University of Waterloo Actuarial Science
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
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- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Waterloo's Mathematics Faculty creates a unique community of quantitatively-minded students pursuing diverse specializations. The Actuarial Science Club serves as the primary student organization, hosting case competitions, exam study sessions, and career development events. The annual Actuarial Science Networking Night brings employers to campus, facilitating connections that often lead to co-op placements and full-time positions. The Mathematics Society (MathSoc) provides broader community connections, operating student lounges, organizing social events, and advocating for student interests. The C&D coffee shop in the Mathematics building serves as an informal gathering space where students discuss problem sets and share exam preparation strategies. Study groups form naturally given the program's collaborative culture. Campus life extends beyond mathematics, with over 200 student clubs covering interests from athletics to entrepreneurship to cultural organizations. The Student Life Centre hosts events, dining options, and recreational facilities. Intramural sports provide competitive outlets, while the PAC fitness facilities support wellness. The on-campus Warriors athletics teams compete in OUA varsity sports. Housing options include university residences for first-year students and private rentals in the surrounding Waterloo-Kitchener community. Upper-year students typically share apartments or houses within walking or biking distance of campus. The ION light rail transit connects university areas to downtown Kitchener and regional amenities.
Location & Surroundings
The University of Waterloo is located in Waterloo, Ontario, part of the Kitchener-Waterloo metropolitan area approximately 100 kilometers west of Toronto. The region has evolved into Canada's premier technology hub, home to major insurers, technology companies, and startups. This concentration of employers provides exceptional co-op and career opportunities for actuarial students. The Kitchener-Waterloo area offers a balance of urban amenities and smaller-city livability. The ION light rail transit system connects major destinations, while cycling infrastructure makes bike commuting practical during warmer months. Toronto is accessible via GO Transit for weekend cultural excursions, and Toronto Pearson Airport provides international connectivity. The climate features warm summers with temperatures reaching 25-30 degrees Celsius and cold winters with significant snowfall and temperatures often dropping below minus 10 degrees Celsius. Students adapt to winter walking and develop appreciation for the brief but beautiful fall foliage season. Major employers in the region include Sun Life Financial, Manulife, Economical Insurance, and numerous consulting firms, creating an ecosystem where actuarial students readily find co-op placements and transition to full-time employment. Many graduates remain in the region, contributing to a strong local alumni network.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition for domestic students in the Actuarial Science program is approximately CAD $8,000-9,000 per term, with the co-op fee adding approximately CAD $800 per work term. International students pay approximately CAD $25,000-27,000 per term. Living expenses in Waterloo range from CAD $12,000-16,000 annually for housing, food, and personal expenses. Co-op earnings significantly offset educational costs, with actuarial students typically earning CAD $20,000-35,000 per four-month work term by their senior years. Many students graduate with minimal debt and substantial savings from co-op earnings. Some employers offer return bonuses and exam support for students who commit to full-time employment. Financial aid includes entrance scholarships for top applicants, with the President's Scholarship worth CAD $10,000 annually. Ontario residents access OSAP loans and grants. Work-study programs and teaching assistantships provide additional income opportunities. Career outcomes for Waterloo actuarial graduates are exceptional. The program's reputation ensures strong employer demand, with most graduates receiving multiple job offers before graduation. Starting salaries for graduates with co-op experience and partial exam completion typically range from CAD $65,000-80,000. Fellows of the Society of Actuaries with experience regularly earn CAD $150,000-300,000 or more. Typical career paths include insurance company pricing and reserving, consulting firm client advisory work, pension and benefits administration, enterprise risk management, and financial services. Many alumni progress to chief actuary and executive roles within their organizations.
Campus Location
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