Some people had established career goals when they were still young. For these people, choosing a degree isn’t a tough decision and they may have already shortlisted some of the best colleges in Calgary.
But for most of us, interests can change from time to time. That’s when choosing the right college makes the most impact on your career track.
During your collegiate years, you develop and improve the skills and talents you use when you enter the workforce. So, you have to prioritize getting the best experience and training.
You just have to find the perfect mix of quality of education, faculty expertise, student diversity, learning environment, and campus lifestyle.
Anyway, whether you’re looking for a place to receive a quality education or build a teaching career, consider these best colleges in Calgary.
Table of Contents
1. Aquinas College
| BEST FOR | Career Focused Curriculums |
| PRODUCTS | https://aquinascollege.ca/programs/ |
| WEBSITE | https://aquinascollege.ca |
| ADDRESS | 9705 Horton Rd SW C400, Calgary, AB T2V 2X5, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | +1 825-712-6618 / [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Mon – Fri, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSat – Sun, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Aquinas College in Calgary stands out as a vibrant hub for career-focused education, offering a diverse array of programs designed to prepare students for success in today’s competitive job market. Located in southwest Calgary, the college prides itself on combining academic excellence with practical skills and real-world experiences. Whether you’re pursuing a diploma in Office Administration, Massage Therapy, or Recreation Therapy Aide, Aquinas College provides flexible learning options, including online courses, ensuring you can balance your studies with personal and professional commitments.
One of the significant advantages of attending Aquinas College is its emphasis on flexible timing and accessibility. With options for morning, evening, and weekend classes, students can tailor their education to fit their individual schedules. This flexibility allows for a seamless integration of learning into daily life, accommodating diverse needs and enhancing the overall educational experience. Moreover, Aquinas College’s commitment to online learning through platforms like Google Classroom extends educational opportunities beyond the campus, offering convenience without compromising on quality.
Another strength lies in Aquinas College’s certified diplomas, recognized by the Government of Alberta. These credentials enhance graduates’ employability, providing a competitive edge in the job market. The college’s practical approach to education ensures that students not only gain theoretical knowledge but also receive hands-on training through industry-aligned programs and practicum opportunities. This practical experience equips graduates with the skills and confidence needed to succeed in their chosen careers upon graduation.
While Aquinas College offers many benefits, there are considerations to keep in mind. The modular system, although beneficial for focused learning, may pose challenges for students accustomed to traditional semester-based structures. This intensive format requires dedication and discipline to master each course within a shorter timeframe.
In conclusion, Aquinas College is a beacon of opportunity for those looking to transform their lives through career-focused education in Calgary. By offering flexible learning options, certified diplomas, and practical, industry-aligned programs, the college prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Highlights
- Flexible timing and accessibility of classes
- Certified diplomas recognized by the Government of Alberta
- Practical, hands-on training through industry-aligned programs
2. Southern Alberta Institute of Calgary
| BEST FOR | Skills Training |
| PRODUCTS | Business, Energy, Construction, Health and Public Safety, Hospitality and Tourism, Information and Communications Technologies, Manufacturing and Automation, Transportation, Advanced Digital Technology |
| WEBSITE | https://www.sait.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1301 16 Ave NW, Calgary |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 284-7248 |
| OPERATING HOURS | 8:30 AM-4:15 PM on Mondays to Fridays |
Southern Alberta Institute of Calgary (SAIT) is a highly-competitive polytechnic university home to over 12,000 students from 97 countries. Over 43,000 students also enroll in apprenticeships, corporate training, and continuing education programs.
They even have Applied Research and Innovation Services, which creates commercialized products using ideas and technologies from collaborating students, faculty members, and entrepreneurs.
With their vast connections in the industry and their training-intensive curriculum, they have the highest employment rates in Alberta for graduates.
Highlights
- Degree, diploma, and certificate programs
- High employment rates for graduates
- Skill-based education
- Partnerships and connections with businesses and industries
Customer Reviews
SAIT provides a good learning and training environment for its students—but it also offers an excellent working experience for its employees and faculty members.
Here’s an Indeed review of one of the employees at the institute to show you what it’s like.
“Admins are extremely prepared and professional – but very social and accepting at the same time. Work is extremely demanding, but it’s very rewarding. You’ll love the people you work with as everyone is like-minded in their goals and job. Problems are solved very quickly, people are very friendly, and the training is great. You feel prepared when you start, and you’ll meet some awesome people while working there. Highly recommend.”
