The 11 Best Colleges in Alberta for 2025

The college you choose will have a massive impact on your career. If you’re exploring the best colleges in Alberta, it’s essential to understand why this is an attractive educational destination and which schools are worth looking into for your specific needs. This province is a hub for innovation in the engineering sector, which is reflected in the fact that it has the highest rate of residents who have studied engineering or engineering technology in Canada. 

This list will simplify your search by clarifying key criteria for choosing a post-secondary education program for your unique educational and career goals. 

We’ll explore the 11 best colleges in Alberta, their general price ranges, unique features, and the types of students perfect for each institution. 

The Best Colleges in Alberta

Key performance indicators used to compile this list include cost of tuition, quality of education, array of program options, and graduate success. Each of these schools offers students excellent education programs and different forms of student resources, such as academic and career support. 

While all of these colleges are great options, they are also unique with their own tuition costs, program offerings, and features. 

Here’s a breakdown of the 11 best colleges in Alberta. 

1. Robertson College

Best for: Personalized learning opportunities 

Robertson College is one of the best colleges in Alberta and offers courses in Health, Business, Technology, and Community Services. This institution offers a blend of in-person, hybrid, and online programs so every student can find a program that suits their unique schedule. 

Robertson College also provides personalized learning opportunities, including flexible learning formats and industry-leading professionals integrating their first-hand experience into lessons. In addition, this school features individualized practicums tailored to specific career goals and Workforce Career Support to support students as they transition into the workforce.

Best Features

• Personalized learning opportunities
• Individualized career-related practicums 
• Meaningful career resources to help students thrive after graduating

Average Tuition: $$

Tuition fees at Robertson College vary greatly depending on factors including your specific program, area of study, and form of learning, which means every student can find a program that meets their unique tuition criteria. 

In addition, Robertson College believes in tuition transparency and provides potential students with a clear breakdown of tuition prices for all programs and financial aid options so they can make informed decisions. 

2. Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Photo credit: N A I T, Flickr

Best for: Continuing education

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology offers a range of degree, diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs in various areas of study. This school features seven different schools and is a good option for students looking to continue their education in a technical field. Programs include an Alternative Energy Technology Diploma program and a Building Environmental Systems Technology Diploma program. 

In addition to a medley of continuing education options, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology also offers flexible payment options for many programs, which can be a viable alternative to getting student loans for some students. This institution also aims to prepare graduates for their career roles through experiential and hands-on learning across their courses.

Best Features

• Many continuing education programs
• Flexible payment options for continuing education programs 
• Experiential learning

Average Tuition: $$

Northern Alberta Institute of Technology offers reasonable tuition rates for a college in Alberta. These prices can vary significantly given their many program offerings. However, students in continuing education programs can benefit from flexible payment options that make post-secondary education more accessible. 

3. Keyano College

Photo credit: Government of Alberta, Flickr

Best for: Athletic opportunities

Keyano College is an Alberta school that offers certificate, diploma, and baccalaureate degree programs. It also offers certificate of qualification programs for students interested in pursuing trade careers.

Unlike many other colleges in Canada, Keyano College offers students ways to participate in campus communities with robust events and athletic programs. This school also features a Theatre & Arts Centre that allows students to engage with the community and be exposed to exciting artistic productions. 

Best Features

• Athletic opportunities for students
• Theatre and Arts Centre
• Competitive tuition fees

Average Tuition: $

Keyano College is one of the most affordable colleges in Alberta, which makes it an accessible option for potential post-secondary students. There are currently two programs offered by Keyano College that are eligible for the Alberta Works financial aid program offered by the Government of Alberta. 

4. Portage College

Best for: One-on-one time with professors

Portage College is a Canadian school with certificate, diploma, and degree programs focusing on student experiences. This institution offers programs in many different areas of study, including Arts, Health, and Public Legal Education. 

Portage College notes that the average age of its students is 28 years old, which highlights that this college provides a welcoming environment to students of all backgrounds. Beyond this, the institution strives to support students with various resources such as advisors and counseling and wellness services. 

Best Features

• One-on-one time with instructors
• Student support
• Variety of financial aid opportunities

Average Tuition: $

Portage College’s reasonable tuition fees make education more accessible for students, reflecting its commitment to inclusion. In addition, Portage College offers many financial aid options, including Indigenous Student Funding and Alberta Student Aid. 

5. Lakeland College

Photo credit: Rural Health Professions Action Plan, Wikimedia Commons

Best for: Students looking for hands-on learning experiences

Lakeland College is an Alberta school with a myriad of program offerings and student resources. This institution offers microcredential, certificate, diploma, and trade apprenticeship programs across a variety of unique subject offerings, including Agricultural Sciences and Fire and Emergency Services. 

