Three RoutesCompare · Ontario figures · updated 2 November 2026
Engineering vs Life sciences (pre-health)
Same columns, no opinion about which is better for you. On typical Ontario figures, Engineering is ahead by year 10 ($486k against $321k), because it pays more per year once you are working. The gap is before tax, rent and loan interest, which hit both routes. Life sciences (pre-health) costs $20,000 less to get into. Job Bank rates demand higher for Engineering in Ontario right now.
| Measure | Engineering | Life sciences (pre-health) |
|---|---|---|
| Route | University degree | University degree |
| Credential | Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) | Bachelor of Science (BSc) |
| Years to finish | 4 | 4 |
| First real paycheque | About 4 years | About 4 years |
| Cost (tuition and fees) | $52,000 | $32,000 |
| Typical debt if you borrow | $30,600 | $30,600 |
| Earnings, first years | $79,100 | $50,200 |
| Earnings by year 5 | $95,000 | $63,100 |
| Net by year 10 (typical) | $486k | $321k |
| Demand in Ontario | High | Limited |
| Time in a classroom | 80% | 85% |
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.
Engineering
A day looks like: Heavy math and labs for four years; co-op terms in industry. Specialise in second year.
What stops people: Admission averages of 88–95 at the major schools, and a brutal first year.
Downside: Five years if you do co-op, which you should. High tuition. Roughly a fifth of students switch out after first year.
Life sciences (pre-health)
A day looks like: Biology, chemistry and stats; large lecture halls; research opportunities if you seek them out.
What stops people: Getting in is fine. Getting into medicine, dentistry or pharmacy afterwards is the real filter, and most don't.
Downside: On its own, the degree leads to lab-tech or sales roles at modest pay. It is a stepping stone, and the step is steep.
Quick answers
Which pays more, engineering or life sciences (pre-health)?
By year five, Engineering is about $95,000 and Life sciences (pre-health) about $63,100 (Ontario medians, before tax). By year ten, counting what each cost, Engineering nets roughly $486k and Life sciences (pre-health) roughly $321k.
Which is faster to a real paycheque?
Engineering: about 4 years. Life sciences (pre-health): about 4 years.
What does each cost?
Engineering: $52,000 in tuition and fees, typical debt $30,600. Life sciences (pre-health): $32,000, typical debt $30,600.
What is the downside of each?
Engineering: Five years if you do co-op, which you should. High tuition. Roughly a fifth of students switch out after first year. Life sciences (pre-health): On its own, the degree leads to lab-tech or sales roles at modest pay. It is a stepping stone, and the step is steep.
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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.