black tuesday - ocsu protest against tuition fees
Feeling a little strapped? We understand.
The Okanagan College Students’ Union and the Canadian Federation of students believe tuition fees are the number one barrier to post secondary education.
Did you know that in the early 1990’s the federal government made massive cuts to the post-secondary transfer payments to our provinces? In turn, most provinces chose to pass on those cuts to students in the form of higher tuition fees. What does this mean? Now fewer and fewer students are attending post-secondary institutions. Today the average cost of an Associate Degree at Okanagan College is $3,018. When factoring in trades programs, that cost jumps to $4,710!
Although tuition is on the rise, there are some good things to remember. Because students like you rallied across BC, a tuition fee freeze was secured from 1996 – 2002. However, with the removal of the cap on tuition fees, Okanagan College is now the most expensive college in the Province of BC.
Now it is up to you. We need you to help fight for a tuition fee reduction and your right to accessible and affordable post secondary education. Stop by your Students’ Union office today to see how you can get involved.