Changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program, along with the end of a tuition freeze across Ontario, are expected to affect students beginning this fall.
Under the changes, a larger portion of financial aid will come in the form of loans rather than grants. Government figures indicate that up to 75 per cent of assistance may be loans, meaning students could graduate with more debt while covering tuition, housing and other living costs.
Student groups say the changes could make post-secondary education harder to afford. The Canadian Federation of Students, which represents university and college student unions across the country, has said increasing reliance on loans could discourage students from low- and middle-income families from pursuing higher education.
The College Student Alliance, which represents students at several Ontario colleges, has also warned that rising tuition combined with changes to financial aid could place additional pressure on students already struggling with housing and living costs.
For some high school seniors, the financial uncertainty is already shaping their plans after graduation.
Phoebe Sparks, a Grade 12 student at Ingersoll District Collegiate Institute, near London, Ont., says she had already planned to take a gap year after high school, but now may need more time before attending college or university.
“I was already planning to take a gap year after high school,” Sparks said. “But now I might have to take two because I just can’t afford to go to school right now.”
Sparks says she hopes to pursue a career in policing or private security eventually.
“I want to become a police officer or maybe work as a bodyguard someday,” she said. “But when you start looking at the cost of tuition and everything else, it’s pretty overwhelming. Right now, working and saving money feels like the only option.”
Ella Perry, another Grade 12 student, says she is also planning to delay her post-secondary education for financial reasons. Perry hopes to eventually become an elementary school teacher.
“I’ve always wanted to be an elementary school teacher, so going to university is still the plan,” Perry said. “But right now, it just doesn’t feel realistic financially. Taking a gap year gives me time to work, save some money and figure out what I can actually afford.”
Concerns about affordability are not limited to incoming students.
Sarah Craig, a first-year film student at Humber Polytechnic, says the cost of tuition, residence and everyday expenses is already challenging.
“I love my program, and I really want to keep going,” Craig said. “But everything is so expensive, and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to afford another year of school.”
Craig says she relied on OSAP to help pay for tuition and living costs during her first year.
“When the balance between grants and loans changes, it really affects how much debt students are taking on,” she said. “That can make a lot of people question whether it’s worth it.”
Student organizations say financial aid programs and tuition policies will continue to play a major role in determining who can access post-secondary education in the province.
