Queen's University
A prestigious research-intensive university with strong international recognition. Known for quality education, innovative research, and producing graduates who excel in their fields worldwide.
- Acceptance Rate
- 26.0%
- SAT Range
- 1330–1480
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.85
- Size
- Large (33,837 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:17
- Setting
- urban
- Graduation Rate
- 86.0%
- Retention Rate
- 90.0%
- Tuition (In-State)
- $8,000
- Tuition (Int'l)
- $35,000
Academic Programs
STEM
Business
Social Sciences
Humanities
Health
Arts
English Proficiency Requirements
Student Life & Environment
Campus life at Queen's creates some of Canada's most devoted alumni through traditions, school spirit, and community bonds that begin in first year and strengthen over time. Orientation Week introduces new students to Queen's culture through activities, performances, and traditions that establish immediate connection to the institution. Residence life houses most first-year students in halls where floor communities provide social foundation for university years. The Agnes Etherington Art Centre brings visual arts to campus, while performances and lectures fill the calendar throughout the academic year. The student government, Alma Mater Society, operates as one of Canada's largest student organizations, managing services from pubs to publishing to health plans. Varsity athletics, the Golden Gaels, compete in OUA sports with particular strength in football, which fills Richardson Stadium with enthusiastic crowds. Homecoming weekend draws thousands of alumni back to Kingston for celebrations that demonstrate Queen's distinctive culture. The Aberdeen Street party tradition, though now managed more carefully than in past years, reflects student social culture. Greek life maintains presence without dominating social life. Student clubs cover interests from a cappella singing to Model United Nations to outdoor recreation.
Location & Surroundings
Kingston, Ontario, sits at the eastern end of Lake Ontario where the lake narrows into the St. Lawrence River, creating one of Canada's most scenic small cities. The population of approximately 135,000 includes the substantial university and military communities, with downtown Kingston featuring historic limestone buildings, restaurants, pubs, and shops that cater partly to the student population. The waterfront offers parks, walking paths, and views of the lake and islands that students enjoy year-round. Fort Henry, a nineteenth-century British fortification, overlooks the city as a reminder of Kingston's strategic military history. The Thousand Islands begin just downstream, providing recreational opportunities for boating, camping, and exploration. Queen's essentially defines the city, with the university's schedule shaping local rhythms and the student population supporting businesses from bookstores to bars. Toronto lies three hours west by car or train, providing access to Canada's largest city for concerts, professional sports, and metropolitan amenities. Ottawa, the national capital, sits two hours northeast. Montreal can be reached in three hours for francophone culture and distinctive urban experiences. The cost of living in Kingston remains substantially lower than Toronto while offering genuine city amenities.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Queen's graduates enter careers with credentials that employers and graduate schools across Canada and internationally recognize and respect. The Smith School of Business enjoys particularly strong employer relationships, with major banks, consulting firms, and corporations recruiting heavily on campus. Investment banking, management consulting, and corporate leadership draw many commerce graduates, with placement rates and starting salaries among Canada's highest. Engineering graduates join technology companies, infrastructure firms, and resource industries throughout Canada and internationally. Medical school graduates complete residencies at hospitals across the country, many returning to Kingston or practicing in underserved communities. Law graduates enter firms, government, and public interest organizations with the Queen's credential providing competitive advantage. The Career Services office provides support including job fairs, interview preparation, and employer connections. Alumni networks span industries and sectors, with Queen's graduates actively supporting current students through mentorship and hiring. Tuition for Ontario residents follows regulated rates, while out-of-province and international students pay higher fees. Substantial scholarship programs help qualified students manage costs.
Campus Location
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