Recent data reveals that a select group of private career colleges in Ontario has experienced a substantial surge in the number of students benefiting from student financial aid. This growth trend, notably at about 170 career colleges, was uneven, with a few institutions seeing a disproportionate increase in the receipt of grants and loans through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP).
Several schools witnessed a remarkable transition from having a modest number of OSAP recipients to several thousand within a short timeframe. In the 2024-25 academic year, seven career colleges collectively received approximately $385 million in provincial grants, surpassing the total amount allocated to all publicly funded colleges and universities in Ontario.
While private career college tuition fees are generally higher than those of public institutions, the sum of grants awarded to students at these few colleges exceeded the financial aid provided to all university students in the province during the same period.
Earlier this year, the Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, reduced student assistance grants for university and college students, citing unsustainable costs associated with OSAP. A previous report highlighted that the vast majority of recent OSAP growth was attributed to career college students, rather than university or college attendees, with the latest data pinpointing this growth to a limited number of schools.
Career Colleges Ontario, the sector’s advocacy body, expressed concerns about the situation. The organization emphasized its commitment to collaborating with government officials to address any irregularities, particularly concerning institutions with unusually high increases in OSAP applications.
Five Career Colleges Lose OSAP Access
In a recent development, students at five career colleges were barred from accessing OSAP for the upcoming academic year. The decision was prompted by concerns surrounding asynchronous learning programs, where students complete coursework at their own pace, potentially affecting program participation.
During the pandemic, Ontario temporarily extended OSAP eligibility to students in online and asynchronous programs, later making this change permanent. The Ministry of Colleges and Universities is now considering additional measures to address the escalating growth in OSAP funding and ensure financial accountability.
Enrolment Surge Linked to Population Increase: Academy
The Academy of Learning, which operates multiple franchise schools and experienced significant growth in OSAP recipients, attributed this trend to the changing demographics and increased population. The academy highlighted its commitment to integrity and successful job placements for graduates in various fields.
Despite facing OSAP eligibility challenges, the Academy of Learning remains dedicated to providing quality education to its students. Notably, some of its locations witnessed extraordinary growth in OSAP recipients, reflecting a unique trend in financial aid usage compared to other provinces.
The exceptional surge in OSAP usage at certain private career colleges has drawn attention from experts and stakeholders, raising concerns about the sustainability and oversight of student financial aid programs in the province.
