Supporting and Giving Back to BCIT
Our Commitment to BCIT Students
BCIT is committed to the success of our students, and the Alumni Association supports this commitment.
BCIT wants to attract and retain the best students and help more students to achieve the advantage all alumni have — a BCIT credential.
Providing bursary support for students is the area of greatest potential at BCIT, because it promises the highest return on investment.
Financing Education: Reality Check
Today’s students pay a higher percentage of their tuition than any previous generations.
Increases in tuition, combined with rising costs of living, means many students face overwhelming financial challenges in pursuing their education today.
- Average BCIT student debt on graduation in 2010 = $13,600 as compared to $6,000 in 2003.
- Average cost of BCIT base tuition in 2010 = $9,793 as compared to $3,012 in 1990.
- Number of BCIT students who received awards = 1,886 in 2010/2011.
- Number of students declined support for lack of BCIT funds = 427 in 2010/2011.
- The cost of post-secondary education is a real barrier for students of low income families (less than $30,000 annual income) families -- participation rate is 40%, as compared to 60% for high income (over $100,000) families.
Supporting Students: Return on Investment
Canadians with a post-secondary education enjoy:
- Higher earnings -- as much as $23,000 on average more than those with only a high school diploma.
- Higher earnings growth over their careers.
- Up to half the incidence of low income of those with a high school diploma.
- Lower unemployment risks.
- Higher net assets.
- Higher income in retirement.
