Author: Alex Usher

One huge misconception about student debt is that it is mostly a function tuition fees, or the cost of living. But that’s only partly true. In fact, borrowing is a function of assessed need (that is, assessed costs minus assessed resources). And, in turn, assessed need is subject to maximums. Governments—at least, governments outside Quebec—don’t simply hand out whatever amount students need. Instead, they put maximums on total aid, which for reasons that defy easy explanation are expressed in weekly

Just a quick one today on student debt and why it hasn’t been increasing. So, under conditions of near-total secrecy, Statistics Canada last month published the results of its National Graduate Survey for the Class of 2020. One of the most awaited numbers in this survey are those relating to student debt. With so many folks always assuming that student debt is “skyrocketing,” it is always a good opportunity for myth correction. For you see: student debt is not skyrocketing.