A recent data analysis reveals that a select group of private career colleges in Ontario has experienced a significant surge in the number of students benefiting from student financial aid, with the sector’s association expressing concerns. The data, acquired through a freedom-of-information request by The Canadian Press, indicates a substantial increase in the receipt of grants and loans through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) at a few of the roughly 170 career colleges compared to others.
Several institutions witnessed a rapid rise in OSAP recipients, with some schools transitioning from having under 100 students receiving OSAP to several thousand within just a couple of years. In the 2024-25 academic year, seven career colleges collectively received approximately $385 million in provincial grants, surpassing the total amount provided to students at all publicly funded colleges in Ontario and even exceeding the funding for university students in the province.
Earlier this year, the Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, significantly reduced student assistance grants for university and public college students while prohibiting career college students from accessing grants due to what was described as unsustainable OSAP costs. Previous data already indicated that the majority of recent OSAP growth stemmed from career college students, with minimal changes in funding for university and college students. The latest data further highlights this growth trend in a limited number of schools.
Career Colleges Ontario, the organization representing the sector, refrained from commenting on specific schools’ alleged conduct but acknowledged raising concerns with the government regarding certain institutions. The association emphasized collaborating with ministry officials to address potential issues, especially concerning unusual spikes in OSAP applications that may require further clarification for the government.
Recently, five career colleges were disqualified from receiving OSAP for the upcoming academic year by Ontario’s colleges and universities ministry. Concerns raised by some schools seeking to challenge this decision focused on asynchronous learning programs, which allow students to complete online coursework at their own pace. While asynchronous learning appeals to working adults and individuals with familial responsibilities, the province raised concerns about compromised student participation in these programs.
Looking ahead, the province plans to introduce additional legislative measures to curb excessive growth in OSAP usage, enhance accountability, and ensure responsible use of public funds for students’ benefit. The Academy of Learning, with schools experiencing substantial growth in OSAP recipients, attributed the enrollment surge to demographic changes, catering to newcomers and individuals seeking career retraining opportunities. The institution highlighted its commitment to integrity and successful job placements for graduates in various fields.
Notably, the Bay Street location demonstrated a remarkable increase in OSAP recipients, with a surge from 996 students in 2021-22 to 7,435 in 2024-25, receiving over $108 million in total Ontario grants. Similarly, the Brampton East location, challenging the OSAP eligibility suspension in court, witnessed a growth of over 1,300% in OSAP recipients during the same period. Experts point out that such exponential growth in OSAP usage is unusual, emphasizing the need for regulatory measures to address this issue effectively.