10 Cheap Universities in Ottawa for National & International Students

Several cheap universities in Ottawa provide high-quality education at reasonable prices. These colleges provide a wide choice of programs to students with various interests and academic goals. 

With a focus on accessible education, these colleges strive to create a supportive learning atmosphere while maintaining cost. Thanks to innovative teaching methods and robust academic resources, students can flourish in their chosen disciplines without financial burdens. For those considering graduate studies, it’s worth exploring universities with cheap masters degrees in Canada.

Ottawa’s low-cost colleges aspire to make higher education accessible to all, enabling students to pursue their academic and professional goals within a budget-friendly framework.

List of Top 10 Cheap Universities in Ottawa 

We have researched and mentioned some of the cheapest universities in Ottawa for both national and international students. 

1. Willis College

Fees: Approximately $10,469

Key Information:

• It was established in 1866.
• Offers career-focused diploma and certificate programs.
• Specializes in areas such as Healthcare, Business, Technology, and Cybersecurity.
• Provides hands-on training and industry connections.
• Flexible scheduling options are available.
• Small class sizes for personalized attention.

Willis College was established in 1866. It is a private career college located in Ottawa, Ontario, with additional campuses in Arnprior and Smiths Falls. It provides diploma and certificate programs in fields like healthcare, business, technology, and cybersecurity. Willis College is renowned for its small class sizes and personalized approach to education.

Why choose this college?

• Offers career-focused diploma and certificate programs in Healthcare, Business, Technology, and Cybersecurity.
• Provides hands-on training and industry connections.
• Flexible scheduling options are available, with small class sizes for personalized attention.

2. Herzing College

Fees: Approximately $4000 to $6400

Key Information:

• It was established in 1965.
• English-language institution focusing on job market preparation.
• Offers diploma programs in Business, Design, Healthcare, Legal Studies, Technology, and Professional Development.
• Provides full-time, part-time, daytime, evening, and online classes.

Herzing College is a private career college with campuses located around Canada, including one in Ottawa. Established in 1965, it provides diploma and certificate programs in business, healthcare, technology, and design. Herzing College focuses on providing its students with a practical, job-focused education.

Why choose this college?

• Focuses on job market preparation with diploma programs in Business, Design, Healthcare, Legal Studies, Technology, and Professional Development.
• Provides a variety of class options including full-time, part-time, daytime, evening, and online classes.

3. University of Ottawa

Fees: Approximately $14,389 to $26,354

Key Information:

• It was established in 1848.
• Bilingual public research university.
• Largest English-French university globally.
• Offers programs through ten major faculties.
• Ranked 7th in Canada by Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2020.
• University of Ottawa in Canada has both boys and girls studying together, with more than 35,000 undergraduates and 6,000 postgraduates.

The University of Ottawa is a multilingual public research university situated in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was founded in 1848. In a variety of subjects, including the arts, sciences, engineering, law, and health sciences, it provides a large selection of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is renowned for both its varied student body and its robust research efforts.

Why choose this college?

• Bilingual public research university offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Largest English-French university globally.
• Renowned for its diverse student body and robust research efforts.

4. Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and Holistic Health Sciences

Fees: Approximately $43,237 for 1458 hours

Key Information:

• It was established in 2009.
• Focuses on osteopathic education and holistic health sciences.
• Offers diploma and certificate programs in Osteopathy and Holistic Health.
• Provides hands-on training in osteopathic techniques.
• Emphasizes a holistic approach to healthcare.
• Small class sizes for personalized instruction

The Canadian Academy of Osteopathy and Holistic Health Sciences has its headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario. It provides diploma programs in osteopathy and holistic health sciences. The institution was founded in 1981 and is dedicated to providing extensive training in osteopathic manual therapy and promoting holistic approaches to healthcare.

Why choose this college?

• Specializes in osteopathic education and holistic health sciences.
• Emphasizes hands-on training in osteopathic techniques and holistic approaches to healthcare.
• Small class sizes for personalized instruction.

5. Carleton University

Fees: Approximately $16,200 to $23,000 

Key Information:

• Founded in 1942.
• A public university in Ottawa.
• Programs are offered through six major faculties.
• Notable programs include Journalism, Media Production and Design, Public Affairs and Policy Management, and Cognitive Science.
• One of the cheapest universities in Ottawa.
• Approximately 27,000 undergraduate population.

Carleton University is a public comprehensive university located in Ottawa, Ontario. It was established in 1942. It provides more than 100 graduate and over 65 undergraduate programs in subjects like business, public affairs, engineering, arts, and social sciences. Carleton University is renowned for emphasizing chances for experiential learning and research.

Why choose this college?

• Offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields.
• Emphasizes experiential learning and research opportunities.
• Notable programs include Journalism, Media Production and Design, Public Affairs and Policy Management, and Cognitive Science.

6. Algonquin College

Fees: Approximately $11,144 per year

Key Information:

• It was established in 1967.
• Public college with multiple campuses.
• Ranked in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada.
• Offers over 180 programs, including degrees and diplomas.
• Program options range from Art and Design to Bachelor degrees in various fields.
• Approximately 19,400 full-time student population.

