The value of a college education is on the rise in Canada. More and more youth are seeking a post-secondary education that focuses more on the practical and lesson the theoretical, and older adults who have long since graduated have opted to step back into the college classroom to diversify their education. Ontario community colleges are becoming increasingly competitive with one another, as each has different advantages and unique offerings.
Most of these colleges were established in the mid-20th century when the Ontario Government decided to create post-secondary institutions that offered an alternative to university studies. Currently, 24 publicly funded institutions occupy the list of colleges in Ontario. Most of these colleges are situated in Southern Ontario, with a small number in Northern Ontario as well. Two of 24 Ontario collages are French schools while the rest offer strictly English educations.
Almost every major city has a college nearby, and most colleges offer a rich variety of programs. Students wishing to pick a school based on geographical convenience can usually have their needs suited should they be seeking a more generalized education, though certain campuses stand out from the crowd in terms of course offerings or specialized programs.
Employers in technology fields have highly praised Northern, Durham and Algonquin Colleges for their well-rounded education in technological studies, including electrical engineering and computer sciences.
Students looking to get into media work or more creative fields can also afford to be choosy. Many Ontario colleges have been hailed for their film and television broadcasting programs, including Fanshawe College (which also boasts a highly exclusive post-graduate advanced filmmaking diploma), Centennial College, Seneca College and Canadore College. On top of a wide array of business, accounting and applied science programs, George Brown College is also home to many artistic and creative programs including its school of design for fashion students and their school of performing arts for dance and theatre students.
Most colleges in Ontario have forged partnerships with nearby universities to provide bachelor degree programs as well, for students seeking educations that are both practical and theoretical. For example, years ago in order to work as a nurse in Canada, one only had to possess a college diploma in nursing. Currently, all new nurses must possess a BScN, or bachelor’s of science in nursing. A BScN can be obtained from a number of colleges in Ontario who have partnered with other universities. At the moment the only colleges not offering BScN programs are Canadore, Sheridan, La Cité Collégial, Collége Boréal and Niagara College, though many of these schools also offer similar integrated health programs such as community health care, which can prepare a graduate for a career in public health.
With Ontario’s colleges offering such diverse and highly regarded programs, applicants should also stop to consider the community or environment of these colleges. While some inner-city campuses such as George Brown College center more around a stimulating academic environment, those seeking student residences or a sprawling, grass-filled campus where they can interact with their peers may want to look elsewhere. On the other hand, colleges in mid-size cities such as London’s Fanshawe College are able to offer more spacious, green campuses for those who are seeking a more enriching social environment.
There are numerous factors in choosing a college and a program that suit one’s needs and goals, but with the rising value of a college education, Ontario’s community colleges are increasingly offering their students more and more.
Full list of colleges in Ontario Canada by city below:
- Barrie – Georgian College
- Belleville – Loyalist College
- Hamilton – Mohawk College
- Kingston – St. Lawrence College
- Kitchener/Waterloo – Conestoga College
- London – Fanshawe College
- North Bay – Canadore College
- Oakville – Sheridan College
- Oshawa – Durham College
- Ottawa – Algonquin College, La Cité collégial
- Peterborough – Fleming College
- Sarnia – Lambton College
- Sault Ste. Marie – Sault College
- Sudbury – Cambrian College, Collége Boréal
- Thunder Bay – Confederation College
- Timmins – Northern College
- Toronto – Centennial College, George Brown College, Humber College, Seneca College
- Welland – Niagara College
- Windsor – St. Clair College
