Access to Post-secondary Education: How Ontario Compares

Research Summary:  Parental education key determinant of who goes to college or university  Throughout Canada, having no family history of college or university is the most significant obstacle to postsecondary education (PSE). Family income is much less of a barrier. In fact, according to two new studies, a single year of parental education has a […]

Under-represented Groups in Postsecondary Education in Ontario: Evidence from the Youth in Transition Survey

Research Summary:  Parental education key determinant of who goes to college or university Throughout Canada, having no family history of college or university is the most significant obstacle to postsecondary education (PSE). Family income is much less of a barrier. In fact, according to two new studies, a single year of parental education has a […]

Assessment of Debt Load and Financial Barriers Affecting Students with Disabilities in Canadian Postsecondary Education, Ontario Report

Research Summary:  Ontario Postsecondary Students with Disabilities Face Unique Challenges College and university students with disabilities face significant financial burdens and a number of barriers that can strain their ability to successfully complete their education. Students with registered disabilities take longer to complete their education, which can significantly increase the costs of their education. They […]

From Postsecondary Application to the Labour Market

Research Summary: Work and family stronger influences on under-represented students While the majority of Ontario students recognize the value of postsecondary education (PSE) and want to participate, applicants from under-represented groups are less likely to attend immediately. And the pathways they choose are more influenced by work and family issues, according to a study conducted […]

Aboriginal Self-Identification and Student Data in Ontario’s Postsecondary System: Challenges and Opportunities

Research Summary: New data collection methods will improve evaluation of Aboriginal student access programs While the Province of Ontario has a number of initiatives to increase Aboriginal student participation in postsecondary education (PSE), improving data collection methods will provide more reliable information on the effectiveness of access programs.  Project Description  The Higher Education Quality Council […]

@ Issue Paper No. 4 Forging Pathways: Students Who Transfer Between Ontario Colleges and Universities

Summary: Streamlining transfer process could improve access Making it easier for students to transfer between college and university could increase access to university for students from traditionally under-represented groups. Streamlining the transfer process could particularly benefit these groups, according to Forging Pathways: Students Who Transfer Between Ontario Colleges and Universities, a new @ Issue paper […]

Post High-School Pathways of Immigrant Youth

Research Summary: Immigrant study: C​aribbean students least likely to pursue hi​​​gher education A new study of Toronto high school immigrant students shows that first generation immigrants, particularly those of East Asian background, are most likely to attend university, while Caribbean students are least likely to attend a postsecondary institution or even graduate from high school. […]

Willingness to Pay for Postsecondary Education Among Under-represented Groups

Research Summary: Price concerns and loan aversion pose barriers to post-secondary education  Concerns about the costs of post-secondary education (PSE) and a reluctance to pursue educational loans may be discouraging some students from pursuing a post-secondary education, according to a new research report released today by the Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC), sponsored by […]

Discovering the Benefits of a First Year Experience Program for Under-represented Students: A Preliminary Assessment of Lakehead University’s Gateway Program

Discovering the Benefits of a First Year Experience Program for Under-represented Students: A Preliminary Assessment of Lakehead University’s Gateway Program  Prepared by Sarah Browne and Heather Doyle, Lakehead University Research indicates that non-traditional students –  including first generation students, students with disabilities, visible minorities, and mature students – are becoming the majority on many campuses.  […]