A key Lakeland College priority outlined in its strategic plan is providing students with employable skills for their resumes through hands-on learning experiences. This speaks to Portage College’s focus on preparing students for real-world situations through their experiential courses and programs. 

Best Features

• Unique subject offerings
• Hands-on learning
• Provides students with employable skills

Average Tuition: $

Lakeland College offers its students reasonable tuition rates for a college in Alberta. Their fee calculator notes that a first-year student in their Accounting Diploma program can expect to pay $6,827. Lakeland College also notes on its website that six out of 10 students at Lakeland College receive some form of financial aid. 

6. Lethbridge Polytechnic

Photo credit: Lethbridge Polytechnic, Flickr

Best for: Welcoming community and nature

Lethbridge Polytechnic is an Alberta polytechnic school that offers 65 certificate, diploma, degree, pre-employment, and apprenticeship programs. This institution offers a wide variety of study options, ranging from Early Childhood Education to Nursing. 

The city of Lethbridge is home to just over 100,000 people, which means students who attend in person can expect to experience the welcoming qualities of a small Canadian town and all of the resources of a metropolitan city. In addition, Lethbridge College’s campus is only a short drive away from Waterton Lakes National Park, perfect for students with an affinity for nature. 

Best Features

• Many program options
• Located in a welcoming community
• Close to Waterton Lakes National Park

Average Tuition: $$

Lethbridge Polytechnic is a middle-of-the-pack college in terms of tuition and fees among Alberta colleges. Given their wide range of program options, tuition fees can vary significantly depending on the specific program students choose. 

7. NorQuest College

Photo credit: Mack Male, Flickr

Best for: Personalized academic advising

NorQuest College offers 64 programs in a variety of subjects, including a Flight Attendant Certificate program and a Machine Learning Analyst Diploma program. This college prioritizes meeting students’ individual education needs by pinpointing their strengths and providing them with programs that qualify them for new, in-demand job roles. 

NorQuest also features a Career Centre for students and academic advisors ready to help students craft personalized success plans and learn key insights, such as how to make a resume that will impress employers. This institution notes on its website that its diploma graduates make an average of $15,100 more than their high school graduate counterparts. 

Best Features

• Unique programs
• Focus on helping students of all educational levels
• Personalized academic advising

Average Tuition: $

The average tuition for NorQuest College students is lower than that of many other colleges in Alberta. They also offer various financial aid options based on factors such as financial need and academic achievement. 

8. Medicine Hat College

Photo credit: Medicine Hat College Library Services, Flickr

Best for: Small-town hospitality

Medicine Hat College is a public college in Alberta that offers over 40 certificate, diploma, degree, and trade programs with online, in-person, and flexible class options. This institution is located in the quaint city of Brooks and offers a diverse and unique range of courses, including a Power Engineering Diploma program and a Carpenter Journeyperson Certificate program. 

Medicine Hat College offers students robust support in a variety of forms including academic advising, tutoring, and counselling. In addition, Medicine Hat College offers on-campus residence options, which aren’t always available at Alberta colleges. 

Best Features

• Small town hospitality
• Student support 
• On-campus residence options

Average Tuition: $

While tuition costs vary, many of Medicine Hat College’s programs are affordable. This post-secondary institution also has financial aid offerings in the form of scholarships, bursaries, and loans. 

9. Olds College

Photo credit: Jason Woodhead, Flickr

Best for: Agricultural careers

Olds College is one of the best Agricultural colleges in Alberta. They have programs in a variety of subjects including Agriculture, Business, and Land and Environments, and offer students opportunities to earn bachelor’s degrees, diplomas, and microcredentials. It also offers a variety of trade and apprenticeship programs, which attract a diverse range of students. 

This school states on its website that 95% of students find employment after graduation, which makes it a reasonable option for students interested in Agricultural careers. Olds College also offers students a chance to get involved in school initiatives with opportunities to become Student Ambassadors and Campus Tour Guides. 

Best Features

• Focus on the agricultural industry
• Trade and apprenticeship options 
• Student ambassador and student tour guide opportunities for students

Average Tuition: $

Domestic students can expect to pay reasonable tuition rates for many of Olds College’s many diploma programs. While international students will pay more than their domestic counterparts, they can still access relatively affordable tuition. 

10. Red Deer Polytechnic

Photo credit: Jason Woodhead, Flickr

Best for: Research study opportunities

Red Deer Polytechnic is an Alberta school that offers diploma, certificate, and trade and apprenticeship programs. This institution offers a wide variety of subject options such as Business, Creative Arts, and Education. 

On its website, Red Deer Polytechnic states that its educational offerings mean to address industry needs and go beyond the typical scope of polytechnic schools to offer a broader array of program options. This institution also features several state-of-the-art facilities, including its Alternative Energy Lab and Energy Innovation Centre, which give students opportunities to gain unique hands-on experience before entering the workforce. 

