MacEwan University
Edmonton, Alberta
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Is it hard to get into MacEwan?
What MacEwan asks of an applicant from a high school in Ontario. Its own province's students apply with their own courses and, often, a different tuition rate.
Programs listed
36
36 publish an average or minimum
Lowest published average
Mid 60s to mid 70s
Psychology (BA), the school's own figure
Highest published average
High 80s to mid 90s
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the school's own figure
Back for second year
Not published
Share of first-year students who return
| Field | School says | First-year tuition | Graduates working | Co-op |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer science | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | $7,500 | 93% | Unknown |
| Business and commerce | Competitive range high 60s to mid 70s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages) | $6,420 | 94% | Yes |
| Nursing | Competitive range high 80s to mid 90s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages) | $8,250 | 98% | No |
| Life sciences | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | $7,500 | 89% | Unknown |
| Math and physical sciences | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | $7,500 | Not published | Unknown |
| Social sciences | Competitive range mid 60s to mid 70s (Psychology major, no year printed on the table) | $6,420 | 100% | Unknown |
| Arts and humanities | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | $6,420 | 67% | Unknown |
| Education (teaching) | Competitive range high 60s to low 80s (2027/28 intake) | $8,000 | Not published | No |
| Fine and performing arts | Competitive; no average range published; 65% overall is the minimum, plus the audition, portfolio or statement | $8,790 | Not published | Unknown |
Graduates working: graduates of 2022-23.
What are the easiest programs to get into at MacEwan?
The programs with the lowest bar in the school's own figures: its published minimum or range. A low bar is not an easy program; competitive programs can take students well above it.
Lowest bar
- 1Psychology (BA)The school says competitive range mid 60s to mid 70s (Psychology major, no year printed on the table)
- 2AnthropologyThe school says no average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered
- 3Bachelor of Arts: UndeclaredThe school says no average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered
- 4Bachelor of MusicThe school says competitive; no average range published; 65% overall is the minimum, and the audition is the main criterion
- 5Communication Studies: JournalismThe school says no average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered
- 6EconomicsThe school says no average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered
- 7EnglishThe school says no average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered
- 8Fine Arts: Arts and Cultural ManagementThe school says no average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered
Highest bar
- 1Bachelor of Science in NursingThe school says competitive range high 80s to mid 90s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages)
- 2Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (Edmonton)The school says competitive range high 70s to high 80s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages, Edmonton intake)
- 3Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (Ponoka)The school says competitive range high 70s to high 80s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages, Ponoka intake)
- 4Bachelor of DesignThe school says competitive range low 70s to mid 80s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages)
- 5Bachelor of Public Safety and JusticeThe school says competitive range mid 70s to mid 80s (2027/28 intake)
- 6Bachelor of Child and Youth CareThe school says competitive range high 60s to low 80s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages)
- 7Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum StudiesThe school says competitive range high 60s to low 80s (2027/28 intake)
- 8Applied StatisticsThe school says competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes)
What average do you need for each MacEwan program?
36 first-year programs you can apply to straight from Grade 12, grouped by field. Open one for its required courses, extra steps, cost and the same program elsewhere.
