Carleton University is a public university in Ottawa, Ontario, within the Canadian capital region. It is a mid-sized institution with about 30,713 students, of which 25,119 are undergraduates and 3,646 are international students. The admissions are moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 22%. Popular majors are Engineering, Journalism, Computer Science, Public Affairs, and International Relations. It is well-known for its excellent co-op programs, particularly for tech and media-related fields. The six-year graduation rate is estimated to be around 75–80%, depending on the program. Carleton graduates earn a median salary of approximately INR 43,00,000 (converted from $51,600 median earnings ten years after graduation).
University of Ottawa is a large public bilingual university based in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, and it instructs students in both English and French. It is a huge university with more than 42,000 students, out of which 7,000 are international students. Admissions are easier, with an acceptance rate of about 87%. Some popular majors are Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Business, and Social Sciences. The university excels in life sciences and public policy and is favored due to its closeness to federal institutions. The graduation rate after six years is predicted to be around 80–85%. University of Ottawa alumni command a median salary of about INR 52,00,000 (which is roughly equivalent to $62,000 median income ten years after graduation).
| Carleton University | University of Ottawa | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 4.2 Out of 10 | 4.7 Out of 10 |
| ranking (overall) | # 501 Times Higher Education 2026 # 781 QS World University 2026 # 501 Times Higher Education 2025 | # 187 Times Higher Education 2026 # 219 QS World University 2026 # 189 QS World University 2025 |
| Subject Strength | # 301 for Engineering by Times Higher Education 2025 # 251 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 273 for Engineering by QS World University 2025 # 124 for Medicine by QS World University 2025 # 69 for Law by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| Programs | UG Programs -54 PG Programs -43 Doctorate Programs -5 | UG Programs -67 PG Programs -53 Doctorate Programs -11 |
| Acceptance Rate | 22.0 % | 80.0 % |
| Exam Score | GMAT-550 IELTS-6.5 MELAB-85 PTE-60 TOEFL-86 | Duolingo-120 GMAT-628 IELTS-6.5 PTE-60 TOEFL-86 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 21137 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 17841 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24907 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 43306 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 19102 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 15758 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | Graduate employability ranking: #301-500,
| Ranked #237 in QS World University Rankings University of Ottawa Graduates & Alumni Salaries - By Degree
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| application requirements | An average score of 70% is required for UG admissions. | UG applicants must have 70% minimum score. |
| Campuses and B-Schools | Sprott School of Business | Telfer School of Management |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 7.1/10 Read 25 reviews | 7.6/10 Read 38 reviews |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Carleton University | University of Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1942 | 1848 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 9:1:1 | 15:1:1 |
| Male:Female | 52% Male, 48% Female | 40% Male, 0% Female |
| Location Facts | Central Government headquarters are a few minutes away. | Located in the residential area of Sandy Hills |
| Library | 1,069,744 printed books; 872,369 e-books; 74,408 ejournals; Print volumes: 1.8 millions | 844 databases, 20,000 digitized French books, Institutional repository contains 24,0000 items with 13,000 theses. |
| Campus Life | 200 active clubs and societies, parliamentary work opportunities, variety of sports and athletic activities. | 45 Intramural leagues |
| Hostel | #Housing expenses - $12000 #Housing expenses - $12907 | #Traditional (double occupancy bedrooms) - $8258 |
| Famous Alumni | David Azrieli (architect & developer), Peter Grunberg (Nobel laureate in physics), Gavin McGinness (Co-founder Vice-Media), Jim Watson (mayor of Ottawa), Dan Aykroyd (actor), Conrad Black (British publisher) | A community with 180,000 Alumni |
| Weather |
Carleton University vs University of Ottawa
Subject Strength & Rankings (2025/2026)
University of Ottawa ranks higher globally (QS #219, THE #191) than Carleton (QS #781–790, THE #501). Ottawa excels in Medicine, Law, and Engineering; Carleton is strong in Journalism, Public Affairs, and International Relations.
General Information
Ottawa, founded in 1848, is Canada’s largest bilingual university with 42,000+ students. Carleton, established in 1942, has around 30,000 students and a scenic campus by the Rideau River.
Admissions & Programs
Ottawa’s acceptance rate is 87%, while Carleton’s is 22%. Ottawa offers a broader range of graduate programs including Medicine and Law. Carleton is known for its Sprott Business School and International Affairs.
Research & Facilities
Ottawa ranks among Canada’s top 10 research universities, with strong STEM infrastructure. Carleton focuses on AI, cybersecurity, and public policy, with notable interdisciplinary centers.
Cost & Financial Aid
Ottawa’s tuition averages CAD 43,000/year; Carleton’s is around CAD 21,000/year. Both offer generous scholarships and financial aid, with Carleton awarding over CAD 87 million annually.
Career Outcomes
Ottawa grads earn CAD 55K–105K, with strong placement in law, healthcare, and government. Carleton grads earn CAD 43K–60K, thriving in media, policy, and tech. Ottawa’s location offers better co-op access; Carleton fosters tight-knit alumni networks.
















