Software Engineering at Carleton: Admission Average
Carleton University · Ottawa, ON
What average do you need for Software Engineering at Carleton?
Software Engineering 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 co-op, Ottawa tech sector is substantial and growing.
How competitive is it?
Of the 14 universities we track that offer it, 5 ask for a higher average and none 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.
Software Engineering at other universities
- University of Waterloo – high 90s (94-97%+)
- University of British Columbia – high 80s-low 90s (BC) / low-mid 90s (OOP)
- McGill University – low-to-mid 90s
- McMaster University – high 80s-low 90s
- University of Ottawa – high 80s-low 90s
- Western University – high 80s
- Ontario Tech University – high 80s
- York University – high 80s
- Toronto Metropolitan University – high 80s
- University of Victoria – high 80s
- Concordia University – high 80s
- University of Calgary – high 80s
- University of New Brunswick – high 80s
Typical high school prerequisites
- English
- Advanced Functions
- Calculus & Vectors
- Physics
- Chemistry
First-year courses
- Calculus I & II
- Linear Algebra
- Programming Fundamentals
- Digital Circuits
- Engineering Profession
These are typical for Software Engineering programs across Canada. About the Software Engineering degree
After a Software Engineering degree
Software Engineering usually takes 4 years.
- Software Engineer – $85,000 to $180,000+
- AI / Machine Learning Engineer – $95,000 to $200,000+
- Game Developer – $65,000 to $130,000
- Cybersecurity Analyst – $75,000 to $150,000
- Waterloo SE and CS are both excellent but SE has a stronger focus on engineering process - CS is more research-oriented.
- SE graduates often command slightly higher starting salaries than general CS at non-Waterloo schools.
- The accreditation as an engineering program means you can pursue a P.Eng designation - uncommon in CS.
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
- Computer Science – 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