Extended tuition framework agreement disappoints college students

TORONTO, March 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Earlier today the Minister of Training, Colleges, and Universities Glen Murray announced the extension of the current tuition framework which has been met with disappointment by college students across Ontario. The provincial government did not take the opportunity to improve upon the affordability concerns of many college students.

"Recognizing the fiscal constraints of the provincial government, the College Student Alliance (CSA) had proposed cost-effective measures to enhance quality, accessibility and affordability of Ontario's college sector, and to not see these recommendations implemented is frustrating," stated Brian Costantini, President of the CSA. "The government's moratorium around deferral fees and flat-fee tuition is welcomed; however it does not eliminate the current problem so many students experience. "

Over the last two decades, the average cost of tuition for college students has consistently risen with full-time students in basic programs paying over $2,300 each year. Likewise, college students enrolled in high demand programs or applied degrees can pay upwards of $6,000 annually. Understanding the financial difficulties of college students, the CSA has recommended such things as limiting tuition increases at the rate of inflation, eliminating deferral fees outright, and ensuring college per-student funding increases to the national average by 2015-2016.

"Increases in post-secondary tuition cannot be the only financial means to sustaining the college sector, as it negatively impacts student's ability to pay for their post-secondary education. The government must also increase the operating funding colleges receive to ensure Ontario's higher education system is more affordable, accessible, Ontario's education system is affordable, accessible, and quality education," said Jim Robeson, Director of Advocacy for the CSA.

The College Student Alliance is an advocacy organization, which has been proudly serving Ontario's college and college-university students since 1975. The CSA currently represents 15 colleges and 22 member councils with over 130,000 full-time student members throughout the province.

For more information please contact:

Brian Costantini
President
College Student Alliance
Tel: [phone] ext. 4226
Cell: 289-214-8052
Email: [email protected]

Jim Robeson
Director of Advocacy
College Student Alliance
Tel: [phone]
Cell: 416-951-0181
Email: [email protected]