Waterloo vs Western
How Waterloo and Western stack up on the numbers that decide where you apply: selectivity, cost after aid, testing, and essays.
| Waterloo | Western | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 53% overall; ~10-15% Engineering/CS | 58% |
| Testing policy | flexible | flexible |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Location | Canada | Canada |
| Sticker price (per year) | $51,000 | $43,500 |
| Average cost after aid | $51,000 | $43,000 |
| Supplemental essays | 4 | 2 |
- Waterloo is harder to get into than Western (53% overall; ~10-15% Engineering/CS versus 58%), so treat it as the bigger reach.
- After aid, Western is usually the cheaper option ($43,000 versus $51,000 per year on average).
- Waterloo asks for more supplemental writing (4 essays versus 2), 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.
Waterloo vs Western FAQ
Is Waterloo or Western harder to get into?
Waterloo is harder to get into, admitting about 53% overall; ~10-15% Engineering/CS of applicants versus 58% at Western.
Is Waterloo or Western cheaper?
After financial aid, Western is usually cheaper, about $43,000 per year on average versus $51,000 at Waterloo.
See your real chances at Waterloo and Western.
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