Students at 7 Ontario private career colleges received $385M in OSAP grants last year, data shows

Ontario's private career colleges saw a surge in the number of students receiving student financial assistance, with new data revealing that a small subset of these institutions led the growth in 2024-25. The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) granted a total of $385 million to students at just seven career colleges during that period, an amount that equates to the provincial grants given to all Ontario's publicly funded colleges and universities in the same year.

Career Colleges Ontario, the sector's advocacy group, expressed concerns to the government regarding a select few institutions. However, the organization emphasized that irregular conduct cases are rare among its members and that they are working constructively with ministry officials to address the issue. Premier Doug Ford's government had previously cut student assistance grants for university and public college students while barring career college students from accessing grants, citing "unsustainable" OSAP costs.

The growth in OSAP recipients at career colleges was primarily among five career colleges whose students were disqualified from receiving OSAP in the upcoming school year. The province cited concerns over asynchronous learning programs, which allow students to complete coursework on their own schedule, often appealing to mature students who work full-time or have families. The province alleged "compromised participation" in these programs.

In response, Ontario's colleges and universities ministry has introduced additional legislative measures to curb out-of-control growth, strengthen accountability, and ensure responsible use of public funds. Career Colleges Ontario defended the sector, stating that its campuses primarily serve newcomers and those retraining for a second career, who cannot afford a four-year degree.

The organization emphasized that it operates with the utmost integrity and has successfully placed thousands of graduates in quality jobs throughout the province.