Domestic tuition: $7,500–$15,000/yr · Ivey AEO (Year 3–4): ~$33,000/yr · London average shared rent: $750–$950/person/month · No co-op (most programs); strong campus job culture
Tuition at Western University
Western University's domestic undergraduate tuition ranges from approximately $7,500 for general Arts programs to $14,500 for Engineering and $15,000 for Science programs with lab fees. The Ivey Business School's HBA (Honors Business Administration) program — entered after 1–2 years at Western — charges approximately $32,000–$35,000 per year for the 2-year program, making it one of the most expensive undergraduate programs in Canada.
Students entering Ivey from outside Western (directly from high school through the AEO stream) lock in Ivey tuition for years 3 and 4. For most students in general programs, Western's tuition is comparable to UofT and Queens at the upper end of Ontario's tuition range.
Cost of Living in London, Ontario
London is one of the most affordable major university cities in Ontario. Compared to Toronto, students can save $6,000–$12,000/year just on housing:
- On-campus residence + meal plan: $12,000–$15,000/year
- Shared house (off-campus near Western): $750–$950/person/month
- 1-bedroom apartment: $1,300–$1,700/month
- Groceries: $350–$500/month
- LTC bus pass (student): ~$90/month
- Personal + entertainment: $300–$500/month
Total annual living cost in London for a Western student: approximately $18,000–$25,000/year.
OSAP for Western Students
Western students in Ontario are fully eligible for OSAP. The grant component is income-tested and particularly helpful for the first two years of general programs. Students admitted to Ivey face higher tuition costs that increase OSAP loan eligibility, but the grant portion is still capped based on family income.
Western's Student Works program and Werk-Study job placements also supplement OSAP for eligible students — these are campus jobs paying Ontario minimum wage ($17.20/hr in 2026) reserved for students with demonstrated financial need.
Part-Time Work Near Western
London's economy has a strong service sector and growing tech presence. Common student jobs include retail, food service, tutoring, and campus jobs. Western's research programs also employ undergrads as research assistants ($17–$22/hr).
Working 12–15 hours/week during the school year yields approximately $11,000–$14,000/year, enough to cover groceries, transit, and personal expenses without touching student loans.
4-Year Cost Summary (General Program, Not Ivey)
| Category | Per Year | 4 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition + fees | $9,000–$11,000 | $36,000–$44,000 |
| Housing (shared house) | $11,000–$13,000 | $44,000–$52,000 |
| Food & living | $6,500–$8,000 | $26,000–$32,000 |
| Books & misc. | $2,000–$3,000 | $8,000–$12,000 |
| Total | $28,500–$35,000 | $114,000–$140,000 |
🧮 Western University Annual Cost Calculator (calcStudentWestern)
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