University of Prince Edward Island
A well-established university providing quality higher education. Offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs with dedicated faculty and supportive learning environment.
- Acceptance Rate
- 67.8%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.4
- Size
- Large (28,729 students)
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- 1:20
- Setting
- suburban
- Graduation Rate
- 69.0%
- Retention Rate
- 78.0%
- 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
Student life at UPEI revolves around a compact campus where walking between buildings takes minutes and familiar faces appear constantly. The small scale creates a friendly atmosphere where introverts and extroverts alike can find their place. Student organizations cover interests from environmental advocacy to cultural clubs to campus media, with participation rates high because the small student body means everyone's contribution matters. Residence life plays an important role for students living on campus, particularly in first year when most out-of-town students stay in campus housing. The residences foster close communities, with resident advisors organizing activities and first-year students forming friendships that often persist throughout their university years. After first year, many students move to apartments in Charlottetown, which offers affordable housing options within biking distance of campus. Varsity athletics compete in the Atlantic University Sport conference, with the Panthers fielding teams in hockey, soccer, basketball, and other sports. The smaller scale means that making varsity teams is more achievable than at larger universities, and games draw genuine community support. Intramural and recreational programs serve students seeking athletic participation without varsity commitment. The social scene differs from what you'd find at larger schools. Charlottetown isn't a major nightlife destination, but the downtown area offers pubs, restaurants, and cultural venues where students gather. Campus events, house parties, and outdoor activities fill social calendars, with the beach culture of PEI summers adding seasonal opportunities.
Location & Surroundings
Prince Edward Island stands apart from mainland Canada both literally and figuratively. Connected to New Brunswick by the Confederation Bridge since 1997, the island maintains its distinct character as Canada's smallest province. Red sand beaches, rolling farmland, and historic villages characterize the landscape, while the culture reflects Acadian, Scottish, and Irish heritage mixed with more recent influences. Anne of Green Gables tourism dominates the summer season, though residents gently joke about the international obsession with their fictional neighbor. Charlottetown itself functions as a small city, home to about 40,000 people in the metropolitan area. The downtown core contains government buildings, shops, restaurants, and cultural venues within easy walking distance. The historic district preserves Victorian architecture and commemorates the conferences that led to Canadian confederation. Life moves slower here than in Toronto or Vancouver, which some students find refreshing and others find limiting. The climate brings genuine seasons, with warm summers perfect for beaches and outdoor activities, spectacular autumn colors, snowy winters that require adjustment for students from milder regions, and springs that arrive late but bring dramatic changes. The Gulf of St. Lawrence moderates temperatures somewhat but also brings humidity and fog. Winter transportation can be challenging, though the campus stays accessible. Island size means limited options for weekend escapes, though Halifax lies four hours away by car for those seeking urban amenities. The compensations include empty beaches, fresh seafood, and a natural environment that invites exploration by foot, bike, or kayak.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at UPEI ranks among the most affordable in Canada, with undergraduate Canadian students paying approximately $7,000 to $8,000 per year for most programs. International students pay higher rates, typically around $15,000 to $20,000 annually. The veterinary program costs substantially more, reflecting its specialized facilities and smaller cohort sizes. These figures change annually, so prospective students should verify current rates. Living costs on PEI are generally lower than in major Canadian cities, with housing particularly affordable compared to Vancouver or Toronto. Total annual budgets including tuition, housing, food, books, and personal expenses typically run $18,000 to $25,000 for Canadian students, with international students adding higher tuition to those living costs. Scholarship programs help offset costs for students with strong academic records or demonstrated need. Entrance awards recognize academic achievement, while bursaries support students facing financial barriers. Work-study programs and campus employment provide income opportunities during the school year. Career outcomes vary significantly by program. Veterinary medicine graduates enjoy excellent employment rates and earning potential. Other programs provide solid preparation for careers but may require graduates to leave PEI for opportunities in larger job markets. The co-op education programs help students build experience and connections that ease the transition to employment. Alumni maintain networks particularly strong in Atlantic Canada and in fields where UPEI has built specific strengths.
Campus Location
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