Northern universities no longer a cheap alternative

Northern Ontario universities are losing their status as an inexpensive alternative to Southern Ontario schools, says a report to be released today.

The report, prepared by the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations, says the lower-than-average funding received by universities such as Algoma University College (shown) forces them to regain a greater share of their operating expenses from tuitions. "Northern universities in particular are being forced to cope by placing a greater demand for operating revenue on the backs of their students," the Canadian Press quotes Henry Mandelbaum, the group's executive director.

According to CP, 37 per cent of the average cost of an Ontario university education comes from tuition fees. At Nipissing University in North Bay, 44 per cent comes from tuitions.

The study found that Northern Ontario universities handle five percent of the province's students, but receive just four percent of the funding.

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