How long does it take?

About 4 years, with a first real paycheque in about 4 years.

What does it cost and how much debt is typical?

About $32,000 in tuition and fees, and $30,600 of debt is typical for those who borrow.

University degree

Life sciences (pre-health)

Q: How much does a life sciences (pre-health) earn in Ontario?

Roughly $50,200 in the first years and $63,100 by year five (Ontario median, before tax). Verified against StatCan ELMLP (Table 37-10-0280), 2019 graduating cohort, median employment income 2 and 5 yrs after graduation, 2024 dollars; tuition StatCan 37-10-0003 2025-26: physical & life sciences $50.2k → $63.1k; avg tuition $6,560/yr; NGS 2020 debt.

Bachelor of Science (BSc)

Numbers for 33 of 52 pathways verified, the rest partly · How we verify

Years to credential4

First real paycheque~4 years

Time in a classroom85%

Total cost$32,000

Typical debt after$30,600

Demand in OntarioLimited

The first ten years

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Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

Ontario median before tax. Overtime, location and specialisation change this a lot. Net by year 10 after program cost: $321k, low to high $263k to $377k.

What's in "net by year 10"

Earnings, years 1 to 10	$353k	4 years at $0 while in school, then $50,200 rising to $63,100 by year five, flat after
Program cost	−$32k	tuition and fees
Typical (medians)	$321k	the number on the card
Low to high	$263k to $377k	pay 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 Ontario median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isBiology, chemistry and stats; large lecture halls; research opportunities if you seek them out.

What actually stops peopleGetting in is fine. Getting into medicine, dentistry or pharmacy afterwards is the real filter, and most don't.

The downsideOn its own, the degree leads to lab-tech or sales roles at modest pay. It is a stepping stone, and the step is steep.

If you're the parentRight if your child is committed to a professional program afterwards. Have a plan B conversation before, not after, four years.

Local opportunities in Ontario

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.

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How to enter

What you need

Courses: Biology, Chemistry, Advanced Functions
Average around 75+

Deadlines in Ontario

OUAC 101 application: mid-January for most programs; offers from February to May; accept by early June
OSAP opens in spring; apply as soon as you accept

Next steps

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✓ Verified 2026-10-26 Sources: StatCan ELMLP (Table 37-10-0280), 2019 graduating cohort, median employment income 2 and 5 yrs after graduation, 2024 dollars; tuition StatCan 37-10-0003 2025-26: physical & life sciences $50.2k → $63.1k; avg tuition $6,560/yr; NGS 2020 debt

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