Toronto vs Waterloo
How Toronto and Waterloo stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Toronto | Waterloo | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 43% | 53% overall; ~10-15% Engineering/CS |
| Testing policy | flexible | flexible |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | Canada | Canada |
| Sticker price (per year) | $61,500 | $51,000 |
| Average cost after aid | $61,500 | $51,000 |
| Supplemental essays | 3 | 4 |
- Toronto is harder to get into than Waterloo (43% versus 53% overall; ~10-15% Engineering/CS), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, Waterloo is usually the cheaper option ($51,000 versus $61,500 per year on average).
- Waterloo asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 3), so budget more time for its application.
- Run the free chances calculator to see your real odds at both, then get a free read on each school's essays.
Toronto vs Waterloo FAQ
Is Toronto or Waterloo harder to get into?
Toronto is harder to get into, admitting about 43% of applicants versus 53% overall; ~10-15% Engineering/CS at Waterloo.
Is Toronto or Waterloo cheaper?
After financial aid, Waterloo is usually cheaper, about $51,000 per year on average versus $61,500 at Toronto.
See your real chances at Toronto and Waterloo.
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