Seven Ontario private career colleges received $385 million in OSAP aid last year

A freedom-of-information request uncovered that students at just seven private career colleges in Ontario received about $385 million in OSAP grants during the 2024-25 academic year, a sum that matches the total awarded to all public colleges and surpasses university allocations. While tuition at these private institutions is generally higher, the rapid increase in OSAP applications—some schools jumping from under 100 recipients to several thousand within a few years—has drawn government scrutiny.

Ontario’s ministry recently disqualified students at five career colleges from OSAP, alleging compromised participation in asynchronous learning programs. Career Colleges Ontario, the industry association, declined to comment on individual schools but noted it has raised concerns with the government and stresses that misconduct is uncommon among its members. Academy of Learning, a franchise network with several of the fastest-growing campuses, says the influx reflects a growing population of newcomers and adults seeking second-career training. The province plans additional legislative measures to curb unchecked growth and ensure responsible use of public funds.