Facts and figures on free tuition initiatives from Ontario government

TORONTO – University and college will soon be free for students from low-income families and more affordable for those from middle-class homes. The Ontario government’s 2016 budget includes a complete overhaul of the province’s current assistance program, which Finance Minister Charles Sousa called “complex and convoluted.” The minister said the new system will be more accessible but cost taxpayers roughly the same amount. Here’s what the changes will mean for some of those who qualify:

University student living at home, tuition $6,160, family income of $45,000:

Total expenses: $12,608
Total assistance: $9,607 (down $1)
Grant: $6,860 (up $3,109)
Loan: $2,747 (down $3,110)

University student living at home, tuition $6,160, family income of $40,000, scholarship worth $5,000:

Total expenses: $12,600
Total assistance: $7,837
Grant: $6,050 (up $2,299)
Loan: $1,787 (down $1,079)

University student living in residence, tuition $6,160, family income of $80,000:

Total expenses: $18,000
Total assistance: $15,000 (up $2,257)
Grant: $6,042 (up $699)
Loan: $8,958 (up $1,558)
Parents no longer expected to contribute

College student living at home, tuition $2,768, family income of $40,000:

Total expenses: $8,900
Total assistance: $5,914 (same)
Grant: $5,383 (up $2,612)
Loan: $531 (down $2,612)

College student living at home, tuition $2,768, family income of $80,000:

Total expenses: $8,900
Total assistance: $5,914 (up $1,533)
Grant: $3,468 (up $1,827)
Loan: $2,446 (up $294)
Parents no longer expected to contribute