Mount Royal University (MRU) is a public university in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with approximately 14,000 students. It is mostly an undergraduate institution with business, arts, communication, health sciences, and education being its areas of strength. MRU focuses on small class sizes, individualized learning, and excellent student services, offering a tight-knit campus experience. Admissions are fairly selective, and graduation rates are around 61%. Alumni have median earnings ranging from CAD 55,000 to CAD 60,000 a few years post-graduation.
University of Calgary (UCalgary) is a large public research university in Calgary, Alberta, with around 35,000 students. It has programs in Engineering, Business, Medicine, Science, and Environmental Studies and is known for strong research output and industry collaboration. Admissions are competitive, and the graduation rate is at around 20%. Graduates have median salaries of around CAD 65,000–70,000 within a short period of time, indicating the good reputation of the university and its worldwide connections.
| Mount Royal University | University of Calgary | |
|---|---|---|
| Programs | UG Programs -45 | UG Programs -63 PG Programs -62 Doctorate Programs -10 |
| Acceptance Rate | 61.0 % | 55.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6.5 PTE-58 TOEFL-83 | Duolingo-115 GMAT-550 IELTS-6.5 PTE-60 TOEFL-86 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 16425 [For UG Program] Hostel + Meal - 20172 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 16642 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 13386 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 24728 Per Year |
| placement (average package) | The average salary ranges around $61000 CAD | Graduate Employability Ranks (2023): #131-140. Top recruiters- University of Calgary, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, ATB Financials, Enbridge Pipelines Inc., Alberta Health Sevices, etc.
|
| application requirements | Submit high school and post secondary school transcripts Submit English language proficiency test scores Different courses may have program specific requirements | Some specific courses are required for admissions (vary with program). |
| CollegeDunia Reviews | 8.3/10 Read 3 reviews | 7.4/10 Read 33 reviews |
Top Courses Comparison
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 86/120 | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 86/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -23810 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -41982 |
| application dates | Apr 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) | Mar 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 86/120 | Duolingo - 130/160IELTS - 7.0/9PTE - 64/90TOEFL - 92/120 |
| application dates | Feb 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For 2025 Intake) | Mar 1, 2026 (Application Deadline For Fall Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | Mount Royal University | University of Calgary |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1910 | 1966 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 15:1 | 23:1 |
| Male:Female | 37% Male, 63% Female | 47% Male, 53% Female |
| Location Facts | There are two campuses: Lincoln park campus (main campus) and Springbank campus | Located in Calgary, main campus lies in the northwest quadrant close to Bow River and has a view of Alberta's rocky mountain. The other smaller campus lies in the city center. |
| Library | The Riddell Library and Learning Centre is a contemporary building and has inclusive space for collaboration and connection with expertise and resources that inspire and support innovative teaching, learning and scholarship. This four-storey, nearly 16,000-square-metre, building brings together experts and resources from the Academic Development Centre, including the START Lab (student technology and resource training); Department of Education; Mokakiiks Centre for Scholarship of Teaching and Learning; Student Learning Services; and University Library. | Comprises 6 different libraries and a museum. There is a dedicated library offering recourses on business. It also has a special and archive collection. Eight largest library in Canada with over 4.0 million printed volumes, and over 300,000 full electronic text. |
| Campus Life | University life has both study time and time to explore. There are events like Cougars game, students can join any club among 75 clubs, and attend unique events all on campus. From New Student Orientation to the Crowchild Classic and arts performances, you’ll find meaningful experiences. Other facilities include recreation centers, athletics, peer groups etc. | You can join various groups led by UG and PG student organizations. The Q center is dedicated to people from the queer community. A Variety of volunteering options are available. The annual Strong Festival and Carnival are two of the most celebrated events. A variety of athletic activities are also available. Calgary Dinos compete in 12 varsity sports. The university houses aquatic center, fitness studio, dance studio, weight rooms, and climbing walls. It runs 2 newspapers, a radio station and a TV production where students can indulge. |
| Hostel | #Four Bedroom Suite - $5756 #Two Bedroom - $6256 #One Bedroom - $8160 | #Single Suite - $10219 #Two bedroom suite - $8609 |
| Famous Alumni | Paul Brandt (music artist), Chris Gailus (television news anchor), Doris Hilda Anderson (author), Craig Wrobleski (cinematographer) | Stephan Harper (Former Canadian PM), Naheed Nenshi (Politician), Robert Thirsk (Former Canadian Space Agency Astronaut), James Gosling (Computer Scientist), Kristina Groves (Speed Skater), Hal Kvisle (Canadian Businessman), Rob Anders (Former Canadian MP), Ian Brodie (Canadian Political Scientist), Ronal Wright (Canadian Author), Peter Wong (Chief Executive of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Coorp), etc. |
| Weather |
Mount Royal University vs University of Calgary
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
Mount Royal University (MRU): MRU is a teaching university and does not feature in top global rankings like QS or THE. It ranks highly for Business, Communications, Health Sciences, and Liberal Arts, with very good regional reputation in Alberta for undergraduate programs and student services.
University of Calgary (UCalgary): Ranked around 211 globally in QS World University Rankings 2026, UCalgary is a research-intensive university with research strengths in Engineering, Medicine, Environmental Science, Business, and Social Sciences. It has global recognition for its research output, innovation, and industry engagement, with higher global visibility than MRU.
General Information
MRU is a smaller, undergraduate-focused university located in Calgary with a focus on individualized instruction and community involvement. UCalgary is a large research university with more than 35,000 students, several faculties, and extensive research programs, with a more varied academic and professional setting.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
MRU has relatively competitive admissions with emphasis on high school performance and holistic student assessment. UCalgary has more selective admissions, especially for Engineering, Medicine, and Science streams, with emphasis on good academic standing and research potential.
Research Impact & Facilities
MRU has teaching-focused facilities with some limited opportunities for applied research, primarily in professional and community-based programs. UCalgary has extensive research facilities, such as labs, medical research institutes, and engineering labs, to facilitate high-impact research and international collaborations.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are public Canadian universities, having the same tuition fees for domestic students and increased fees for international ones. Both have merit-based scholarships and financial aid available, and UCalgary has more research and graduate funding options.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
MRU graduates perform well in the regional job market, especially in business, communications, and health professions. UCalgary graduates enjoy a solid international and regional alumni base, excellent employability in engineering, medicine, business, and sciences, and greater opportunities for leadership positions in both Canada and abroad.