With campuses in Pembroke, Perth, and Ottawa, Algonquin College was founded in 1967 and is one of the biggest universities in Ontario. It provides a large selection of certificate, degree, and diploma programs in fields like technology, skilled crafts, business, and health sciences. Strong industry relationships and a practical, hands-on approach to education are two of Algonquin’s well-known qualities.

Why choose this college?

• Provides over 180 programs including degrees and diplomas with a focus on practical, hands-on education.
• Strong industry relationships and ranked in the Top 50 Research Colleges in Canada.

7. Ottawa School of Art

Fees:  Approximately $375 per course

Key Information:

• Founded in 1879.
• Specializes in visual arts education.
• Offers programs in Fine Arts, Digital Arts, and Applied Arts.
• Provides studio-based learning environments.
• Opportunities for exhibitions and community engagement.
• Emphasis on developing artistic skills and creativity.

The Ottawa School of Art was founded in 1879. It is a non-profit art institution based in Ottawa, Ontario. It provides a variety of visual arts programs and courses, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, and photography. The school focuses on studio-based learning and artistic expression.

Why choose this college?

• Specializes in visual arts education with programs in Fine Arts, Digital Arts, and Applied Arts.
• Offers studio-based learning environments and opportunities for exhibitions and community engagement.

8. Saint Paul University

Fees: Approximately $10,000 to $11,000 per year

Key Information:

• Established in 1848.
• Bilingual Catholic Pontifical institution.
• Offers programs in both French and English languages.
• Programs are offered through four major faculties.
• Undergraduate programs include Social Communications, Human Relations and Spirituality, and Public Ethics.
• Approximately 600 undergraduate population.

Associated with the University of Ottawa, Saint Paul University is a Catholic Pontifical university. It was established in 1848 and provides graduate and undergraduate courses in subjects like public ethics, philosophy, social communication, and religion. Spiritual growth, social justice, and critical thinking are prioritized at the university.

Why choose this college?

• Bilingual Catholic Pontifical institution offering programs in Social Communications, Human Relations and Spirituality, and Public Ethics.
• Emphasizes spiritual growth, social justice, and critical thinking.

9. Dominican University College

Fees: Approximately $7,700 per year

Key Information:

• Established in 1899.
• Bilingual Roman Catholic university.
• Offers programs in philosophy and theology.
• Programs offered through the Faculty of Philosophy and the Faculty of Theology.
• Small class sizes and personalized education.
• Approximately 200 undergraduate population.

Dominican University College is a bilingual Roman Catholic college situated in Ottawa, Ontario, that was founded in 1900. It provides graduate and undergraduate theological and philosophical programs with an emphasis on the Dominican intellectual heritage. Philosophical research and integrative study are encouraged at the college.

Why choose this college?

• Bilingual Roman Catholic university specializing in philosophy and theology programs.
• Offers small class sizes and personalized education with an emphasis on philosophical research.

10. College La Cité

Fees: Approximately $7,750 CDN

Key Information:

• Founded in 1989.
• French-language college in Ottawa.
• Offers over 90 programs, predominantly diploma programs.
• Focuses on practical training.
• Only one-degree program is offered: Biotechnology.
• Approximately 5,000 overall student population.

Collège La Cité is a French-language public college in Ottawa, Ontario, that was created in 1989. Its specialty is offering technical and vocational training programs in fields including construction trades, hospitality, tourism, and health sciences. Industry-relevant skills and hands-on learning are given top priority at the college.

Why choose this college?

• French-language college offering over 90 practical training programs predominantly in diploma programs.
• Emphasizes industry-relevant skills and hands-on learning with a focus on technical and vocational training.

How do Choose Cheap Universities in Ottawa?

Choosing an affordable institution in Ottawa requires careful consideration of several important aspects. Below are some of the factors before choosing the cheapest universities in Ottawa: 

• Part-Time Work and Work-Study: Look for universities that provide part-time employment or work-study programs. Having a job while studying can cut down on expenses and lessen reliance on loans.
• Tuition Fees: Compare the tuition costs at Ottawa’s universities. Check the fees for your preferred program and whether you are an international or domestic student. Choose colleges with lower tuition rates.
• Analyze Overall Value: Have a look at factors other than price, like teacher experience, academic standing, career placement rates, and student support services. Make sure the university of choice provides value for the money spent on education.
• Financial Aid: Investigate the scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities offered by institutions. Apply for suitable programs based on academic achievement, financial need, or other criteria to help with tuition costs.
• Cost of Living: Consider the total cost of living in Ottawa, including housing, transportation, and daily costs. To save money on housing, consider living off campus or sharing with others. 
• Community colleges: Investigate community colleges and technical institutes, which sometimes provide less expensive options than traditional universities. These colleges offer a variety of programs and may provide transfer options.
• Distance learning: Make sure to enroll in distance learning or online programs, which are sometimes more cost-effective due to flexibility and lower commuting expenses.
• Research money and Assistantships: If you are pursuing graduate degrees, look for universities that offer research money, assistantships, or teaching opportunities. Tuition waivers or stipends are common among these alternatives, which help to reduce college expenses.

FAQs

Conclusion

These universities focus on quality education while making tuition fees affordable to students. Students can pursue higher education without incurring significant financial burdens thanks to a variety of scholarship programs and financial aid initiatives. 

Ottawa’s low-cost colleges not only provide accessible education but also build a supportive community in which students can achieve their academic goals without sacrificing quality.