Matthew Lau: University Students Should Receive Loans, Not Government Grants
Ontario's university students have shown a clear preference for grants over loans, but columnist Matthew Lau contends that adults demanding "Hands off my education" should be prepared to shoulder the full financial burden of their post-secondary pursuits. Recent protests against changes to the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) highlight a growing dependency on public funds, according to Lau's analysis.
Protests Over OSAP Changes
Hundreds of students gathered at Queen's Park in Toronto last week to demonstrate against provincial adjustments to OSAP funding structures. The rally, organized by the Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario, resulted in property damage and arrests, with similar demonstrations occurring in Ottawa and other cities across Ontario. Protesters carried signs reading "Hands off our education," expressing dissatisfaction with the government's proposal to reduce non-repayable grants.
Under current OSAP regulations, students can access up to 85 percent of their funding through grants that do not require repayment. The proposed changes would align Ontario with other provinces by limiting grants to 25 percent of total assistance, with the remaining 75 percent coming from repayable loans. Importantly, overall spending is not being cut; the government has announced an additional $6.4 billion in post-secondary funding alongside the OSAP modifications, supplementing the existing $13 billion annual expenditure.
The Argument for Student Responsibility
Lau challenges the protesters' perspective, noting that the shift from grants to loans actually represents less government intervention in students' educational choices. "Repayable loans are less of an intervention than non-repayable grants," he writes, questioning why university students expect taxpayers to fund their education entirely.
The columnist draws a distinction between young children, who legitimately require financial support, and university-aged adults who should demonstrate greater financial independence. "This view that they should be entirely financed by others makes sense for seven- and eight-year-olds, but grown adults do not behave this way," Lau observes, pointing out that homeowners don't protest demanding mortgage conversions into non-repayable grants.
Financial Realities and Educational Value
One protester, an undergraduate journalism student at Toronto Metropolitan University, expressed concerns about accumulating nearly $80,000 in debt to complete a four-year program. Coming from a low-income background without financial safety nets, the student fears lifelong debt or forced withdrawal from studies if required to work full-time while attending classes.
Lau addresses this concern directly: "The question is: is her journalism degree worth $80,000? If so, borrowing to pay for the degree is not a problem because her future earnings should be more than enough to recoup the costs and repay the debt in a timely manner." Conversely, he argues that if the degree doesn't justify the investment, students shouldn't spend taxpayer money—or anyone's money—on it.
Broader Implications for Education Funding
The debate extends beyond individual financial decisions to encompass broader questions about educational value and public responsibility. While students argue that reduced grants create barriers to access, particularly for low-income families, Lau maintains that loans represent a more sustainable approach that encourages careful consideration of educational investments.
The columnist's perspective emphasizes personal accountability in educational financing, suggesting that the natural state of affairs shouldn't involve taxpayers subsidizing university education entirely. As Ontario moves toward greater loan-based assistance, the discussion continues about balancing accessibility with fiscal responsibility in higher education funding.
