Carleton University

Carleton University takes advantage of its location in the nation’s capital: 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. Computer science students participate in paid co-op placements at leading technology companies in Ottawa, such as Nokia and Ericsson. The school 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. “At Carleton University, students have an opportunity to grow their knowledge, develop real-world skills and explore their passions in the nation’s capital and around the world,” says president Wisdom Tettey. “Our inclusive, smart, caring community provides a unique environment where one can address challenges and explore opportunities by embracing innovation, bringing new ideas to life and driving change we can all be proud of.”

Launching in 2026, a new bachelor of cybersecurity will teach students to build resilient and secure software and about the ins and outs of computer and internet security and privacy, as well as cryptography. 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 are both state-of-the-art facilities. Rideau House, a new on-campus student residence, has 450 beds, a basketball court, a community kitchen and a games and media room.

Campus Buzz: Students can connect with others using Thirdspace, a new app developed by a Carleton grad that uses AI to match students who are geographically close to each other and interested in the same off-screen activity.

Quick facts

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)
$7,470 ($8,854 out-of-province students)

Median Entering Grades
Arts: 85% | Science: 88% | Commerce: 85% | Engineering: 89%

Student Body
Undergraduates: Full-time: 19,714 | Part-time: 5,405
Graduates: Full-time:  4,093 | Part-time: 1,501
International Students: First-year: 4% | Graduate: 29%

Housing Facts
Residence Spaces: 3,963 (guaranteed for first-year students)
Cost of double room with meals: $13,242 to $14,492
Cost of single room with meals: $14,792 to $16,392
Cost of Apartment-style: $10,860 to $15,392

Standout programs

Health Sciences: This interdisciplinary, career-focused program provides a strong foundation in the biomedical mechanisms of human health and disease. 
Law: One of the oldest and largest bachelor of law programs in the country, students study the dynamics and operation of law and can choose from four specializations. 
Nursing: This compressed, three-year program includes a new concentration in nursing data science, and prepares students for working with the newest technology and data techniques. 

Reputation

Ranked #8 (Comprehensive) among faculty members and hiring managers in the 2025 reputation survey, powered by Angus Reid Group.