OT: College enrollment and financial issues?

[Leonard23]

Old thread from the Rutgers Issues board was a casualty of the merger so I'm starting a new one.


Current Term Enrollment Estimates
Spring 2025

Current Term Enrollment Estimates | National Student Clearinghouse Research Center

nscresearchcenter.org

Spring 2025 Highlights​

• Total postsecondary enrollment is up 3.2 percent this spring (+562,000), compared to spring 2024. Undergraduate enrollment grew 3.5 percent, reaching 15.3 million but remains below pre-pandemic levels (-2.4%, -378,000). Graduate enrollment also increased 1.5 percent, now 7.2 percent (+209,000) higher than in 2020.
• Undergraduate enrollment increased across major institutional sectors, with community colleges (Public two-year and Public PABs) seeing the largest growth (+5.4%, +288,000).
• Enrollment increased for all undergraduate credential types. Bachelor’s and associate programs grew by 2.1 percent and 6.3 percent, respectively, but remain below spring 2020 levels. Undergraduate certificate program enrollment continued to grow this spring (+4.8%) and is now 20 percent above 2020.
• Most ethnoracial groups saw increases in enrollment this spring, with Black and multiracial undergraduate students seeing the largest growth (+10.3% and +8.5%, respectively).
• The number of undergraduate students in their twenties increased this spring (+3.2% for students 21-24 and +5.9% for students 25-29), marking a start of a recovery after consistent declines since the pandemic.
• For the third consecutive year, high vocational public two-years had substantial growth in enrollment (+11.7%, +91,000). Enrollment at these trade-focused institutions increased almost 20 percent since the spring of 2020 (871,000 students; +19.4% over 2020) and now comprises 19.4 percent of public two-year enrollment.

NACUBO Study Finds Private Colleges and Universities Are Offering Record Financial Aid to Students

NACUBO Study Finds Private Colleges and Universities Are Offering Record Financial Aid to Students

www.nacubo.org

 

[Leonard23]

Pennsylvania universities cutting costs through layoffs, mergers to meet financial challenge

Pennsylvania universities cutting costs amid financial uncertainty

The belt-tightening follows drops in the number of college-age students, federal fund cuts and higher costs. Ten universities have closed or merged since 2016.

whyy.org

Clark University braces for a harsh new reality as higher ed recession looms

Clark University braces for a harsh new reality as higher ed recession looms

Colleges across the country were already staring down their biggest challenges in years. Then Donald Trump was reelected — and the pressure on them intensified.

www.wgbh.org

 

[Leonard23]

TCNJ financial issues?


OPINION: TCNJ is in a financial crisis. State legislators need to stop ignoring us

OPINION: TCNJ is in a financial crisis. State legislators need to stop ignoring us

It’s time for state legislators to band together and provide The College of New Jersey with the allocation funding that it rightfully deserves.

www.tcnjsignalnews.com

---

The College was sitting on just over $360 million in debt as of the end of the fiscal year that ended in June 2023, according to S&P Global Ratings, a leading global credit rating agency.

S&P revised its outlook on the College’s financial stability from stable to negative, citing continued budgetary pressure throughout the following two fiscal years and “the college's modest level of financial resources in comparison to total debt outstanding and total adjusted operating expenses.”

* * *

From fiscal year 2014 to fiscal year 2024, the state of New Jersey provided millions of dollars in additional funding to many other schools, according to New Jersey state appropriations budgets. Rutgers University, for example, saw an 83.9% increase in its funding from 2014 to 2024. Rowan University, a 157.5% increase. And Thomas Edison State University saw the largest difference in funding, a 478.1% increase. Where does the College sit on this list?

The College received the lowest 10-year state appropriations increase compared to all other public institutions in New Jersey. (Graph provided by Jennifer Keyes-Maloney)
All the way at the bottom, with just an 8.7% increase over the last 10 years. That’s right. 8.7%. The only school to see a single-digit percent increase.
What’s the story behind our lack of state funding? How did we get here?

 

[Leonard23]

More state funds for NJ college maintenance called for

https://www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/05/nj-college-advocates-urge-more-state-funding-for-building-maintenance/

 

[Rutgers Chris]

At some point bubble has to burst on the cost of college

 

[RU Cheese]

Public funding continues to disincentivize the enormous bloat these universities accumulate.

