College of the Rockies

Founded 1975 | Cranbrook, BC

The College of the Rockies is the ideal place to blend learning and lifestyle. The college’s seven campuses—including the main one and a second facility in Cranbrook, and regional campuses in Creston, Fernie, Golden, Invermere and Kimberley—are surrounded by some of the world’s most majestic mountains and lakes. The college offers a comprehensive range of degree, diploma, certificate, apprenticeship and post-degree programs. Programs like mountain adventure skills training, offered in Fernie, take full advantage of back-country recreation opportunities and ski resorts. Students in this program are outdoors 60 per cent of the time. 

The Cranbrook main campus has 200 residence spaces, including the newly constructed student housing village, which features private bedrooms and bathrooms for each resident. The opening of the student village has more than doubled the school’s housing capacity.

The college’s campuses are located within the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa Nation, which is also home to the Kinbasket people. Five First Nations bands are located within the college’s region. The school supports Indigenous students with its Aboriginal Gathering Place and regular opportunities to connect with Ktunaxa Elders. The college has closely collaborated with the Ktunaxa Nation to revitalize its language through the development of language courses.

Popular Programs

• Trades Apprenticeship & Foundation

• University Arts & Science

• Nursing and Practical Nursing

• Child, Youth and Family Studies

• Adult Basic Education

School Size

Mid-size

Tuition

• Degree $3,838-$5,098

• Diploma $2,543-$7,020

• Certificate $2,147-$15,753

• Post-Grad $3,724-$3,780

Residence Offerings

Yes

Cool Options

• Mountain Activity Skills Training: The B.C. Rocky Mountains serve as the classroom in this one-year certificate program. Students engage in rock climbing, hiking, mountaineering, whitewater rafting and other activities to develop the necessary skills to work in adventure tourism.

• Fire Training Certificate: In partnership with the City of Kimberley Fire Department, this 23-week fire training certificate program is delivered on-site at a working fire hall and at live fire-training facilities.

• Kinesiology: Offered as both a one-year certificate or a two-year diploma, this program lets students earn a number of industry certifications. Students can be eligible for CSEP personal training certification at the end of their second year—a year ahead of students at many other institutions.