At the beginning of the 2020s, provincial student loan funds (OSAP) that had been essential in enabling students to afford their studies were decreased, causing students to encounter greater financial challenges and acquire more debt.

Cliff, who was working towards a BA in History and Global Studies, and Tajah, who was a Psychology major with a minor in Philosophy, felt the impact these OSAP changes, as both were already doing all they could to fund their education and were just scraping by.

As a relatively new Christian, Cliff recognized that coming to Tyndale would help provide the solid foundation and community he needed. “I want to be here at Tyndale, and I want to be part of this community, but financially speaking, it’s been a burden,” he said, even with a scholarship and bursary, and a part-time job.

Like Cliff, Tajah also relied on OSAP, and she received a scholarship and worked part-time. Despite all her efforts, it was not enough. She eventually had to take out a bank loan to make up the difference. “A lot of my fellow students are in the same situation, just making it by,” she said.

Both Cliff and Tajah were grateful for all that Tyndale’s Financial Aid Department did to help. With the creation of its Impact Through Education Grants, crucial funds were specifically designed for students impacted by the decrease in government grant funding from OSAP that year. The grants ranged from $500 to $750 per student.

“I definitely think it’s worth it,” said Tajah about the cost of her education at Tyndale. “The things that I learned and the amount that I’ve grown in my faith are something I couldn’t have received at a secular university. This experience is something you can’t put a price on.”

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