Sault College braces for a $5.6M deficit in 2025–26, cutting programs amid declining enrolment and pressure from tuition freezes and visa limits.
Sault College Grapples with $5.6M Deficit for 2025–26
SAULT STE. MARIE, ONT.— Facing a $5.6 million shortfall, Sault College has approved a deficit budget for the second consecutive year as it struggles to maintain core academic offerings under mounting financial strain.
Enrolment Drops Sharply After Federal Policy Shift
The steep decline in international student enrolment is a key factor behind the budget crisis. The college anticipates enrolment to drop by nearly 40%, falling from 11,215 students last year to 6,830 this fall. The decline follows the federal government’s 2024 decision to cap international student permits, a move that directly impacted the college’s satellite campuses in southern Ontario.
Programs Suspended, International Courses Hit Hard
In response to declining enrolment, Sault College has suspended or discontinued around 20 programs over the past 18 months. Many were geared toward international students, including supply chain management and project management. Other suspended offerings—like certificates in climate change mitigation and child and youth work—may return if demand rebounds.
College Prioritizes High-Demand Fields
College President David Orazietti stated that Sault is shifting its focus to areas of strong labour market demand, including health care, skilled trades, aviation, and community services. He emphasized the difficulty of maintaining long-standing programs that have seen falling domestic interest and were previously supported by international tuition revenue.
Financial Pressure Limits Options
To manage the deficit, the college is weighing options like deferring infrastructure projects and limiting spending, with layoffs considered only as a last resort. Orazietti stressed that decisions will be made carefully to minimize disruptions to both faculty and students.
Faculty Union Weighs In
Neal Moss, president of OPSEU Local 613, noted that while no full-time faculty have been laid off, sessional and part-time instructors have lost positions due to program cuts. Approximately a dozen faculty members have retired, helping to soften the blow.
A Community Asset Under Strain
Despite the challenges, college leadership maintains that essential community programs will be preserved wherever possible. Orazietti emphasized the institution’s long-term commitment to serving northern Ontario’s workforce needs, stating:
“We’re taking our time to do this thoughtfully, and to ensure that we protect as many jobs as possible in the organization and have as minimal impact to our programs that the community relies on.”
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