Carleton University
Ottawa's engineering and journalism powerhouse - co-op, government connections, and practical programs.
Carleton University is Ottawa's second major university and is known for exceptional engineering, journalism, public policy, and cybersecurity programs. Its proximity to the federal government and National Capital Region tech sector makes it a genuine advantage for co-op placements. Carleton has an outstanding tunnel system connecting virtually every building on campus - a much-appreciated practical detail in Canadian winters.
What average do you need to get into Carleton?
There is no single Carleton acceptance rate - admission is program-by-program. Top competitive programs like Industrial Design require high 80s + portfolio, while programs at the more accessible end admit students with averages around mid 80s. A competitive overall average for most Carleton programs is roughly the mid-80s and up. Check the per-program admission averages below to find your target.
Key Facts
- Location: Ottawa, ON
- Founded: 1942
- Students: 31,000
- Maclean's ranking: #4
- QS World ranking: #781
- Approximate domestic tuition: $8500/year
- Co-op available: Yes
Top Strengths
- Engineering
- Journalism
- Computer Science
- Cybersecurity
- Public Policy
- Architecture
- Aerospace Engineering
Admission Averages by Program
Real admission average ranges for Carleton programs, from most accessible to most competitive:
- Aerospace Engineering — admission average: high 80s-low 90s (One of Canada's best dedicated aerospace programs. Strong industry connections.)
- Computer Science — admission average: high 80s (Strong cybersecurity focus, excellent federal government co-op placements.)
- Software Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Strong co-op, Ottawa tech sector is substantial and growing.)
- Electrical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Good co-op, federal government and defence sector connections.)
- Mechanical Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Solid program with Ottawa government and private sector placements.)
- Civil Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Good infrastructure connections in the capital region.)
- Systems & Computer Engineering — admission average: high 80s (Combines hardware and software - strong for embedded systems careers.)
- Journalism — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (One of Canada's most respected journalism programs, close to Parliament.)
- Public Policy & Administration — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Exceptional given Ottawa location - pipeline directly into federal public service.)
- Industrial Design — admission average: high 80s + portfolio (Portfolio required, strong program in the capital.)
- Architecture — admission average: high 80s + portfolio (Portfolio required, strong urban and sustainable design focus.)
- Psychology — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Large program with good research opportunities.)
- Political Science — admission average: mid 80s (Ideal location for political science - federal government access is real.)
- Law (BA + LLB track) — admission average: mid-to-high 80s (Pre-law pathway, strong alumni in Ottawa's legal community.)
- Criminology & Criminal Justice — admission average: mid 80s (Strong program with RCMP, CSE, and correctional service connections.)
Things to Know
- Carleton's cybersecurity programs have direct connections to the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and RCMP.
- The co-op program places heavily in federal government, tech firms, and aerospace - an Ottawa advantage that's hard to replicate.
- Carleton's tunnel system connecting all buildings is genuinely useful in harsh Ottawa winters.
- Journalism at Carleton is genuinely one of Canada's top programs - competitive and well-connected.
Notable Alumni
- Adrienne Clarkson
- Jim Flaherty
- Dan Aykroyd (attended)