A recent study conducted by The Forum Poll found that those who self-identify with the LGBTQ community are far more likely to have higher student debt when leaving their post-secondary education institution.
The results came from a sampling of 1,163 Canadians, 16 years of age or older, who attended a post-secondary education institution. It found that 48 per cent of students were left with a total student debt of $1 – $10,000 when they left their academic institution, regardless of they graduated.
In addition, it found that over a quarter of students carried a debt of $10,001 – $20,000, and that ten per cent carried a debt of $20,000 – $30,000; six per cent were left with $30,001-$40,000.
Interestingly, those who self-identify with the LGBTQ community are likely to have a far higher student debt upon leaving school. Specifically, 66 per cent of members of this community report having more than $10,000+ in student debt, compared to 50 per cent of the rest of the population.
What’s more, one in 10 LGBTQ community members carry over $70,000 in student debt.
“The vast majority of Canadians say that their post-secondary education was a worthwhile investment, regardless of the cost,” said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, president of Forum Research.
“Amongst those who self-identify as LGBTQ2SIAP+, three-quarters said that a student loan was “very” important to their ability to continue their education after high school, considerably above the average.”
1 in 10 respondents said that they identify with the LGBTQ2SIAP+ community.
– Elana Shepert