Best Features

• Programs based on industry needs
• More subject offerings than typical polytechnic schools
• State-of-the-art facilities

Average Tuition: $$$

Red Deer Polytechnic comes in at the higher end of the cost spectrum for Alberta colleges. Its Business Diploma program will cost domestic students about $6,000 annually and international students around $15,000-16,000 annually. However, this polytechnic school offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, awards, and Indigenous student funding. 

11. Bow Valley College

Best for: Wide variety of program options

Bow Valley College is an Alberta career college that offers certificate, diploma, and transfer programs to students. It offers programs in a wide variety of subjects including Business, Technology, and Entertainment Arts. 

Beyond a broad array of program offerings, Bow Valley also offers several student resources, including academic, career, and mental health and wellness support. In addition, this school’s main campus is located in vibrant downtown Calgary, allowing students to immerse themselves in a robust community while furthering their education. 

Best Features

• Various types of student support services
• Located in downtown Calgary 
• Many program options to choose from 

Average Tuition: $$$

Bow Valley College tuition costs fall higher than some other comparable Alberta colleges. A four-term Business Administration in Accounting program will cost roughly $13,851 for domestic students and $34,013 for international students. 

Why Should I Go to College in Alberta?

Alberta is an excellent educational destination for both domestic and international students. With vibrant communities and abundant educational opportunities, this is one of the best Canadian provinces to pursue a post-secondary education. 

Key reasons to go to college in Alberta include:

• High-quality education: Alberta is home to a wide variety of high-quality colleges and universities. This breadth of schools means that virtually every student can find an excellent program option in Alberta regardless of their area of study. 
• Employment opportunities: Alberta is an innovation hub with a spirited workforce and an abundance of exciting work opportunities. Students who study here have access to beneficial networking and career opportunities. 
• Welcoming environment: Alberta is a very welcoming and diverse province that provides students with a thriving learning environment and a vibrant student experience, regardless of their background. 

The Best Colleges in Alberta for International Students 

The best colleges in Alberta for international students include schools that feature high-quality education, welcoming environments, and reasonable tuition rates. If you’re an international student exploring college options in this beautiful Canadian province, it’s important to understand which colleges have the most to offer students coming from overseas. 

The best colleges in Alberta for international students include:

• Robertson College 

• • • Robertson College is one of the best colleges for international students and offers excellent education programs, a hospitable environment, and affordable tuition costs. This institution also offers international students help to find rewarding careers and can also aid students in acquiring Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP). 

• Lethbridge Polytechnic

• • • Lethbridge Polytechnic is a good school choice for international students. This institution serves students from a wide variety of countries and strives to make students from all walks of life feel supported and welcomed. 

• Bow Valley College

• • Bow Valley College is a worthwhile school choice for international students who want to study in Alberta. It offers specialized support through international advisors and scholarships for international students. 

How Much Does It Cost to Go to College In Alberta? 

College tuition in Alberta can range from $9,000 to $27,00 for domestic students for two-term programs. Factors that impact tuition costs include specific institutions, subjects, and program types. 

Beyond tuition costs, living expenses will also contribute to the amount students will have to spend to receive an in-person or hybrid education in Alberta. The Alberta Government estimates that accommodation, food, clothing, and miscellaneous living expenses will cost students roughly $15,000-$18,000 annually. 

Robertson College Can Help You Achieve Your Career Goals

If you’re interested in pursuing a quality education at one of the best colleges in Alberta, you should consider a program at Robertson College. With a variety of learning options, including remote, hybrid, and in-person choices, we can help you achieve a fulfilling career. 

Explore why Robertson College is your best option for achieving your professional goals. 

FAQ

Still curious about the best colleges in Alberta? Read on to get answers to some of the most asked questions on the topic.

What Are the Best Colleges In Calgary?

The best colleges in Calgary for high-quality education and reasonable tuition rates are Robertson College, Bow Valley College, and Lakeland College. Robertson College is also one of the best colleges in Calgary for international students and offers academic support and reasonable tuition costs to students coming from overseas. 

What Is the Number One Ranking College In Canada?

While there is no comprehensive ranking for colleges in Canada, Robertson College features some of the most attractive qualities in colleges, including high-quality education programs, reasonable tuition costs, expert faculty, and some of the best online programs in Canada.

What Is the Easiest College to Get Into In Alberta, Canada?

A variety of colleges in Alberta strive to make post-secondary education accessible to all students and offer continuing study opportunities and attainable admissions requirements. Anyone interested in pursuing a college program in Alberta should explore schools like Robertson College to see if they qualify. 

What Is the Most Affordable College In Alberta?

While tuition and living expenses will vary depending on various factors, Olds College, Medicine Hat College, and Portage College are some of the most affordable colleges in Alberta.