Sault College Targets Michigan Students with Competitive Offers

Sault College is actively recruiting students from Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, highlighting its proximity and competitive tuition rates. The post-secondary institution is promoting its advantages over options in Michigan, where students typically travel two to three hours for education. This initiative includes attending recruitment fairs in Sault Ste. Marie and Alpena, with plans to extend outreach to Gaylord, approximately 200 kilometers south of its Northern Avenue campus.

Interim President Sherri Smith emphasized the appeal of Sault College, stating, “Why not one hour north with better tuition rates?” This recruitment effort is supported by a team from various departments, including the director of student services and the registrar. While there is no specific target for Michigan students for fall 2026, Smith expressed optimism, saying that attracting five to ten students would be a positive achievement.

The college is prepared to assist prospective students from Michigan with obtaining passports and learning visas, facilitating their transition to studying in Canada. A dedicated recruiter has been working for over two years to attract students, particularly from southwestern Ontario, focusing on programs related to natural environments like fish and wildlife technician and adventure recreation and parks technician. Smith noted that only a few schools in Ontario offer these specialized study options.

Recruitment strategies include attending fairs, visiting high schools, and meeting with guidance counselors. The southern Ontario region has proven to be a significant source of students, with 85 percent of those enrolled in natural environment programs coming from outside the Algoma District. Interim Registrar Katie Paquette reported “stable growth” in new domestic students, with 901 new students enrolled this fall, an increase from 798 in fall 2024. Overall domestic enrollment reached 1,573, up from 1,473 the previous year.

The Sault campus hosts 1,499 domestic students this fall, gaining 72 students compared to fall 2024. Among the new students, 56 percent hail from the Algoma District. However, international student numbers have significantly declined, dropping from 3,267 across all campuses in fall 2024 to just 1,275 this year. New international student enrollment fell from 472 to 199, while the number of international students studying in Sault Ste. Marie decreased from 926 to 574. Paquette attributed this downturn to the federal government’s restrictions on eligible programs and post-graduate work permits.

This fall marks the final cohort for Sault College’s partnership with triOS career colleges based in Brampton and Toronto. Approximately 650 students are expected to complete their studies by December, concluding this collaboration. Although the college fell short of its international student recruitment goal, achieving 83 percent of its target, it exceeded its domestic goal at 105 percent.

Paquette noted, “There’s been a big change” in how international students perceive Canada as a study destination, citing challenges in meeting governmental requirements as a deterrent. She emphasized that domestic enrollment presents a reliable opportunity for future growth.

To address budget constraints caused by reduced international enrollment, a few full-time support positions were eliminated this year, although Smith stated that no further cuts are anticipated. President David Orazietti remains on leave, having stepped down from his leadership role in July, with no return date announced. Board Chair Tom Katagis confirmed that Orazietti, who joined Sault College as a dean in 2017 and became president in 2023, remains on leave without a specified reason.

As Sault College embarks on this recruitment drive, its focus on Michigan students reflects a strategic shift aimed at stabilizing and enriching its student body while navigating the challenges of international enrollment.