A segment of private career colleges in Ontario has been driving significant growth in the number of students receiving financial aid, based on recent data. The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) has seen a surge in student grants and loans at a select few of the approximately 170 career colleges, as revealed through a freedom-of-information request by The Canadian Press.
Certain institutions witnessed a remarkable rise in OSAP recipients, with some schools transitioning from fewer than 100 students receiving OSAP to several thousand in just a couple of years. In the 2024-25 academic year, seven career colleges collectively received around $385 million in provincial grants for students, equivalent to the total amount granted to students at all publicly funded colleges in Ontario that year, surpassing even the total for university students.
The Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, reduced student assistance grants earlier in the year for university and public college students, while also restricting career college students from accessing grants due to unsustainable OSAP costs. Previous data had shown a predominant growth in OSAP recipients among career college students, with minimal growth seen among university and college students.
Career Colleges Ontario, the organization representing the sector, mentioned that while they cannot comment on specific schools, they have raised concerns with the government regarding a small number of institutions showing atypical increases in OSAP applications. The organization emphasized that irregular conduct among their members is rare and that maintaining the integrity of their work and the OSAP system is their top priority.
The recent data release follows the disqualification of students at five career colleges from receiving OSAP in the upcoming academic year, based on concerns related to asynchronous learning programs, where students complete coursework online at their convenience. The province alleged compromised participation in these programs, prompting the decision to bar OSAP access for students at these colleges.
The Academy of Learning, a franchise operating multiple schools that experienced significant growth in OSAP recipients, noted that their campuses cater to newcomers and individuals pursuing a career change who may not afford a traditional four-year degree. The institution emphasized the integrity of their operations and the successful placement of graduates in various roles across the province.
Additional legislative measures are being considered by the Ontario government to address escalating growth, enhance accountability, and ensure responsible use of public funds for student benefits. The data highlights exceptional growth in OSAP recipients at specific career colleges, a trend that experts suggest is uncommon and warrants attention from policymakers to maintain the program’s sustainability.
