Belleville, Ontario, February 25, 2016 – College education in Ontario will be strengthened by the measures announced today in the 2016 Ontario Budget.
“Improved access to college education is one of the clear priorities in the budget,” said Loyalist College President and CEO Maureen Piercy. “We are pleased with the enhanced support for students and the new investments into college-based applied research.”
The budget helps more low-income students pursue higher learning that leads to a good job without incurring debt. For example, the budget measures will result in free average tuition for every student with a family income of $50,000 or less, starting in the 2017-18 school year.
There are also commitments that students in families with incomes of $83,000 or less will receive non-repayable grants in excess of average tuition, and students in families with family incomes of less than $50,000 will have no provincial student debt. The maximum debt level for higher-income families will be capped at $10,000 annually.
“This is particularly important for students and their families in our region,” said President Piercy. “Our students have significant need for financial support to complete their education. The budget recognizes that college education is a necessity for greater numbers of people, and demonstrates a strong commitment to helping more students acquire the qualifications and professional skills that lead to rewarding careers in the new economy.”
Another budget highlight is an important investment of $20 million over three years for college-based applied research projects. This funding will allow colleges and businesses to work together on real-world research that helps businesses become more innovative and create new jobs.
“We’re also very pleased with the government’s increased investments for aboriginal education, as well as the commitment to consult on college funding as the sector approaches its 50th anniversary in 2017,” added President Piercy.
About Loyalist College
When it comes to grads getting jobs, Loyalist College is the #1 College in Ontario. According to Provincial Key Performance Indicator (KPI) results released April 2015, 89.3 percent of the College’s most recent graduates found employment within six months of graduation compared to the provincial average of 84 percent. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, Loyalist College is a close-knit community where students and their success come first. Loyalist provides personalized attention in small classes, rewarding field placements and superior student services. To prepare students for in-demand careers, Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs; apprenticeships; and hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, as well as opportunities for continuing education through more than 70 university transfer agreements. The College’s wide selection of advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates aligns with market-driven disciplines including applied sciences, biosciences, building sciences, business and management studies, health sciences, human studies, justice studies, media, arts and design, and skills and technology. In Ontario, the College’s new Digital Media Centre and the LEED® Silver certified Sustainable Skills, Technology and Life Sciences Centre are training centres of choice for students, as well as College business and industry partners. The College is a key driver of the social and economic health and prosperity of the area and contributes 5.4 percent to the Gross Regional Product. This represents an overall effect on the regional economy of $530 million – based on a 2014 Report by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI). For more information on the College’s Belleville and Bancroft campuses, visit loyalistcollege.com.
Media Contact: Dianne Spencer, Executive Director College Advancement & External Relations,
Loyalist College, dspencer@loyalistc.on.ca, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2235