Computer Science at Carleton: Admission Average
Carleton University · Ottawa, ON
What average do you need for Computer Science at Carleton?
Computer Science at Carleton University typically admits students with averages in the high 80s, roughly 85–89%. It ranks #2 of 15 Carleton programs by admission average.
Strong cybersecurity focus, excellent federal government co-op placements.
How competitive is it?
Of the 31 universities we track that offer it, 5 ask for a higher average and 4 ask for a lower average.
As a rough guide, 89% or higher is above the typical range, 85% up to 89% is inside it, and 81% up to 85% is a reach. Cut-offs move every year, so apply to a mix of schools.
Ontario applicants are assessed on their top six Grade 12 U/M courses, including the program's prerequisites. Work out yours with the Best 6 calculator.
Computer Science at other universities
- University of Waterloo – high 90s (95-98%+)
- University of Toronto – low-to-mid 90s
- University of British Columbia – high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP)
- McGill University – low-to-mid 90s
- Université de Montréal – high 80s-low 90s
- McMaster University – high 80s
- Western University – high 80s
- University of Ottawa – high 80s
- University of Guelph – high 80s
- Wilfrid Laurier University – high 80s
- Brock University – high 80s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- University of Windsor – high 80s
- York University – high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- University of Victoria – high 80s
- Concordia University – high 80s
- Université Laval – high 80s
- University of Calgary – high 80s
- Dalhousie University – high 80s
- Acadia University – high 80s
- University of Manitoba – high 80s
- University of Saskatchewan – high 80s
- University of Regina – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
- Memorial University of Newfoundland – high 80s
- University of Northern BC – mid-to-high 80s
- Thompson Rivers University – mid-to-high 80s
- MacEwan University – mid-to-high 80s
- University of Prince Edward Island – mid-to-high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- One additional U/M course
- Computer Science (recommended)
First-year courses
- Calculus I & II
- Linear Algebra
- Introduction to Programming
- Discrete Mathematics
- Statistics
These are typical for Computer Science programs across Canada. About the Computer Science degree
After a Computer Science degree
Computer Science usually takes 4 years. Many graduates go on to graduate or professional school.
- Software Engineer – $85,000 to $180,000+
- Data Scientist – $70,000 to $150,000
- AI / Machine Learning Engineer – $95,000 to $200,000+
- Cybersecurity Analyst – $75,000 to $150,000
- Game Developer – $65,000 to $130,000
- Waterloo CS is among the most competitive CS programs in Canada - the Admission Information Form is required, and contest results (CCC, Euclid) can strengthen an application.
- The theory-heavy first two years surprise many students - if you want applied work immediately, co-op is the relief valve.
- AI coding tools have reduced traditional junior developer openings - co-op experience, internships, and depth in areas like AI, security, or systems matter more than ever.
Applying to Carleton
Carleton University is Ottawa's second major university and is known for exceptional engineering, journalism, public policy, and cybersecurity programs. Its proximity to the federal government and National Capital Region tech sector makes it a genuine advantage for co-op placements. Carleton has an outstanding tunnel system connecting virtually every building on campus - a much-appreciated practical detail in Canadian winters.
Carleton University is in Ottawa, ON, was founded in 1942 and has about 31,000 students. Domestic tuition is about $6,100 a year, co-op is available and first-year residence is guaranteed.
Deadlines: OUAC (Ontario) January 15.
- Carleton's cybersecurity programs have direct connections to the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and RCMP.
- The co-op program places heavily in federal government, tech firms, and aerospace - an Ottawa advantage that's hard to replicate.
- Carleton's tunnel system connecting all buildings is genuinely useful in harsh Ottawa winters.
Other Carleton programs
- Aerospace Engineering – high 80s-low 90s
- Software Engineering – high 80s
- Electrical Engineering – high 80s
- Mechanical Engineering – high 80s
- Civil Engineering – high 80s
- Computer Systems Engineering – high 80s
- Journalism – mid-to-high 80s
- Public Affairs & Policy Mgmt (BPAPM) – mid-to-high 80s
- Industrial Design – high 80s + portfolio
- Architecture – high 80s + portfolio
- Psychology – mid-to-high 80s
- Political Science – mid 80s
- Law & Legal Studies (BA) – mid-to-high 80s
- Criminology & Criminal Justice – mid 80s