Quick search shows TCNJ with 365 FT professors out of 1100 FTEs.

 

[HeavenUniversity]

ULM situation. They have dropped some sports and are cutting athletics budget. Talking about moving down to 1-AA.

AD resignation sparks questions about ULM's Sun Belt future

Seemingly out of the blue, ULM AD John Hartwell announced his resignation on Monday. The school said Hartwell will be "pursuing other professional opportunities." In othe

www.footballscoop.com

 

[Leonard23]

At some point bubble has to burst on the cost of college

What does that look like to you? What spending cuts need to be made to reduce expenses? What new sources of revenue can they tap into, as many rely heavily on tuition, fees, and room and board for most of their revenue, so cutting those to make it a lot cheaper for students needs to be offset by new revenue? More and bigger donations obviously help but those are hard to get.

Here's a 2021/2022 report on the financial health of NJ private colleges:

We analyzed financial data for NJ private colleges and rated them. Many are struggling

Even before COVID, many of NJ's 14 private colleges were financially strained, according to a NorthJersey.com analysis of their financial statements.

www.northjersey.com

I'd like to see an updated table as the data is old, but it's clear many were struggling before 2020 and now it's even worse with enrollment declines. Smaller private schools like Rider, Drew, Caldwell, Centenary, Georgian Court, Saint Peter's and Elizabeth, and Felician are struggling financially due to enrollment declines and may eventually need to shutdown or be acquired by another school:

Rider cuts deficit by $7 million, latest audit shows - The Rider News

By Jake Tiger After sweeping cuts and a slight uptick in revenue, Rider reduced spending by about $7

theridernews.com

Some of the really small schools like Centenary may be targets for Devry or other technical training schools.

On the flip side, while Monmouth is seeing enrollment declines, they seem fiscally responsible and financially sound by having virtually no debt:

Monmouth University operates almost entirely without debt

Monmouth University has spent millions of dollars on campus investments while borrowing next to nothing. Philanthropic support helps, but a clear balance sheet remains a top strategic priority.

www.insidehighered.com

 

[Rutgers Chris]

What does that look like to you? What spending cuts need to be made to reduce expenses? What new sources of revenue can they tap into, as many rely heavily on tuition, fees, and room and board for most of their revenue, so cutting those to make it a lot cheaper for students needs to be offset by new revenue? More and bigger donations obviously help but those are hard to get.

Here's a 2021/2022 report on the financial health of NJ private colleges:

We analyzed financial data for NJ private colleges and rated them. Many are struggling

Even before COVID, many of NJ's 14 private colleges were financially strained, according to a NorthJersey.com analysis of their financial statements.

www.northjersey.com

I'd like to see an updated table as the data is old, but it's clear many were struggling before 2020 and now it's even worse with enrollment declines. Smaller private schools like Rider, Drew, Caldwell, Centenary, Georgian Court, Saint Peter's and Elizabeth, and Felician are struggling financially due to enrollment declines and may eventually need to shutdown or be acquired by another school:

Rider cuts deficit by $7 million, latest audit shows - The Rider News

By Jake Tiger After sweeping cuts and a slight uptick in revenue, Rider reduced spending by about $7

theridernews.com

Some of the really small schools like Centenary may be targets for Devry or other technical training schools.

On the flip side, while Monmouth is seeing enrollment declines, they seem fiscally responsible and financially sound by having virtually no debt:

Monmouth University operates almost entirely without debt

Monmouth University has spent millions of dollars on campus investments while borrowing next to nothing. Philanthropic support helps, but a clear balance sheet remains a top strategic priority.

www.insidehighered.com

Definitely not an answer I have. I would wonder how much they spend versus how much they need to. I’m sure there’s a fair amount of administrative bloat as there is everywhere. There’s some good ideas out there- 3 year degrees, tying funding to outcomes, fixing loans, etc. It’s like healthcare in many ways, the true cost is so muddled by how it’s funded that it turns into a quagmire.

 

[Rutgers Chris]

Public funding continues to disincentivize the enormous bloat these universities accumulate.

