Student Fees, Subsidies and Enrolment in Canadian Universities, 1962-1995

Description

This paper examines how student fees, subsidies and enrolment have evolved in Canadian universities over the period 1962 to 1995. A model is developed, and tested with a panel data set often provinces, wherein student fees (subsidies) are the outcome of provincial governments balancing the interests of students and taxpayers. Among the conclusions are that student fees initially fall as student numbers increase but then rise, that tighter provincial fiscal environments increase fees, and that more pressure for K-12 education increases fees. We also find that enrolments are more sensitive to changes in student aid than to changes in tuition.