College of the Rockies is hosting a series of virtual information sessions this February to help students and families explore local pathways to university degrees — offering both academic advantages and significant cost savings.
“There are tremendous academic and financial benefits to starting your degree at the College before transferring to university,” said Stephanie Wells, Dean, Business and University Arts and Sciences. “Students who begin their studies locally receive personalized support that sets them up for long-term success.”
In addition to program-specific information sessions, College Recruitment Officers will host two parent and guardian information nights covering the transition from high school to college, program and tuition information, housing options, the application process, and student support services.
February virtual information sessions include:
- February 4 – Accounting Diploma and BBA – CPA Pathway
- February 11 – Recreation Management
- February 12 – Environmental Science and Biology and Pre-Medicine
- February 18 – Bachelor of Business Administration
- February 19 – Associate degrees, including the new Associate of Arts in Psychology
- February 24 – Parent/Guardian information night
- February 25 – Engineering
- February 26 – Parent/Guardian information night
All information sessions will begin at 5:00 MT, with the exception of the February 26 session which begins at 6:00 MT. Additional virtual information sessions will take place in March.
According to a 2025 report from the British Columbia Council on Admission and Transfer (BCCAT), BC students who transfer from colleges to universities often earn higher GPAs than students who enter university directly from high school. College of the Rockies students have historically placed very high in both academic performance and degree completion rates.
“Students are never just a number at the College,” Wells adds. “Our faculty build meaningful relationships with them, which makes a real difference during the early years of post-secondary study.”
For many families, affordability is a key factor when exploring post-secondary options. Based on provincial tuition data, students who begin their studies locally can save approximately $4,000 to $5,500 in tuition over their first two years compared with many BC research universities, with similar savings for students planning to attend universities in southern Alberta.
The virtual information sessions are free to attend. Pre-registration is required at cotr.bc.ca/info-sessions
Learn more about College of the Rockies at cotr.bc.ca
About College of the Rockies
For 50 years, College of the Rockies has provided post-secondary education that meets the needs and aspirations of the people, industries, and businesses of our region. All our campuses are located on the traditional territory of the Ktunaxa people, which is also home to the Kinbasket people. We value our relationships with the four Ktunaxa bands, the Shuswap band, and the Kootenay Regional Office of the Métis Nation, BC. Each year, thousands of full-time and part-time students join us in a full range of programs, including skilled trades, university arts and sciences, adult upgrading, early childhood education, health and human services, business, office administration, tourism, hospitality, recreation, fire services, continuing education, and contract training. Through smaller class sizes, highly personalized instruction and dedicated support services, our students are primed to succeed in the job market, or in the next stage of their academic journey.
Media Contact:
Darryl Dux
Communications Coordinator
College of the Rockies
ddux@cotr.bc.ca