Mount Royal University
Mount Royal University (MRU) stands as Calgary's premier undergraduate teaching institution, having evolved from a community college founded in 1910 to a fully-accredited university in 2009. Located in southwest Calgary on a 100-acre campus with stunning Rocky Mountain views, MRU has built its reputation on exceptional teaching quality, small class sizes, and applied learning experiences that prepare graduates for immediate career success. The university serves approximately 15,000 students across 65+ undergraduate programs spanning business, science, health, arts, and communications. MRU's defining characteristic is its commitment to teaching excellence—faculty are hired primarily for their teaching abilities and dedication to student mentorship rather than research productivity alone. Average class sizes of 30-35 students ensure meaningful faculty-student interaction. MRU's strategic location in Canada's energy capital provides unique advantages for business, science, and technology students, with extensive industry partnerships facilitating co-op placements and career connections. The university's transformation over the past decade includes significant infrastructure investments, new academic programs, and development of targeted graduate programs in high-need fields like nursing and counselling. The institution emphasizes experiential learning through mandatory practicum placements, capstone projects, community service-learning, and undergraduate research opportunities. International education features prominently, with exchange partnerships across 25+ countries and comprehensive support for the growing international student population. Mount Royal's commitment to Indigenous education includes the Iniskim Centre and curriculum incorporating Indigenous perspectives. As a teaching-focused university, MRU occupies a distinctive niche in Canadian higher education—offering university credentials with the personalized attention more commonly found at small liberal arts colleges.
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
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- Avg GPA
- 3.25
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- Tuition (Int'l)
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Student Life & Environment
Mount Royal's campus creates a genuine community feel unusual for a commuter-heavy Canadian city. The compact campus includes student residences housing about 1,000 students, though most undergraduates commute from around Calgary. Campus facilities include a recreation center, performing arts spaces, and student gathering spots designed to encourage community building. Student organizations cover academic interests, cultural identities, sports clubs, and social activities. The Cougars athletics program competes in Canadian Interuniversity Sport, with hockey, basketball, and soccer among popular sports. The campus location in Lincoln Park provides green space for studying and recreation when Calgary's weather cooperates. Social life extends into Calgary itself, with downtown restaurants, bars, and entertainment accessible by transit. The student population tends somewhat older than traditional universities, with many students working while studying. This mature approach changes campus atmosphere compared to residentially-focused institutions elsewhere. Canadian college culture is generally less intense than American campus life, with less focus on parties and sports rivalries. The smaller university size means recognizing faces around campus and building relationships across the community.
Location & Surroundings
Calgary sits in southern Alberta where the prairies meet the Rocky Mountain foothills, creating a dramatic landscape visible from many parts of the city. The metropolitan area of about 1.5 million people serves as Canada's energy industry capital and a growing technology hub. The climate features cold, snowy winters where temperatures can plunge well below minus 20 Celsius, though chinook winds periodically bring dramatic warming. Summers are pleasant with long days and moderate heat. The Rocky Mountains lie about an hour's drive west, with Banff National Park providing world-class skiing, hiking, and scenery. Mount Royal's campus offers mountain views on clear days, a reminder of recreational opportunities nearby. Calgary's economy has historically depended on oil and gas, bringing boom-bust cycles, though diversification efforts have expanded other sectors. The cost of living is moderate by Canadian major-city standards, lower than Vancouver or Toronto. Public transit connects the campus to downtown and other areas. The city maintains a somewhat conservative character by Canadian standards, shaped by its Western Canadian and energy industry identity. Outdoor recreation opportunities from skiing to hiking are exceptional for those willing to venture into the mountains.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for Canadian students at Mount Royal runs approximately 6,000 to 7,000 Canadian dollars annually, competitive with other Alberta universities. International student tuition is substantially higher at roughly 20,000 dollars annually. Living costs in Calgary are moderate by major Canadian city standards, with housing, food, and transportation perhaps running 12,000 to 15,000 dollars annually for students living independently. Campus residence provides all-inclusive housing and meal options. Government student loans and grants help Canadian students, while scholarships recognize academic achievement and other factors. Career outcomes benefit from Calgary's strong economy, with graduates in business, health, and technology finding opportunities with local employers. The energy sector, though volatile, provides substantial employment for relevant graduates. The aviation program produces pilots for Canadian airlines. Career services offer internship connections, resume assistance, and employer networking. The teaching focus means graduates develop communication and critical thinking skills valued across careers. Many graduates remain in Calgary, where the alumni network provides professional connections. Some continue to graduate or professional programs, with Mount Royal degrees providing solid preparation despite the university's undergraduate focus.
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