Student Finances: Borrowing and Other Sources of Funding for Post-Secondary Studies. Information Paper. Volume 6, Number 1, Winter 2009

Many students find it necessary to draw on more than one source of funding to pay for their post-secondary education. Tuition, direct expenses--textbooks, supplies, equipment--and an increasing need for technology are not the only concerns. For those who had to relocate to study or do not live at home, everyday living expenses become the major part of the cost of education. How do students meet all their expenses? How much do students rely on borrowing? What other sources of funding do they use? Respondents to the annual survey of former diploma, associate degree, and certificate students identified the major sources of funding for their education as student loans, employment, family or friends, and personal savings. About half of the former students surveyed said they borrowed funds, from a government student loan program or other sources. Since 2001, the percentage of those with student loans has gone down somewhat, while the rate of borrowing from other sources has gone up. As well, the amounts borrowed have increased over time--at a rate greater than the rate of increase in the cost of living. The former students who borrowed the most were the most likely to be parents and to have relocated to study. They also reported having the most financial difficulties: they were more likely to have interrupted their studies or attended part time for financial reasons. Nevertheless, their subsequent employment outcomes were very good--their average hourly wage was higher than that of all other former students. (Contains 8 endnotes.)