Three Routes Start
University degree

Computer science

BSc Computing Science (U of A) / Computer Science (U of C)

21 of 30 verified for Alberta; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify
Trades are 3 to 4 periods at NAIT or SAIT; RAP lets high-school students start. Numbers from ALIS (Alberta wage survey and outlook), NAIT, SAIT and the University of Alberta.
Years to credential4
First real paycheque~4 years
Time in a classroom80%
Total cost$35,152
Typical debt after$26,752
Demand in AlbertaSteady

The first ten years

schoolschoolschoolschoolearnearnearnearnearnearn
Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

What's in "net by year 10"
Earnings, years 1 to 10$434k4 years at $0 while in school, then $58,200 rising to $79,500 by year five, flat after
Program cost−$35ktuition and fees
Typical (medians)$399kthe number on the card
Low to high$329k to $468kpay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the Alberta median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isProgramming, algorithms, math; project work; ideally two or three internships.
What actually stops peopleAdmission averages in the 90s at top programs; internships are now essential and hard to get.
The downsideEntry-level hiring has cooled sharply. Outcomes are split between graduates with internships and those without.
If you're the parentStill one of the highest-paying degrees for those who land internships. The days of a guaranteed job at graduation are over.
Local opportunities in Alberta

Ready to explore this for real?

Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

Check my readiness

How to enter

What you need
  • Courses: Advanced Functions, Calculus & Vectors, English (U)
  • Average around 85+
Deadlines in Alberta
  • ApplyAlberta: U of A and U of C early admission from October; most deadlines March 1
  • Alberta Student Aid opens in spring

Next steps in Alberta

  1. 1
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In AlbertaALIS forecast Hot but junior hiring is weak, so rated steady.
www.ualberta.ca · alis.alberta.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for Alberta Sources: U of A standard tuition $729/course and fees 2026-27; ALIS Computer Programmer profile

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