Apples & Oranges Differences Between College & University Education in Ontario

Which is better? Why? A College Education A University Education

Both are good. Your choice should depend on your career of interest.

Curriculum College Program offerings are in direct response to continually shifting labour market demands. Curriculum is based on the skills required for a particular job: this information comes directly from employers (*PACs) University Program offerings are selected based on student interest with little or no direct correlation to labour market demand. Curriculum is broad & meant for theoretical knowledge in subject areas (like Liberal Arts )

Learning Style College Students have close to 50/50 mix of theory & practical experience in labs, internships & co-ops. Given skills to prepare for direct entry into a career. Professors are industry experts. University The majority of classes structured much like high school (classroom). The lessons are based on theory in a general field, and provide a theoretical understanding of a given topic. Professors are academic scholars plus T.A. (teaching assistants)

Time in School College 1 to 4 years  1 year = Certificate  2 years = Diploma  3 years = Advanced Diploma  4 years = Bachelor Degree  2-5 years = Apprenticeship University 4 to 10 years  4 years = Undergraduate Bachelor Degree +1 year = Teacher’s College +2 years = Master’s Degree +2 years = Doctorate Degree +3 years = Med. Internship

Average Costs of Learning College Diplomas $ $14,000/yr Applied Degrees $5,500+/yr Joint programs college/university $5,500+/yr Post-Graduate $2,500 - $14,000/yr University Degrees (undergrad) $5700+/yr Graduate $6,000+/yr Doctor/Dentist $10,000 - $14,000/yr Executive MBA $25,000 +/yr Source: Ontario Colleges: An Overview. Retrieved Feb.5, 2009 from n.nsf/page/Fast+Sheets+News2?OpenDocument Source: Stats Canada. (October 20, 2009). University Tuition Fees. Retrieved Nov 11, 2009 from

Is it harder to get into college or university ?

Admission Requirements College OSSD C/U level courses for diplomas; U/M level courses for degrees 70% to 95% averages needed Supplemental requirements Some programs (nursing, dental) look for top academic grades Smaller intakes = smaller class size for many courses University OSSD U/M level courses 70% to 95% averages needed Supplemental requirements Some programs (med/law school) look for top academic grades Bigger intakes = big lectures for many courses

Pathways… Career ApprenticeshipsCollegeUniversity High School

Pathways: so many choices! Career Apprenticeship s CollegeUniversityApprenticeships High School

Career Apprenticeship s CollegeUniversityApprenticeships High School All pathways lead to careers!

Where do you go for training? Colleges don’t offer all program areas of study Universities don’t offer all program areas of study Emergency Services Culinary/ Hospitality Health/Dental Skilled Trades Graphic / Game Design Accounting Lawyer Doctor/ Dentist Civil Engineer Architect/ Urban Planner Teacher Nursing Computer/ Software Engineer

Pathways to University…in Ontario

Pathways to University…in Canada & the US

Pathways to University…in other countries

Employment Growth in Ontario by Level of Education (1990 to 2008) Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey (as of October 2008) THE FACTS ABOUT APPLES & ORANGES: Jobs are requiring more education than in previous generations. Between 1990 and 2008: Jobs requiring university education more than doubled! Jobs requiring college education continues to increase. No high school = less jobs (and usually, less pay). University College Less than High School High School This is where you want to be!

24 public colleges Most programs are aligned to jobs market Skills & theory-based learning years $2,300+ (average per year) 21 public universities Most programs are General Arts & Science based Subject & theory-based learning years $4,900+ (average per year) Summary Colleges University

My final advice to you: Remember apples and oranges are both good for you. Research should make your post-secondary selection easier. Try not to get stressed out…you’ll go… B-A-N-A-N-A-S

Thanks and Good Luck! Cynthia McDonagh Liaison Officer