Well, as my professors have explained it, when it comes to graduate degrees in business, law, medicine and maybe a few others, the universities in Canada actually charge you what your degree is worth. As in, the cost for the rooms, materials, professors, energy for the classrooms, etc. The gist of it is, the government does not subsidize these programs. So, my undergraduate degree which cost about $20,000 was probably worth closer to $40,000 in actual costs but the government picked up the extra expense.
I totally understand the logic that these types of graduate degrees will pay for themselves later but seriously. I think the high cost is actually a deterrent for people to go to school. Unlike full-time students, part-time students don't have the same options for student loans, bursaries, scholarships, etc. We are pretty much on your own. So, unless you are willing to take the plunge and risk $40,000-ish dollars for a graduate degree, you don't get to go. I don't think that's fair. Somehow, I think we should be encouraging everybody to go to school.
If people don't get a chance to go, then think of all the potential opportunities the world is missing out on. I for one would like to know what all those smart cookies out there could do for the world with just a wee bit more education.
(again, I understand that education is not for everybody or for every job but I think it should be available for those who want it)
