Student Mobility between Ontario's Colleges and Universities

The movement of students between postsecondary institutions is becoming increasingly common and has created a need for greater emphasis on postsecondary education (PSE) pathways. This report outlines the available data on postsecondary student mobility within Ontario, with a focus on mobility between Ontario's colleges and universities. For comparison, summary data from several other jurisdictions are also presented. Key findings include the following: (1) Seventeen per cent of college students have previous university experience (nine per cent have a university degree); (2) Of the university faculties, graduates from the social sciences, humanities and business areas tend to enrol in college programs in the greatest proportions; (3) Almost one-quarter of college applicants have identified preparation for university as a major reason for applying to college; (4) The number of college students/graduates seeking access to Ontario university programs has more than doubled in the last eight years; (5) While university applicants with college education represented almost 12 per cent of all Canadian applicants to universities, only six per cent actually enrolled; (6) In Ontario, only nine per cent of college graduates pursue a university education; seven per cent pursue a degree at an Ontario university; and (7) Many other jurisdictions in Canada and the U.S. have higher transfer rates. In British Columbia, for example, 19 per cent of former students of the colleges and institutes pursue a university education. The percentage of college graduates who proceed to enrol in an Ontario university degree program is low in comparison to several other provinces and U.S. states. Relative to the other jurisdictions surveyed, Ontario has one of the worst transfer rates. The evidence of consistently growing demand from college students and graduates and Ontario's relatively low transfer rate supports the need for new directions in this critical area. Appended are: (1) Numbers of Ontario university applicants and registrants by year; (2) Number of 2006-07 surveyed graduates in further education by institution; (3) Number of surveyed graduates attending university full time; and (5) Number of surveyed graduates attending university part time. (Contains 14 tables and 11 figures.)