Algonquin College approves plan to cut 41 programs, close Perth, Ont. campus

37 programs on the chopping block at Algonquin College

Algonquin College is cutting 37 academic programs starting in September, cancelling four dormant programs and closing its campus in Perth, Ont., as it deals with a multi-million-dollar deficit.

The board of governors at the Ottawa-based college approved recommendations to cancel programs and close the rural campus Monday evening.

Algonquin College president and CEO Claude Brulé told faculty and students earlier this month that the college is facing “unprecedented financial challenges,” due to a new federal cap on international students, a tuition freeze and provincial funding shortfalls.

The college is projecting a $32 million loss in revenue for 2024-25. Brulé has warned that without “mitigation measures to change course,” the college is facing a $60 million loss in 2025-26 and $93 million for 2026-27.

• Algonquin College to save $8 million a year in staffing costs by cutting 37 programs at Ottawa campus

Algonquin College will suspend admissions to 37 active programs in Ottawa and Pembroke starting in September, and all courses will close once current and spring 2025 students complete their studies. The college expects to save $8 million a year in teaching costs by the fiscal year 2026.

Four dormant programs will be officially suspended. The programs are Anesthesia Assistant, Action Sports Parks Development, Office Administration and Spa and Wellness Management.

• Ottawa’s Algonquin College cutting 37 academic programs starting in September

The Perth Campus, which first opened in 1970, will close in August 2026 and will eventually be put up for sale. Algonquin expects to save $1 million to $2 million a year with the closure, plus up to $4.6 million in deferred maintenance by 2033.

Algonquin is also offering a one-time, lump-sum financial incentive to eligible employees at least 50 years of age and close to retirement and will be offering voluntary exit packages to staff to help reduce spending. Brulé has said Algonquin College has launched “Phase 2” to explore additional measures to save money.

Algonquin College currently has campuses in Ottawa, Pembroke and Perth, and offers AC Online, a fully online post-secondary education program.

Here is the list of programs to be suspended at the Algonquin College in September 2025

Faculty of Creative Arts and Media (FCAM)

• Brand Management
• Brand Management (two-year)
• Broadcasting – Radio and Podcasting
• Creative Industries Management
• Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design
• Interior Decorating
• Performing Arts
• Photography – Content Creation
• Professional Writing
• Scriptwriting
• Teachers of English as a Second/Foreign Language
• Visual Development for Entertainment

Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence (ACCE)

• Building Information Modelling – Lifecycle Management
• Building Information Modelling – Lifecycle Management Canadian Context
• Energy Management

Algonquin College Online (ACOL)

• Business – Trades

School of Advanced Technology (ATEC)

• Bachelor of Technology (Digital Health) (Honours)
• Digital Health
• General Arts and Science – Aviation Management
• Regulatory Affairs – Sciences
• Technical Writer

School of Business and Hospitality (SOBH)

• Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management (Honours)
• Business Administration – Human Resources
• Business Administration – International Business
• Business Administration – Marketing
• Financial Services Canadian Context
• Human Resources Management
• International Business Management
• Marketing Management
• Marketing Research and Analysis
• Office Administration – Executive
• Retirement Communities Management
• Strategic Global Business Management

Pembroke Campus

• Outdoor Adventure Naturalist
• Police Foundations
• Regulatory Affairs – Sciences
• Water and Wastewater Technician