College Admissions: 5 Reasons to Attend College in Canada

College Admissions: 5 Reasons to Attend College in Canada

With many U.S. universities exceeding $50,000 per year (and some $60,000+), families are searching for viable alternative to U.S. college and universities. Yet few consider the bargains available just across the border in Canada. Before you dismiss this northern option, consider a few compelling reasons to venture north:

1. Top Rankings Worldwide

According to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings, the University of Toronto ranked 16th, wedged between Yale and U. Michigan. The University of British Columbia came in 33rd, just above NYU. And McGill placed 24th globally in the prestigious QS Worldwide University Rankings.

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2. Save $100K Over 4 Years

McGill bases tuition on your program, and that means costs can be higher for business and science programs. However, at present Canadian to U.S. Dollar conversions, the range (including room and board) is about $23,000-$36,000 per year. Compare that to big city private schools like BU or NYU at approximately $60,000 per year. At U. British Columbia, total annual costs come in at approximately $30,000 U.S. dollars, compared to big American state universities like U. Michigan or UCLA at around $50,000-55,000 for out of state students. Remember that most FAFSA based loans can be used for accredited universities in Canada.

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 Canadian Rockies to the French speaking streets of Montreal and the 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.