Three RoutesCompare · Ontario figures · updated 2 November 2026
Arts & humanities vs Business / commerce
Same columns, no opinion about which is better for you. On typical Ontario figures, Business / commerce is ahead by year 10 ($399k against $267k), because it pays more per year once you are working. The gap is before tax, rent and loan interest, which hit both routes. Arts & humanities costs $8,000 less to get into. Job Bank rates demand higher for Business / commerce in Ontario right now.
| Measure | Arts & humanities | Business / commerce |
|---|---|---|
| Route | University degree | University degree |
| Credential | Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) |
| Years to finish | 4 | 4 |
| First real paycheque | About 4 years | About 4 years |
| Cost (tuition and fees) | $32,000 | $40,000 |
| Typical debt if you borrow | $30,600 | $30,600 |
| Earnings, first years | $42,500 | $63,000 |
| Earnings by year 5 | $53,400 | $78,300 |
| Net by year 10 (typical) | $267k | $399k |
| Demand in Ontario | Limited | Steady |
| Time in a classroom | 85% | 80% |
Earnings by year, roughly
Before tax. Years in school show as "school". Medians rise from the starting figure to the year-5 figure, then stay flat.
Arts & humanities
A day looks like: Reading, writing, argument. Small seminars in upper years.
What stops people: None on entry. Direction has to come from the student.
Downside: Starting salaries are the lowest of any degree. Earnings catch up by mid-career for those who move into law, teaching, policy or management.
Business / commerce
A day looks like: Accounting, finance, marketing; case competitions; networking is a core skill.
What stops people: Prestige matters more here than in most degrees; the top programs are very selective.
Downside: Crowded entry-level market. Outcomes depend heavily on co-op and the school's brand.
Quick answers
Which pays more, arts & humanities or business / commerce?
By year five, Arts & humanities is about $53,400 and Business / commerce about $78,300 (Ontario medians, before tax). By year ten, counting what each cost, Arts & humanities nets roughly $267k and Business / commerce roughly $399k.
Which is faster to a real paycheque?
Arts & humanities: about 4 years. Business / commerce: about 4 years.
What does each cost?
Arts & humanities: $32,000 in tuition and fees, typical debt $30,600. Business / commerce: $40,000, typical debt $30,600.
What is the downside of each?
Arts & humanities: Starting salaries are the lowest of any degree. Earnings catch up by mid-career for those who move into law, teaching, policy or management. Business / commerce: Crowded entry-level market. Outcomes depend heavily on co-op and the school's brand.
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Figures are Ontario medians and typical costs from Job Bank, Statistics Canada, Skilled Trades Ontario and institution fee pages; the data page lists every source and date. Switch province on either pathway page for BC, Alberta or Quebec figures.