Quick search shows TCNJ with 365 FT professors out of 1100 FTEs.

I’d love to know how many professors they actually need versus what they have. My guess is a full time professor has it pretty good

 

[Leonard23]

Monmouth College phasing out ten majors, enhancing other programs following academic prioritization process

Colleges and universities across the country are facing the combined pressures of shifting student demographics, declining enrollment, and skepticism about the value of higher education. Against that backdrop, Monmouth College – a private liberal arts college in western Illinois – is phasing out...

www.tspr.org

 

[T2Kplus20]

Monmouth College phasing out ten majors, enhancing other programs following academic prioritization process

Colleges and universities across the country are facing the combined pressures of shifting student demographics, declining enrollment, and skepticism about the value of higher education. Against that backdrop, Monmouth College – a private liberal arts college in western Illinois – is phasing out...

www.tspr.org

A lot of these mediocre high-priced private colleges need to go out of business.

 

[Leonard23]

A lot of these mediocre high-priced private colleges need to go out of business.

Which do you think should and eventually will?

 

[Knight Shift]

What does that look like to you? What spending cuts need to be made to reduce expenses? What new sources of revenue can they tap into, as many rely heavily on tuition, fees, and room and board for most of their revenue, so cutting those to make it a lot cheaper for students needs to be offset by new revenue? More and bigger donations obviously help but those are hard to get.

Here's a 2021/2022 report on the financial health of NJ private colleges:

We analyzed financial data for NJ private colleges and rated them. Many are struggling

Even before COVID, many of NJ's 14 private colleges were financially strained, according to a NorthJersey.com analysis of their financial statements.

www.northjersey.com

I'd like to see an updated table as the data is old, but it's clear many were struggling before 2020 and now it's even worse with enrollment declines. Smaller private schools like Rider, Drew, Caldwell, Centenary, Georgian Court, Saint Peter's and Elizabeth, and Felician are struggling financially due to enrollment declines and may eventually need to shutdown or be acquired by another school:

Rider cuts deficit by $7 million, latest audit shows - The Rider News

By Jake Tiger After sweeping cuts and a slight uptick in revenue, Rider reduced spending by about $7

theridernews.com

Some of the really small schools like Centenary may be targets for Devry or other technical training schools.

On the flip side, while Monmouth is seeing enrollment declines, they seem fiscally responsible and financially sound by having virtually no debt:

Monmouth University operates almost entirely without debt

Monmouth University has spent millions of dollars on campus investments while borrowing next to nothing. Philanthropic support helps, but a clear balance sheet remains a top strategic priority.

www.insidehighered.com

Monmouth College phasing out ten majors, enhancing other programs following academic prioritization process

Colleges and universities across the country are facing the combined pressures of shifting student demographics, declining enrollment, and skepticism about the value of higher education. Against that backdrop, Monmouth College – a private liberal arts college in western Illinois – is phasing out...

www.tspr.org

For clarity, Monmouth University is the private University in West Long Branch, NJ. Monmouth College (second link) is in Illinois.

Contrary to T2K's opinion, which, as usual is wrong and misinformed, many private universities are doing just fine because they are managed well, in several instances much more efficiently than bloated State colleges and universities. Will some private colleges and universities go under-of course they will, just like many State colleges and universities. Enrollment reached a peak and is declining. It is a numbers game at this point. From your posted articles, TCNJ is struggling--Rider MAY have turned a corner, but not sure they are built for the long run.

 

[T2Kplus20]

For clarity, Monmouth University is the private University in West Long Branch, NJ. Monmouth College (second link) is in Illinois.

Contrary to T2K's opinion, which, as usual is wrong and misinformed, many private universities are doing just fine because they are managed well, in several instances much more efficiently than bloated State colleges and universities. Will some private colleges and universities go under-of course they will, just like many State colleges and universities. Enrollment reached a peak and is declining. It is a numbers game at this point. From your posted articles, TCNJ is struggling--Rider MAY have turned a corner, but not sure they are built for the long run.

Rider isn't going to make it long-term. Probably neither will Drew. Monmouth is cutting back and you will see more of this (mediocre privates withering on the vine).

