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By Gates Guarin

Medicine Hat College offering vast supports to curb rise in inflation

Aug 26, 2022 | 6:15 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Preparations are well underway at Medicine Hat College to help welcome new and returning students to campus, but those enrolled in classes this fall are having to worry about rising inflation.

Costs on expenses typical to campus life, like food, housing, textbooks and gasoline, are top of mind for students attending post-secondary this year. The rise in inflation did not seem to stop enrolment at the college, with administration saying it saw a modest increase in registration due to unique programs offered on campus.

Students are also encouraged to be savvy when utilizing student supports in order to maximize savings. Supports such as meal plans, as well as on-campus resources like the athletic centre or the college’s Students Association are different ways to help offset costs.

Students were quick to register for on-campus residences as well, which are almost at full capacity for the semester.

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Sandy Henderson, Dean of Student Services & Registrar, says the biggest way for students to help curb inflationary costs is through financial aid.

“We have a pretty robust student financial aid processes,” Henderson says. “Students who require assistance can absolutely connect with our whole financial aid department with any assistance with applying for student loans.”

Henderson adds there are several scholarships and bursaries available to be applied for.

“We also have emergency funding options available,” Henderson says. “If students are having trouble, and they’re feeling like they’re unable to pay their tuition, we do have some payment plan options and things like that. So I just encourage students to connect with our financial aid department if they have questions or needs.”

Students looking for more information about student aid can visit the college’s website.