Students At These Ontario Colleges Rely On Free Tuition More Than Anyone In The Province
It's been two weeks since the initial changes to OSAP and tuition were announced by the Ford government and a lot has happened since then. From online outrage to student protests, it's been made clear from past and present students that they are not fans of the new rules surrounding OSAP and free tuition for Ontario students. Many consider it a direct attack on low-income families and students.
Naturally, these changes will greatly affect many postsecondary students in the province. But many people were shocked to learn just how many students will be impacted. New statistics obtained by CBC reveal that number to be 40% of full-time college and university students in Ontario.
Of the 40% of the students, there are a select group of schools that will suffer the most, as they had the most students enrolled out of the 234,000 that received grants this past year.
If you are curious as to which schools topped the list for having the highest number of free tuition recipients in their student body, we have compiled a list based on CBC's findings.
10. St. Lawrence College
Number of students who received free tuition: 3,298
Percentage of full-time students: 56%
9. Georgian College
Number of students who received free tuition: 5,144
Percentage of full-time students: 56%
8. Fanshawe College
Number of students who received free tuition: 7,513
Percentage of full-time students: 57%
7. Fleming College
Number of students who received free tuition: 2,956
Percentage of full-time students: 57%
6. Algonquin College
Number of students who received free tuition: 9,283
Percentage of full-time students: 57%
5. Niagara College
Number of students who received free tuition: 4,263
Percentage of full-time students: 59%
4. Seneca College
Number of students who received free tuition: 10,930
Percentage of full-time students: 65%
3. George Brown College
Number of students who received free tuition: 11,398
Percentage of full-time students: 68%
2. Centennial College
Number of students who received free tuition: 7,080
Percentage of full-time students: 72%
1. Loyalist College
Number of students who received free tuition: 1,830
Percentage of full-time students: 73%
While it was expected that the impacts of the OSAP and tuition changes would impact a large number of students, these statistics show even greater numbers than expected. For example, 73% of full-time students at Loyalist College get free tuition, and it's worrisome to think of what will happen to all of those students next year.
Considering that students have been continuously vocal about their opinions on the changes, it will be interesting to see if the Ford government doubles down on their unpopular decision or thinks of another solution. Either way, the situation has sparked a heated debate on post-secondary education and whether it's a right or a privilege.
Source:CBC News