3. University of Calgary
| BEST FOR | Research |
| PRODUCTS | Psychology, Arts and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, Physical sciences, Life and Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Law, Education, Business, and Economics |
| WEBSITE | https://www.ucalgary.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 220-5110 |
| OPERATING HOURS | 9 AM-4 PM on Mondays to Fridays, except on Thursdays10 AM-4 PM on Thursday |
The University of Calgary is a research-intensive public school with over 4 campuses in the area and 50 research centers. It has ranked #8 in the top Canadian colleges and is home to over 30,000 students and 160,000 alumni.
The university is the top academic research institute in the country, with a $325 million research income and a funding budget reaching $790 million.
Aside from being a home to both Canadian and international students, University of Calgary also sends students for semesters abroad through their partnerships with over 140 countries abroad.
The University of Calgary is also home to the best medicine (Cumming School of Medicine) and business (Haskayne School of Business) schools in the area.
Highlights
- Research programs and initiatives
- Diverse faculty and studentry
- Accessible campuses
Customer Reviews
Alumni, resident students, and faculties attest to the premier experience provided by the university.
Here’s a recent Niche review posted by a senior at the University.
“Best Things:
-Location. Calgary’s a great city, and it’s in a pretty accessible location, not too close and not too far from downtown.
– KNES faculty. It’s ranked #1 in North America.
– Research. U of C is a research and not teaching university, so naturally, lots of great research going on and partnerships across faculties.
– Cost. Affordable at about $7500-ish a year for tuition, before the hike (will probably go up above $8000).
– Food. MacHall has a good selection of food vendors, and there are always new ones coming and going, especially in Pita on the Run’s cursed spot.”
4. Bow Valley College
| BEST FOR | Accessibility |
| PRODUCTS | Healthcare, Business, Community and Social Services, Information Technology and Design, Intercultural Studies, Workspace Literacy and Training |
| WEBSITE | https://bowvalleycollege.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 345 6 Ave SE, Calgary |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 410-1400 |
| OPERATING HOURS | 7:30 AM–5 PM Mondays to Fridays9 AM-2 PM on Saturdays |
Bow Valley College is a community institution offering certificate, diploma, and degree programs. They have lower tuition fees compared to most other colleges in the area.
This top-ranked institution is one of the few recommended for students with disabilities. Their curriculum includes innovative solutions and practices to equip students with useful skill sets before joining the workforce.
Bow Valley College also offers language and skill programs for newcomers in the city. They have campuses in Airdrie, Banff & Canmore, Cochrane, High River, Okotoks, Strathmore, and The Entrepreneur Centres.
Highlights
- Affordable school fees
- Skill-based training
- Inclusive admissions
- Financial and academic support services
Customer Reviews
Students, mostly locals, choose Bow Valley College for their tertiary education or vocational training primarily due to its accessibility and prestige.
Check out this review posted on Collegedunia to know more about student life.
“Closest and most affordable. Admission was fairly easy and painless. I only applied to one. I chose this college as it was the only one I was eligible for, and it’s the most affordable near my city. Fees are usually between $2100-$2300 per semester, including books and tuition. I chose this college for the Justice program.”
5. Alberta University of the Arts
| BEST FOR | Creative Arts |
| PRODUCTS | Craft and Emerging Media, Visual Arts, Communication Design, Creative Studies |
| WEBSITE | https://www.auarts.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1407 14th Avenue NW Calgary |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 284-7600 |
| OPERATING HOURS | 8 AM-4 PM on Mondays to Fridays |
As their name suggests, Alberta University of the Arts is the center for the province’s creative and imaginative minds. They offer specialised curricula for each student.
Students enroll in the smallest of class sizes and receive focused discussions and training from acclaimed artists. The university also invites international artists to conduct workshops and share words of inspiration.
Their programs revolve around crafts and emerging media (ceramics, jewelry), communication design, visual arts (from sculptures to photography), and critical and creative studies.
Highlights
- Acclaimed faculty and guests
- Travel programs abroad and local group tours
- Free academic assistance and counseling
- Healthcare benefits
Customer Reviews
The University of Alberta for the Arts has various programs and benefits, helping students become professional artists. It is also for passionate and highly-motivated craftspeople, but not for the lighthearted.