 

[Leonard23]

For clarity, Monmouth University is the private University in West Long Branch, NJ. Monmouth College (second link) is in Illinois.

Contrary to T2K's opinion, which, as usual is wrong and misinformed, many private universities are doing just fine because they are managed well, in several instances much more efficiently than bloated State colleges and universities. Will some private colleges and universities go under-of course they will, just like many State colleges and universities. Enrollment reached a peak and is declining. It is a numbers game at this point. From your posted articles, TCNJ is struggling--Rider MAY have turned a corner, but not sure they are built for the long run.

Rider isn't going to make it long-term. Probably neither will Drew. Monmouth is cutting back and you will see more of this (mediocre privates withering on the vine).

I was surprised to see that TCNJ is struggling, but also don't see TCNJ at risk for failing, since it's public and highly rated. They just started requiring all freshman to live on campus this year, so that'll generate more revenue.

Rider on the other hand, while they may have stabilized or turned the corner, I'm not sure how they make it, especially with the enrollment cliff.

Rider drops Moody’s; seeks loan of up to $15 million - The Rider News

Correction: This story was revised Oct. 10 at 9:54 a.m. The original version of this story incorrect

theridernews.com

Syracuse is another private school to watch with its high price tag. Seems they may have missed their 2025 enrollment numbers and offered last minute scholarships according to these NY Times and New York Mag articles:

https://archive.is/kW8NH

https://archive.ph/LkjWS

 

[T2Kplus20]

I was surprised to see that TCNJ is struggling, but also don't see TCNJ at risk for failing, since it's public and highly rated. They just started requiring all freshman to live on campus this year, so that'll generate more revenue.

Rider on the other hand, while they may have stabilized or turned the corner, I'm not sure how they make it, especially with the enrollment cliff.

Rider drops Moody’s; seeks loan of up to $15 million - The Rider News

Correction: This story was revised Oct. 10 at 9:54 a.m. The original version of this story incorrect

theridernews.com

Syracuse is another private school to watch with its high price tag. Seems they may have missed their 2025 enrollment numbers and offered last minute scholarships according to these NY Times and New York Mag articles:

https://archive.is/kW8NH

https://archive.ph/LkjWS

Rider is essentially a 4-year community college.

 

[MADHAT1]

Rider is essentially a 4-year community college.

I agree Rider might not survive , especially with the student loan mess making private schools too expensive to attend and more people going the public university route or going to a Community College the first 2 years and transferring to a 4 year one after receiving an Associate Degree
But claiming Rider is basically a community college might be a push, costing more then the education received is worth might be a more accurate putdown
2025 Rider University Rankings - Niche

https://www.niche.com/colleges/rider-university/rankings/

 

[bigmatt718]

Rider is essentially a 4-year community college.

Their academics are embarrassingly bad for a private college.

 

[RU Cheese]

For clarity, Monmouth University is the private University in West Long Branch, NJ. Monmouth College (second link) is in Illinois.

Contrary to T2K's opinion, which, as usual is wrong and misinformed, many private universities are doing just fine because they are managed well, in several instances much more efficiently than bloated State colleges and universities. Will some private colleges and universities go under-of course they will, just like many State colleges and universities. Enrollment reached a peak and is declining. It is a numbers game at this point. From your posted articles, TCNJ is struggling--Rider MAY have turned a corner, but not sure they are built for the long run.

The institutions' financial health is only one piece of the equation. It's fair to question whether Monmouth will succeed given the absurd tuition for bleh academics.

 

[NotInRHouse]

The institutions' financial health is only one piece of the equation. It's fair to question whether Monmouth will succeed given the absurd tuition for bleh academics.

Monmouth is a very wealthy area where many people are private school inclined and they have Netflix opening up down the road. They could be safer if they play their cards well. I don't know if they will though.

 

[NotInRHouse]

I was surprised to see that TCNJ is struggling, but also don't see TCNJ at risk for failing, since it's public and highly rated. They just started requiring all freshman to live on campus this year, so that'll generate more revenue.

Rider on the other hand, while they may have stabilized or turned the corner, I'm not sure how they make it, especially with the enrollment cliff.

