Alberta post-secondary students pay more tuition than national average: report
According to a forecast released by saving and planning company Embark, a four-year university degree in Canada costs an average of $75,387.
Alberta costs slightly more, coming in at $78,034.
Nova Scotia has the highest average cost in the country at $88,490, while Newfoundland and Labrador is the most affordable, costing on average $54,366.
"What's important about us publishing the calculation is that parents can work backward from the amount of money they need to save in order to send their kids to school and figure out what the monthly amount is," said Andrew Lo, Embark president and CEO.
High tuition costs are a big talking point amongst students.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union says it’s heard from many students concerned about rising tuition rates.
According to the union, tuition has increased 26.5 per cent over the past four years.
"They're very substantial increases and students are very concerned. It's always an issue," said Rachele Preston, union vice-president external.
"Students are always wondering, well, why the increase is happening. What caused it? How is it working? Am I always going to have to pay more?"
The U of L is one of the most affordable universities in the province.
An average course at the U of L costs $643, which is less than the University of Alberta, University of Calgary, Mount Royal University and MacEwan University.
"Lots of students come to the U of L because it's affordable, especially compared to other institutions in the province," Preston said.
"And ultimately, to keep it affordable, it's a multi-faceted approach. We need to work with the government, the provincial government, we need to work with the federal government, as well as with the institution itself."
Post-secondary education is only projected to get more expensive.
According to Embark, a four-year degree in Alberta will cost upward of $100,000 by 2039.
"While the numbers are super daunting right now, if you start early, you can save that amount. We've heard also a lot of success stories from our subscribers that they're able to save the entire amount for their kids' post-secondary education," Lo said.
In a statement emailed to CTV News, Alberta's UCP government said it has "taken action to help make post-secondary education more affordable, including a two per cent tuition cap for domestic students at most public institutions starting in the 2024-25 academic year.
"We’ve also reduced interest rates on student loans, extended the interest-free grace period on student loans to 12 months, and increased eligibility for the repayment assistance program."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. teen with Canada's first human case of avian flu in critical condition, Dr. Bonnie Henry says
The teenager who is sick with the first-ever human case of avian influenza acquired in Canada is in hospital in critical condition, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said Tuesday.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead new ‘Department of Government Efficiency’ in Trump administration
President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will lead a new “Department of Government Efficiency” in his second administration.
Here's why thieves may be stealing butter in Canada
The case of the missing butter remains a mystery, but some have ideas on what's behind the unusual crimes.
Former B.C. premier John Horgan dies at 65
Former B.C. premier John Horgan, a popular leader renowned for his affable personality and dedicated public service, has died
Alleged serial killer previously pled guilty to 2018 attack on Waterloo, Ont. bus
The woman accused of killing three people in three days in three Ontario cities also previously admitted to attacking strangers on buses in the Region of Waterloo.
Air Canada to add new routes to U.S., Europe and North Africa in summer 2025
Getting to destinations in the U.S., Europe and North Africa is about to get easier, as Air Canada announced it will be increasing flights to a number of new destinations this summer.
Body found in Montreal park identified as cryptocurrency influencer
The body of a man that was found in a park in the Ahunstic-Cartierville borough last month has been identified as cryptocurrency influencer Kevin Mirshahi.
History in Halifax is slowly being wiped off the map: study
Saint Mary's University archeologist Jonathan Fowler is sounding an alarm with a new study. According to Fowler, the centuries-old architecture that adds to Halifax’s heritage and historic vibe is slowly being wiped away as the city grows.
2-year-old gorilla 'Eyare' dies unexpectedly at Calgary Zoo
A young gorilla at the Calgary Zoo has died. The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo announced a member of its western lowland gorilla troop passed away unexpectedly, in a news release Tuesday.