Computer scienceevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
Business and commerceevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of CommerceEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to mid 70s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages) | Yes, optional | $6,420 |
Nursingevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (Edmonton)Edmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 70s to high 80s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages, Edmonton intake) | No | $9,000 |
| Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing (Ponoka)Ponoka (Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury) for years 1 and 2, then Edmonton | Competitive range high 70s to high 80s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages, Ponoka intake) | No | $9,000 |
| Bachelor of Science in NursingEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 80s to mid 90s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages) | No | $8,250 |
Life sciencesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological SciencesEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
Math and physical sciencesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied StatisticsEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
| ChemistryEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
| Data ScienceEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
| Environmental SciencesEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
| Mathematical SciencesEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
| MathematicsEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
| Physical SciencesEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
Arts and humanitiesevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Studies: JournalismEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | No | $8,790 |
| Communication Studies: Professional CommunicationEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | No | $8,790 |
| Communication Studies: Public RelationsEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | No | $8,790 |
| EnglishEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | School doesn't say | $6,420 |
| HistoryEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | School doesn't say | $6,420 |
| PhilosophyEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | School doesn't say | $6,420 |
Education (teaching)every university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Early Childhood Curriculum StudiesEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to low 80s (2027/28 intake) | No | $8,000 |
Fine and performing artsevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of MusicEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive; no average range published; 65% overall is the minimum, and the audition is the main criterion | School doesn't say | $9,000 |
| Fine Arts: Arts and Cultural ManagementEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | No | $8,790 |
| Fine Arts: Music Theatre PerformanceEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive; no average range published; 65% overall is the minimum, plus the audition, portfolio or statement | School doesn't say | $8,790 |
| Fine Arts: Studio ArtsEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive; no average range published; 65% overall is the minimum, plus the audition, portfolio or statement | School doesn't say | $8,790 |
| Fine Arts: Theatre ProductionEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive; no average range published; 65% overall is the minimum, plus the audition, portfolio or statement | School doesn't say | $8,790 |
Architecture and designevery university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of DesignEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range low 70s to mid 80s (2025/26 and 2026/27 averages) | School doesn't say | $8,790 |
General arts and science (major chosen later)every university, ranked
| Program | School says | Co-op | Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts: UndeclaredEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | No average range published; 65% overall (no course under 50%) is the minimum to be considered | School doesn't say | $6,420 |
| Bachelor of Science: UndeclaredEdmonton (City Centre Campus) | Competitive range high 60s to high 70s (2026/27 and 2027/28 intakes) | School doesn't say | $7,500 |
How much does MacEwan cost?
First year, at this year's prices, for a student from Ontario. Each program's page adds up its own total.
Tuition, first year
$6,420 to $9,000
Depends on the program
Fees on top of tuition
$1,594 to $3,184
Compulsory student fees
Residence and meals
$6,710
First year, shared room, usual meal plan
Rent after first year
$799 a month
Half a two-bedroom in Edmonton, CMHC Rental Market Survey, October 2025
What is it like at MacEwan?
The same whatever program you pick.
- Who gets a room
- No promise published
- Money just for your marks
- No automatic entrance scholarships published
- First-years who rate it good or excellent
- 87% (National Survey of Student Engagement)
- Finish their degree
- Not published
- Ways in without the usual marks
- Mature admission. Applicants 20 or older who have been out of full-time high school for at least a year are admitted on fewer courses: for most degrees ELA 30-1 at 65% (or six credits of university English at C- or better), for Arts three credits of university English including ENGL 111; Science, Commerce, Nursing and Public Safety and Justice still need their core courses at a 65% average. Competitive programs use the same competitive range. Who: Applicants 20 or older, out of full-time high school at least one year by the start of the intake term (Arts and Science say Canadian applicants); no province limit is stated.
- Academic Upgrading (formerly University Preparation). High school equivalent courses (English, math, sciences, social studies at the 10, 20 and 30 levels) taught at MacEwan to make students admissible or more competitive; MacEwan says most students finish their prerequisites within a year. Also offers a high school equivalency diploma. Tuition is 60% of the course credits x $214 a credit (2027/28 estimate). Who: Applicants with a high school diploma who are 17 or older, or mature applicants (20 or older, out of school a year) with at least 50% in English 10-1 or 10-2; placement test may be needed.
- pimâcihisowin Foundation Program. A foundation program geared primarily to Indigenous students: up to three high school equivalent courses a term to meet admission or competitive requirements, up to nine credits of university courses over two or three terms, mentorship, tutoring, a pimâcihisowin course and cultural supports through kihêw waciston. Completion 'does not guarantee admission'; students then apply to a degree or diploma. Who: Primarily Indigenous students with a high school diploma (17 or older), or mature applicants (20 or older) with 50% in English 10-1 or 10-2.