Rider drops Moody’s; seeks loan of up to $15 million - The Rider News

Correction: This story was revised Oct. 10 at 9:54 a.m. The original version of this story incorrect

theridernews.com

Syracuse is another private school to watch with its high price tag. Seems they may have missed their 2025 enrollment numbers and offered last minute scholarships according to these NY Times and New York Mag articles:

https://archive.is/kW8NH

https://archive.ph/LkjWS

There has been a "push" to steer HS kids, especially men, away from education. But with unemployment going up, the rubber is going to hit the road and I think there will be a push back....much like the push on millennials to go to college and beyond after the perception of gen X as slackers.

That is probably not enough to save bad colleges. We need college educated folks and not everyone who would be a great nurse, teacher, social worker or state trooper has the grades for RU or TCNJ. Are the "lesser" public schools of NJ enough to sustain things? I don't know.

The other thing the private schools have to do is try to infiltrate the "brain" of parents who think Clemson and University of Tampa are impressive. Why not Monmouth for those kids? At least in my day they threw a lot of scholarships out. They have student housing right on the beach I would think the broccoli haircuts and mom jeans would love posting on TikTok.

 

[Leonard23]

There has been a "push" to steer HS kids, especially men, away from education. But with unemployment going up, the rubber is going to hit the road and I think there will be a push back....much like the push on millennials to go to college and beyond after the perception of gen X as slackers.

That is probably not enough to save bad colleges. We need college educated folks and not everyone who would be a great nurse, teacher, social worker or state trooper has the grades for RU or TCNJ. Are the "lesser" public schools of NJ enough to sustain things? I don't know.

The other thing the private schools have to do is try to infiltrate the "brain" of parents who think Clemson and University of Tampa are impressive. Why not Monmouth for those kids? At least in my day they threw a lot of scholarships out. They have student housing right on the beach I would think the broccoli haircuts and mom jeans would love posting on TikTok.

Clemson and Monmouth are not a good comparison. Also, James Madison has been that other cool Southern school that NJ parents now push to.

 

[T2Kplus20]

The institutions' financial health is only one piece of the equation. It's fair to question whether Monmouth will succeed given the absurd tuition for bleh academics.

Monmouth is another school that is essentially a 4-year community college (but with a sky-high price tag). 91% acceptance rate. LOL! They are desperate to fill spots.

 

[Knight Shift]

Monmouth is a very wealthy area where many people are private school inclined and they have Netflix opening up down the road. They could be safer if they play their cards well. I don't know if they will though.

This is correct. Outside of Netflix, I know several alums who have done well in arts and entertainment, working at places such as Disney, etc. It consistently places high in the magazine rankings of Northeast schools.

 

[kupuna133]

This is correct. Outside of Netflix, I know several alums who have done well in arts and entertainment, working at places such as Disney, etc. It consistently places high in the magazine rankings of Northeast schools.

Worked with a couple of Monmouth grads in the Real Estate space A REIT fund I interacted with had a couple analysts and partners that went to Monmouth. Was pretty impressed by them. Any time I had questions they knew their product.They said their business school focused on real estate and real estate financing.

 

[Knight Shift]

Worked with a couple of Monmouth grads in the Real Estate space A REIT fund I interacted with had a couple analysts and partners that went to Monmouth. Was pretty impressed by them. Any time I had questions they knew their product.They said their business school focused on real estate and real estate financing.

Contrary to one poster's dopey opinion, it is a fine school in a fantastic location. No, it is not a top national school, but a solid regional school in a fantastic location that with many local employers hiring from there. The Netflix campus will be a good opportunity for Monmouth to expand their footprint in arts and entertainment. The Springsteen museum that houses his archives collection will also open in the Fall, and be a draw for people to come to the campus, which is quite lovely.

 

[kupuna133]

Contrary to one poster's dopey opinion, it is a fine school in a fantastic location. No, it is not a top national school, but a solid regional school in a fantastic location that with many local employers hiring from there. The Netflix campus will be a good opportunity for Monmouth to expand their footprint in arts and entertainment. The Springsteen museum that houses his archives collection will also open in the Fall, and be a draw for people to come to the campus, which is quite lovely.

