AGAR: OSAP pause leaves private institutions on edge

Southern Ontario Dental College in Hamilton, which has trained dental professionals for 22 years, may close as early as next month due to a province-wide freeze on student financial aid. Tuition is high, and most students rely on Ontario Student Assistance Program funding. Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn halted OSAP payments to private post-secondary institutions last month, citing serious concerns from an early-stage audit.

Quinn has indicated the freeze will continue into the new year, but the college's chief operating officer, Alysse Estrabillo, says the school may have to close its doors in December if no alternate funding is secured. Students are setting up a food bank to help each other out, as they struggle with tuition costs and living expenses.

Dental hygienist student Haylie Eady, a single mother, is unsure how she will afford the nearly $52,000 tuition and living expenses, and has resorted to odd jobs to support her family. Quinn has said the government is working on securing third-party loans, but has not provided updates. The government alleges systemic issues led to the OSAP freeze, but the ministry's data shows a disproportionate impact on a few career colleges.

Premier Doug Ford says low-risk schools will be prioritized for clearing, but students question why their institutions were affected at all. The college's chief operating officer expressed shock at the abrupt halt to OSAP payments, as the school has graduated many classes over its 22-year history. The ongoing freeze is causing uncertainty across the sector, with schools facing mounting pressure and no clear timeline for resuming funding. Career Colleges Ontario expects more closures to emerge as the situation worsens.