- Indigenous equity admission spaces. Several competitive degrees reserve spaces for applicants who self-identify as First Nations, Metis or Inuit and meet the minimum requirements: up to 10% in Nursing (BScN), Psychiatric Nursing, Child and Youth Care and Public Safety and Justice. Proof of Indigenous ancestry is uploaded in myStudentSystem. Who: Indigenous applicants who meet the program minimum; any province.
- Open Studies. University-credit courses taken without being admitted to a program: at most 6 credits a term and 24 credits in total. Students can then apply to a degree under 'previous post-secondary' admission, which for most degrees needs 24 university credits with an admission GPA of at least 2.0 (and any required high school courses). Who: Anyone meeting the English language proficiency level for degrees and each course's prerequisites.
What do MacEwan graduates earn?
Statistics Canada does not publish pay by university, only by field for each province's graduates. Figures are for Alberta bachelor's graduates, the class of 2022 two years after and the class of 2019 five years after, in 2024 dollars.
| Field | Two years after (class of 2022) | Five years after (class of 2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Computer science | $72,900 | $93,700 |
| Business and commerce | $65,500 | $81,600 |
| Nursing | $83,700 | $86,500 |
| Life sciences | $42,500 | $67,800 |
| Math and physical sciences | $49,700 | $61,700 |
| Social sciences | $52,800 | $66,300 |
| Arts and humanities | $43,000 | $61,500 |
| Education (teaching) | $66,800 | $77,200 |
| Fine and performing arts | $32,900 | $44,600 |
What careers do MacEwan programs lead to?
Two careers per field the school teaches, each with its pay, training and what the work is like.
- Software DeveloperBuild apps, websites and systems. No licence required, many roads in.$100kTypical pay1 to 4 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Data ScientistTurn piles of data into predictions and decisions. Math, code and a lot of cleaning up.$96kTypical pay4 to 7 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Accountant (CPA)The money behind every business. A degree, a national exam, and a designation that travels.$84kTypical pay6 to 7 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Financial AnalystRead the numbers behind a company or a deal and tell people what they mean. A degree, then years of exams.$90kTypical pay4 to 7 yearsTo qualifyModerateDemand
- Registered NurseCare for patients in hospitals, clinics and homes. In demand everywhere in Canada.$90kTypical pay4 yearsTo qualifyVery highDemand
- Nurse PractitionerA nurse with a master's degree who can diagnose, order tests and prescribe. Two degrees, six figures, huge demand.$128kTypical pay8 to 9 yearsTo qualifyVery highDemand
- BiologistStudy living things for a government, a university or a consulting firm. The degree is the easy part; the funding is the hard part.$83kTypical pay4 to 6 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
- Medical Laboratory TechnologistRun the tests behind most diagnoses: blood, tissue, bacteria, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic code). Two to three years of school and good job prospects.$81kTypical pay2 to 4 yearsTo qualifyGoodDemand
- ActuaryPut a price on risk for insurers and pension plans. Years of exams, but you are paid well while you write them.$106kTypical pay7 to 10 yearsTo qualifyLimitedDemand
Compare MacEwan with other universities
Side by side: programs, averages, costs and outcomes.
Or open University of Calgary's own page, or the list of every university on Careerhelp.
Where these numbers come from
Checked 2026-10-20. Every figure is from the school's own pages or a government table; nothing is estimated.
- Residence: macewan.ca (opens in a new tab) (macewan.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Who gets a room: macewan.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Scholarships: macewan.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Fees: macewan.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Satisfaction: macewan.ca (opens in a new tab) (macewan.ca (opens in a new tab))
- Rent: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Pay by field: www150.statcan.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Anthropology: calendar.macewan.ca (opens in a new tab)
- Economics: calendar.macewan.ca (opens in a new tab)
- English: calendar.macewan.ca (opens in a new tab)
How every figure in this part of the site is sourced, and the check of every link.
Careerhelp is not affiliated with any school. Check the program page before you apply; requirements change every year.
Social sciencesevery university, ranked