Carleton University Vs York University

Carleton University vs York University

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

Carleton University is particularly famous for its journalism (ranked #1 in Canada by Maclean's every year), aerospace and civil engineering, as well as computer science programs where it focuses on applied research and co-op immersion. York University, however, excels in business (Schulich School of Business ranked #1 in Canada, QS 2025), law (Osgoode Hall), and social sciences with robust interdisciplinary research networks. Carleton is ideal for students looking at technical programs, media, and public policy, while York is more suitable for students looking at business, law, or the humanities career paths.

General Information

Carleton, which began in 1942, is a mid-sized, research-focused university with a student population of ~30,800, including 5,000 graduate students, on a tight 150-acre campus in Ottawa along the Rideau River. York, begun in 1959, is much larger with ~53,100 students, including 6,300 graduates, divided among a 500-acre main Keele campus in Toronto and the smaller bilingual Glendon campus. Carleton has approximately 20% international students, whereas York draws 25% of its student body from outside the country, indicating Toronto's international stature. Carleton provides a more personalized, research-oriented learning atmosphere, while York's larger scale allows for the extensive offerings of professional and interdisciplinary studies.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

The acceptance rate at York is approximately 57%, marginally above Carleton's more exclusive profile (estimates range between 17% and 73% based on the source of data). Carleton usually demands an average high school mark of about 80–87% to be admitted, and top programs require even better marks. York's minimum entry average is more like 75–80%, varying from program to program. Both universities make a demand on international students to prove English proficiency (IELTS 6.5). Application charges are CAD 130 for Carleton and CAD 150 for York through OUAC. York's wider intake makes it a little more accessible, though its professional schools are still very competitive.

Location Facts

Carleton's campus in Ottawa provides an attractive, student-oriented environment with close links to federal government departments, NGOs, and an emerging tech sector. Ottawa also offers an overall lower cost of living than Toronto, which makes it appealing for international students. York's Keele campus is situated in Toronto, Canada's largest city, to provide students with access to cultural, financial, and legal centers. Glendon offers a smaller liberal arts, bilingual environment. Ottawa provides opportunities for political and tech networking, while Toronto's size and global economy provide York students with unparalleled contact with business and professional prospects.

Cost & Financial Aid

Carleton's on-campus living expenses vary between CAD 8,500–12,000 annually, while off-campus rent in Ottawa is about CAD 800–1,200 a month. York's living expenses are a little less on-campus (CAD 7,500–11,000 per year), but Toronto's private market is significantly higher at CAD 1,000–1,600 a month. Carleton gives scholarships automatically to high-achieving students of between CAD 4,000–16,000 over four years. York also provides bountiful international scholarships, with values of up to CAD 37,500 over four years. Carleton is generally slightly cheaper on living expenses, while York provides more valuable entrance scholarships.

Career Outcomes & Alumni Success

Carleton University graduates earn a median entry salary of CAD 52,000, with more than 92% working in just two years, capitalizing on Ottawa's robust government, media, and technology sectors. Its co-op programs dramatically increase career readiness. York graduates have a median starting salary of CAD 50,000, with good placement in law, business, and consulting. Schulich alumni are hired by the best firms such as Deloitte, PwC, and McKinsey, while Osgoode graduates are part of an influential legal network. Carleton's smaller but intense alumni network excels in policy, engineering, and journalism, while York's large alumni network dominates law and business.

Research Impact & Facilities

Carleton's MacOdrum Library has more than 2 million volumes under its roof, with specialized centers such as the National Wildlife Research Centre accommodating applied research. York's Scott Library holds 2.5 million items, which are complemented by advanced facilities at the Lassonde School of Engineering and the Schulich Business complex. Carleton's small campus encourages close-knit interaction, while York's large campus accommodates varied research centers, interdisciplinary clusters, and high-level student activity.