As such, here’s an insightful review from a student at the art university.
“This is a great school! Know what you want to do in life, and it is possible to achieve it. You do not have to be a professional artist after leaving the school. There are many other options too. However, you need to be serious about what you do want to do, and it must relate to fine art (or design if you are in that stream) after all, that is what your degree is, a bachelor of fine art. The teachers will be completely honest with you about your work because that is how you learn. Sometimes the harshest critique is truest, and you grow from there. There are so many resources at the school and knowledge of techniques that you may not find anywhere else! It is challenging, it is impossible to coast through this school. Expect to work hard, but it should be hard work you enjoy.”
6. Mount Royal University
| BEST FOR | Flexible Schedules |
| PRODUCTS | Arts, Communication, Health, Science and Technology, Community, Business, Continuing Studies |
| WEBSITE | https://www.universitystudy.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 4825 Mt Royal Gate SW, Calgary, |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 440-6111 |
| OPERATING HOURS | 8:30 AM-4:30 PM on Mondays to Fridays |
Since 1912, Mount Royal University has provided quality, accessible education through certificate, diploma, and degree programs.
This university offers small class sizes for personalised learning and self-designed schedules for working-class students. It has an array of courses ranging from public relations to nursing healthcare.
Faculty incorporate research, technological innovations, and other alternative learning methods in their curriculum for a holistic learning environment.
The environmental spaces, such as the Rocky Mountains near the university, add to Mount Royal University students’ premier experience.
Highlights
- Diversity of teaching approaches
- Flexibility of schedule
- Established quality education
Customer Reviews
Mount Royal University is indeed an excellent school for those juggling multiple commitments. The university provides an outstanding work-life balance for both teachers and students.
A former student and research assistant left this review as a testament to the university’s positive impact.
“As a former student at Mount Royal University, I have developed close relationships with my professors, which made it possible for me to be granted the opportunity to work on a peer-reviewed journal closely with one of my professors. The professors at this institution are very helpful with helping any students in need. I have attended a few post-secondary institutions in the past, and Mount Royal is by far, my favorite.”
7. Sundance College
| BEST FOR | Career Training |
| PRODUCTS | Business and Legal, Health and Social Services, Technology |
| WEBSITE | https://sundancecollege.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 128G 28 Street SE, Calgary, AB, T2A 6J9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 403−455−9010 |
| OPERATING HOURS |
Sundance College is a school made up of compassionate industry experts who are dedicated to their students’ educational and career success. The College takes a holistic approach to their students’ development, ensuring far higher levels of success for them after graduation.
Sundance College offers career-focused diploma programs in areas such as Business, Health, Hospitality, Legal, and Technology, with a full offering of online and in-person courses. We find their programs and approaches to be particularly outstanding.
With student support and success at the centre of all that Sundance College does, their students graduate as confident, capable working professionals, ready to forge a new career path in their chosen field.
They also make every effort to ensure each student’s experience is pleasurable and their individual needs are met.
Sundance College also provides a full range of supportive services to graduating students, such as resume preparation, interview skills, and job search techniques. Another quality we like is that they provide their students with a wide range of resources such as laptops and textbooks that are up to date with the current knowledge to better stay on top of their chosen careers.
Overall, their previous students have praised them for their skilled teachers and efficient learning environment, which is why we strongly advise those who want to pursue a career to enroll in Sundance College.
Highlights
- Hands-on student approach to learning
- Three campuses: Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg
- Offers accelerated learning – graduate in less than a year!
- Utilizes the latest information in the field
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from their students:
“I love this school. Very professional and a great learning environment. All the staff is super friendly and always willing to lend a hand. Happy I picked Sundance out of the other colleges I was looking at! 5 stars!” – Stevie L.
“Amazing school with even better staff. Had an amazing practicum opportunity and acquired a job within a couple months after completing the practicum training. They will go up to bat for you and congratulate you sincerely when you cross that finish line. Nothing but love from this proud graduate.” – Tacita H.
You shouldn’t worry too much before even entering college because the real stress comes when you’re taking major classes, writing papers, and studying for exams.
So, make sure you’re going to the best college to maximize your skills, education, and overall experience. Consider our list for your decision-making process.
If you’re also looking for someone to help you with your studies, try out one of the best tutoring services in Calgary.
