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 collaborative learning space opened in 2021, is the new home of the Sprott School of Business. Construction is underway on a new 450-bed student residence that has been designed to meet a high level of sustainability.

Standout Programs

• Health Sciences: This interdisciplinary, career-focused program provides a broad foundation and is organized around five concentrations, including environment and health, global health, and disability and chronic illness.

• Engineering: Students collaborate on projects and get real-world training. Specializations include aerospace engineering, biomedical and mechanical engineering, and architectural conservation and sustainability engineering.

• Economics: This program offers eight concentration options as well as lots of practical experience through co-op and practicums in the Capital region and beyond.

Tuition (includes compulsory ancillary fees)

$7,292

Minimum Entering Grades

Arts: 80% · Science: 80% · Commerce: 80% · Engineering: 80-86%

Student Body

Undergraduates: Full-time: 20,546 | Part-time: 6,480

Graduates: Full-time: 3,838 | Part-time: 545

International Students: First-year: 12% | Graduate: 27.7%

Male-Female Ratio: 49 to 51

Housing Facts

Residence Spaces: 3,604 (2,800 reserved for first-year students)

Residence Costs: Double room with meals: $11,700 to $12,000

Single room with meals: $12,924 to $13,224

Apartment-style: $8,837

Cool Courses

• Pandemics and Infectious Diseases: Learn about disease agents, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, and how to limit their spread.

• Impact of Lifestyle and Social Interactions on Mental Health: Explore the psychosocial and neurobiological factors that affect health.

Student Life on Campus

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