, as well as the new common first-year engineering program. Okanagan recently completed construction on the $18-million Health Sciences Centre at its Kelowna campus, which is now open to students. The Penticton campus is home to a growing suite of viticulture and wine studies, and many graduates go on to work in the region’s wine industry. Okanagan broke ground in June of 2024 for the new Recreation and Wellness Centre and a new Centre for Food, Wine and Tourism, both set to be completed in the next two years. New student housing buildings are open at campuses in Kelowna, Salmon Arm and Vernon. The Vernon location includes a daycare.
Quick facts
School size:
Large
Tuition:
Degree $4,700-$5,100
Diploma $4,700-$14,200
Certificate $4,000-$15,100
Post-Grad $4,900-$6,100
Residence offerings:
Yes
Popular programs
Associate Degree in Arts
Diploma in Business Administration
Bachelor of Business Administration
Associate Degree in Science
Cool options
Early Childhood Education: Students prepare to work with young children in a variety of early learning and care environments in this three-semester hybrid certificate program.
Culinary and Pastry Arts: With a focus on a farm-to-table approach and exploring fresh local products, students learn from Red Seal-certified chef instructors in commercial kitchen spaces.
Sustainable Building Technology: This diploma program offers specialized education within the field of sustainability and the built environment.
