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Your guide to paying for college: OSAP, financial aid, and more

A college education is an investment in your future but figuring out how to pay for it can come with a lot of questions. What financial support do I qualify for? How can I stretch my money further? What if my Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) doesn’t cover everything I need?

Durham College’s (DC) team of experts in the Financial Aid and Awards office shared the most common questions they receive from students regarding OSAP — and some helpful tips to know:

OSAP is one option — but it’s not the only one.

From scholarships and bursaries to on-campus employment and financial planning support, there are other ways to build a financial plan that works for you.

  • Scholarships, bursaries, and awards

    DC offers scholarships, bursaries, and awards to help students fund their education, including opportunities based on financial need, academic achievement, leadership, and more. Many do not need to be repaid.

  • On-campus employment

    Working while studying can help you earn income and gain valuable experience. Eligible students can be hired for on-campus employment opportunities while studying at DC.

  • Financial literacy and planning

    Understanding where your money is going can make it easier to plan for your education. Explore financial literacy and planning resources to help you budget, manage your money, and make informed financial decisions.

When it comes navigating your finances, you don’t have to figure it out alone. DC is here to help you understand the supports available and find the right next step. Connect with DC’s Financial Aid and Awards team today to get started.

Taking the stress out of student finances: DC can help you stay on track

When it comes to managing money, every dollar counts. A recent survey found that 92 per cent of Ontario post-secondary students feel stressed about their finances. Between tuition, rising living costs, and day-to-day expenses, it’s easy to see why finances can feel overwhelming at times.

At Durham College (DC), we believe financial challenges shouldn’t stand in the way of your goals. That’s why we’ve built a strong network of support to help you find funding, make the most of your resources, and feel confident about your future.

Here are five ways DC can help you manage your budget:

  • Meet with money mentors

    From applying for OSAP and understanding the Ontario Student Access Guarantee, to finding emergency supports if you need a short-term boost – DC’s Financial Aid and Awards Office is your go-to resource for all things money at DC.

    “I won’t qualify for OSAP because of my parents’ income,” is a common misconception we hear. OSAP has evolved significantly over the years. Meeting with an advisor can help you get the facts and explore your eligibility.

    Book an appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor.

  • Access scholarships and bursaries

    Every year, DC awards more than $5 million in scholarships and bursaries. These aren’t just for top grades – many are based on need, community involvement, and specific programs. Best of all? We’ve simplified the process with one application that covers most awards, making it easier for you to access funding.

    Explore current scholarships and bursaries.

  • Earn while you learn with flexible campus jobs

    Looking for work that fits your class schedule? DC offers on-campus jobs and work-study opportunities designed with students in mind. Work study roles provide financial support while helping you build valuable skills and connections – all in as little as 12 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 35 hours per week in the summer. These roles not only put money in your pocket but also give you valuable experience to take into your future career.

    Learn more about working on campus.

  • Strengthen your money skills

    Budgeting doesn’t have to be stressful. DC offers workshops, online tools, and one-on-one support to help you track spending, balance needs versus wants, and develop healthy financial habits. Small steps today can make a big difference down the road.

    Discover financial literacy tools and workshops.

  • Learn from student success stories

    Many students combine OSAP, bursaries, and campus jobs to build a financial plan that works for them. Sleiddy-Gerrold Joseph, a graduate from the Fitness and Health Promotion program, did just that.

    “A personal challenge that I had to face was juggling basketball, social life, and school life. All that together – it weighs down a person,” he said. “Financial Aid helped me with bursaries, figuring out OSAP, and even grocery cards so I was able to have some food on the table at the end of the night.”

Ready to take the next step?

Don’t let money stress define your college experience. With DC’s financial supports, you can stay focused on what matters most – your education and future.

Connect with Financial Aid and Awards today.

 

Four ways to help finance your DC education

A financial investment is a reality of post-secondary education, but it should not be a barrier to you achieving your future goals. There are so many options available to help ease your financial stress and at Durham College (DC) we are here to help you navigate all the opportunities available to support your education.

Learn more about four of the ways you can help finance your DC education:

Apply for scholarships, bursaries and awards

Every year, DC offers more than $5 million in scholarships, bursaries and awards to help students fund some, or even all, of their education.  There are many different types, including entrance awards, merit awards, program and faculty-specific scholarships, and even some based on financial need or demographic.

For example, students in the Early Childhood Education program should check out the Government of Ontario’s new Early Childhood Education (ECE) grant, which awards successful applicants with full tuition funding.

Or, the Schulich Builders Scholarships which provides ten scholarships per year, valued at $20,000, to students in the skilled trades to help pay for their tuition, living expenses, and on-the-job tools.

Get hired on campus

DC’s on-campus employment programs are specifically for full-time students with a demonstrated financial need and are designed to be flexible with your class schedule.

On-campus employment offers competitive wages and provides useful career-related experiences that can help you achieve your personal and academic goals. Some on-campus employment opportunities include:

  • IT analyst for the IT Service Desk
  • Social media content creator, event planner or web developer in the Communications & Marketing Department
  • Outreach assistant in the Career Development office
  • Member of the urban field crew in the Faculty of Hospitality & Horticultural Science
  • Flex Centre monitor in the Athletics & Recreation Department
  • Lab attendant in the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Information Technology
  • Web design and social media assistant in the Student Development office

Explore Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

OSAP is a financial aid program that provides financial assistance to Ontario residents to help pay for college. There are two types of funding available through OSAP: loans and grants.

Loans are required to be paid back after you finish school, while grants are not.

When you apply for OSAP, you’re automatically considered for both. Our Financial Aid and Awards office can help you navigate your OSAP application and help answer your questions about the OSAP process.

Boost your financial literacy

We understand this may be your first experience managing such a large personal investment. But you don’t have to do it alone.

Knowledge is power, and at DC, we offer free online modules which feature a series of videos, quizzes, and tools to help you improve your financial literacy skills and develop confidence in handling your personal finances that will support you now and in the future.

You can also schedule a one-on-one appointment with a financial aid coach to help you effectively prepare a budget and overcome financial hurdles during the school year. Through financial coaching, you can learn to keep your finances in order so you can focus on what matters most – your college experience!

Your potential should not be limited due to the costs of post-secondary education. To learn more about how we can help support your financial needs while attending DC, visit Financial Aid and Awards.