Nipissing University is throwing its support behind the provincial government’s tuition cuts.

 In a statement, the university says it shares the values of the government and that students should be able to receive an accessible and affordable post-secondary education. It also says it will remain committed to the “delivery of services and supports that students rely upon in an efficient manner without compromising quality.”

 According to the institution, the financial impact of the tuition reduction is estimated to be approximately 4% of its annual operating revenue.

 The university is also encouraging a move by the Ford government that will administer a fund to help smaller northern institutions adjust to the tuition reduction.

 Nipissing University currently enrolls roughly 4,700 undergraduate students and 150 graduate students, with an annual economic impact on the city of over $130 million per year, with an estimated 1,200 full-time jobs created.

The Ford Government announced Thursday that Ontario is scrapping free tuition for low-income students in an attempt to trim a multibillion-dollar deficit, after the previous Liberal government increased the number of grants and made it possible for low-income students to attend college or university free of cost.

The current tuition fee model, which has capped increases for most programs at 3%, expires at the end of this academic year. Under a new plan, tuition would decrease by 10% for the 2019-2020 year and then freeze the following year.