Domestic tuition: $6,500–$9,000/yr · Charlottetown shared housing: $650–$900/person/month · PEI Student Loan + federal aid · Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC)
Tuition at UPEI
University of Prince Edward Island charges domestic undergraduate tuition ranging from approximately $6,500/year for Arts and Education to $9,000/year for Engineering (School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences plus engineering partnership programs). Science and Business (School of Business) are approximately $7,200–$8,500/year. The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) — one of only five veterinary schools in Canada — charges approximately $16,000–$18,000/year for the DVM program.
UPEI is a smaller, comprehensive university of approximately 5,000 students. Class sizes are smaller than at major research universities, and professor-student relationships are closer. PEI resident tuition is comparable to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Cost of Living in Charlottetown, PEI
Charlottetown is small, safe, and relatively affordable — though PEI's island geography means some goods are slightly more expensive:
- UPEI residence: $100–$13,500/year with meal plan
- Shared house near campus: $650–$900/person/month
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,300–$1,700/month
- Groceries: $380–$530/month
- Transit (limited — most students need bikes or cars): $50–$100/month
PEI Student Financial Assistance
PEI students access the PEI Student Loan through the provincial Student Financial Assistance Office, alongside the federal Canada Student Grant and Loan. PEI offers the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Award and various entrance scholarships for high achievers. The UPEI Entrance Scholarship awards $1,000–$5,000 for students with strong high school grades.
PEI's small size means students often know financial aid staff personally — the process is more accessible than at larger universities.
Part-Time Work in Charlottetown
Charlottetown's economy is driven by tourism (summers), government, agriculture, and technology. PEI minimum wage is $16.00/hr in 2026. Tourism-related jobs in summer can be lucrative — servers and hospitality workers earn well during peak season. Government co-op placements are common for Business and Science students. The Island's size limits options but also reduces competition.
4-Year Cost Summary — UPEI
| Category | Per Year | 4 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition + fees | $7,700–$10,200 | $30,800–$40,800 |
| Housing | $9,600–$13,500 | $38,400–$54,000 |
| Food & personal | $5,500–$8,000 | $22,000–$32,000 |
| Total | $22,800–$31,700 | $91,200–$126,800 |
🧮 Annual Cost Calculator (calcStudentUpei)
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