College Admissions: 5 Reasons to Attend College in Canada

Monday, February 24, 2014

Cristiana Quinn, GoLocalProv College Admissions Expert

 

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Hart House, a student activity center at the University of Toronto.

With many U.S. universities exceeding $50,000 per year (and some $60,000+), families are struggling to pay for college in a stagnant economy.

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Yet few consider the bargains available in Canada. Before you dismiss this northern option, consider a few compelling reasons to venture across the border:

1. Top Rankings Worldwide

According to the 2013 Times Higher World Education Report, the University of Toronto ranks 20 among universities GLOBALLY (Cornell ranked #19). Other Canadian notables included the University of British Columbia at #31 and McGill at #35.

2. Save $50-$100K+ Over 4 Years

McGill bases tuition on your program, and that means costs can vary widely, from under $15,000 per year for a Bachelor of Arts to over $25,000 for a Bachelor of Science. Add another $12,000-$14,000 per year for room and board, for a total cost range of $27,000-$39,000 per year. Compare that to big city private schools like BU or NYU at approximately $60,000 per year. At U. Toronto and U. British Columbia, total annual costs range from about $35,000-$40,000, compared to big U.S. state universities like U. Michigan or UCLA at around $55,000 for out of state students.

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3. No Language Barrier

With the exception of some Quebec universities that teach in French, most Canadian universities use English. So, there is no trouble in the classroom or navigating around town. Although you may want to practice saying “eh?” at the end of your sentences.

4. Good Healthcare

While parents may worry about students heading off for study abroad programs in countries with lesser healthcare systems, Canada boasts a top notch healthcare system, or you can opt to come back across the border for medical needs.

5. Absorb Another Culture

Although Canada is similar enough to the U.S. to make you feel at home, there are also differences to explore. From the French speaking streets of Montreal to halls of Parliament in Ottawa, there are many unique aspects of Canada for U.S. students to experience.

 

Cristiana Quinn, M.Ed. is the founder of College Admission Advisors, LLC, a Providence-based educational consulting firm which provides strategic, individual counseling for college-bound students www.collegeadvisorsonline.com.

 

Related Slideshow: Best Ski + Snowboard Colleges in the East

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Middlebury College

Middlebury, VT

With Stowe and Sugarbush nearby, finding challenging terrain is not an issue at colleges in northern Vermont. Students at Middlebury enjoy the Snow Bowl, owned by the college, for a quick few runs when they are not up for a car ride. In less than a half hour however, they can hit the slopes at Sugarbush or Stowe. You will need to be a top student to get into Middlebury though; with an acceptance rate of just 17%, the college is among a handful of the most selective liberal arts colleges in the country.

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University of Vermont

Burlington, VT

Heading north, in the picturebook city of Burlington on the shores of Lake Champlain, you will find the University of Vermont. Famous for producing both Alpine and Downhill Olympic skiers, UVM is a mecca for winter sports lovers. Buses head from campus to the slopes on the weekends, and students tune their skis in the dorm hallways at night. Sugarbush and Stowe are the most popular ski destinations for UVMers, but Smuggler’s Notch and Jay Peak also draw sports classes and snowboarders looking for slopes off the beaten path. UVM is different than most state schools in that 75% of students come from out-of-state, the university boasts an amazing honors college, it’s home to a ground breaking environmental studies program and a highly rated medical school.

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St. Michael's College

Colchester, VT

Nearby in Colchester, St. Michael’s is a hidden gem among Catholic colleges in New England. St. Mike’s has a warm, pretty campus with a wide variety of majors, including business. Easy access to Burlington and all the same ski areas as UVM, make St. Mike’s a great option for students wanting a small college with reasonable acceptance rates and a nurturing academic environment.

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Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH

For skiers and snowboarders who can make the Ivy League cut, there is really only one college: Dartmouth. Whether you race cross country or are a downhill enthusiast, Dartmouth’s long tradition of elite athletics will ensure top notch competition. Dartmouth has their own “SkiWay”, but it’s not on campus and most students prefer the challenge of a bigger mountain. Since Dartmouth sits close to the New Hampshire/Vermont boarder, there are quite a few options for big mountain skiing, with Killington and Okemo less than 45 minutes away.

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New England College

Henniker, NH

New England College in Henniker is a tiny, ski lovers’ gem. For students who prefer a small college with very personal attention, NEC is a great choice. Those with learning differences will also find a warm and accepting environment with professor mentorships and all the tools necessary to succeed in college.  Students at NEC form a tight knit community and can often be seen heading off with boards tucked under their arms in groups each afternoon to hit the slopes at nearby Loon or Waterville.

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Plymouth State University

Plymouth, NH

Plymouth State offers another option for boarders and skiers in central New Hampshire. With easy access to Waterville, Loon, Cannon and even the North Conway area, there are many choices for big mountain skiing. The college sprawls up the hillside in the quaint town of Plymouth, which is filled with shops and restaurants. With a medium size student body, reasonable acceptance rate and low tuition, Plymouth State is easily accessible for many students.

 

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