McGill University will face a $2 million penalty from the province of Quebec after the school decided to raise tuition for its MBA program.
“[McGill’s] decision runs counter not only to existing budgetary rules but to the principle of accessibility,” said a statement from education minister Line Beauchamp. The fine “corresponds to the financing which could have been granted for one year to the 200 students who could have registered in the program if accessibility had been maintained,” Beauchamp said.
McGill announced it was “perplexed and disappointed” with the decision in a March 15 release.
“Rather than celebrate the dramatic progress and success McGill has achieved in a short period of time with its renewed and self-funded MBA, the government has imposed a significant fine against one of its own universities,” the statement said. “Since McGill moved to a self-funded program, it has developed an MBA that is attracting top-caliber students . . . Quebecers deserve better than to have a top-quality program fined.”