A public college in the heart of the Kootenays offering trades, health, business and university-transfer programs close to the Rocky Mountains.
College of the Rockies (COTR) is a public college serving the East and West Kootenay regions of southeastern British Columbia. It offers certificates, diplomas, apprenticeship and trades training, university-transfer courses and a small number of degree-completion options.
Classes are small and instructors are known for their hands-on, practical approach. Many programs are designed with local employers, and the college has a strong reputation for trades and technology training, health care programs and career-focused diplomas.
Living in the Rockies means easy access to skiing, hiking, biking and lakes. Students enjoy a close-knit campus community, and the lower cost of living compared with larger cities is a draw for many learners.
Estimated tuition in CA$, 2026-2027
Students who live in British Columbia apply for student aid through StudentAid BC; students from other provinces apply through their own province’s program. A provincial application also covers the federal Canada Student Grants and Loans.
The college and its foundation offer a range of entrance awards, bursaries and in-course scholarships to help students with the cost of study.
Tuition for 2026-27 from the school’s own published fees, for a typical two-semester diploma, rounded. Ancillary fees, books and housing are extra. Figures the school does not publish as one amount are estimates. Confirm the current figure on College of the Rockies’s fee page.
Scholarship names and amounts are estimates and change every year; confirm them with College of the Rockies.
Applications to College of the Rockies go through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia’s application service.
Most programs require high school graduation or equivalent, and some have program-specific prerequisites such as particular courses or assessments. Some health and trades programs may require additional documents or a selection process.
Apply online through EducationPlannerBC, British Columbia's application service, by creating an account, choosing your program and submitting transcripts and any required documents.
The admission average and deadline are estimates; confirm them with College of the Rockies and EducationPlannerBC.
The main campus is in Cranbrook, a regional city of southeastern British Columbia surrounded by the Rocky and Purcell mountains. The college also serves communities across the East Kootenay through regional campuses.
A small, welcoming campus makes it easy to meet classmates and instructors. Students take advantage of mountain recreation, community events and student-led activities throughout the year.
The college's Avalanche teams compete at the college level in selected sports.
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the school’s official website.