A friends daughter was very involved with the Springsteen museum. She assisted with the archives and cataloging. Monmouth has many proud alumni and benefactors that donate tremendous sums to the university. The thing with Monmouth is they know their niche. They stay in their lane and don’t try to bite off more than they can chew. Concentrate on the arts and less the sciences. Nursing, education, accounting etc…. I can see Rider and many of the pseudo- religious affiliated colleges in NJ failing well before Monmouth.

 

[e5fdny]

I was surprised to see that TCNJ is struggling, but also don't see TCNJ at risk for failing, since it's public and highly rated. They just started requiring all freshman to live on campus this year, so that'll generate more revenue.

Quite a few privates have pushed this requirement to junior year for that reason…the increased and continued revenue from room AND board.

 

[Leonard23]

Quite a few privates have pushed this requirement to junior year for that reason…the increased and continued revenue from room AND board.

Yup. It's the easiest lever for the school to pull and I expect more to do so. TCNJ also opened up housing for Mercer County Community College students.

TCNJ and Mercer County Community College form new housing partnership | News

news.tcnj.edu

MCCC - Student Housing at TCNJ

student housing at TCNJ

www.mccc.edu

And Centenary now has the Patrick School.

https://www.centenaryuniversity.edu/news-and-media/cu-signs-use-agreement-with-national-high-school-basketball-powerhouse-the-patrick-school

 

[NotInRHouse]

Clemson and Monmouth are not a good comparison. Also, James Madison has been that other cool Southern school that NJ parents now push to.

My point was paying more $$ questionably. Is either really going to get more attention from an employer or grad school than Rowan? Same with JMU. At least around here.

The NJ parent/student psychology is something. In my day it was the Cult/UDel that got them going. Now they want Southern schools that aren't even the flagship, and not even the good ones. RU is obviously increasing in popularity but it's still not the choice for the moneyed set from what I can tell.

 

[NotInRHouse]

Contrary to one poster's dopey opinion, it is a fine school in a fantastic location. No, it is not a top national school, but a solid regional school in a fantastic location that with many local employers hiring from there. The Netflix campus will be a good opportunity for Monmouth to expand their footprint in arts and entertainment. The Springsteen museum that houses his archives collection will also open in the Fall, and be a draw for people to come to the campus, which is quite lovely.

I didn't realize they had student housing right on the beach by the Windmill in I guess southern Long Branch (maybe Elberon)...I would think for the kids today all over social media that would be a lure. But I also don't know if they still give out $$ like they used to, and the weird obsession with second rate southern schools (not UVA, UNC, W&M, UGA, UF, Emory or Vandy) but like another poster mentioned, JMU...maybe Monmouth is missing that cache. Not sure.

 

[Fat Koko]

My point was paying more $$ questionably. Is either really going to get more attention from an employer or grad school than Rowan? Same with JMU. At least around here.

The NJ parent/student psychology is something. In my day it was the Cult/UDel that got them going. Now they want Southern schools that aren't even the flagship, and not even the good ones. RU is obviously increasing in popularity but it's still not the choice for the moneyed set from what I can tell.

This doesn't really matter in New Jersey. The state has a massive, growing population of middle and upper-middle class households with college bound children. Rutgers has a huge pool of applicants even without the state's say top 5% being interested. Charge in-state tuition to New York City residents watch demand for Rutgers blast through the roof.

True, Rutgers in-state is higher than SUNY in-state. Still, Rutgers would be a bargain compared to private schools and most high school students would strongly prefer Rutgers to say Stony Brook despite similar academics.

Rutgers is very well positioned versus its Northeastern public and private peers.

 

[HeavenUniversity]

My point was paying more $$ questionably. Is either really going to get more attention from an employer or grad school than Rowan? Same with JMU. At least around here.

The NJ parent/student psychology is something. In my day it was the Cult/UDel that got them going. Now they want Southern schools that aren't even the flagship, and not even the good ones. RU is obviously increasing in popularity but it's still not the choice for the moneyed set from what I can tell.

My nephews are certainly not from “the money set,” but all three nephews were admitted to Rutgers-Piscataway/New Brunswick. They all went on tours and while they all wanted to have various distance from New Jersey, a major point for them was being turned off by the urban feel of the College Avenue campus. As much as I tried to emphasize the more beautiful campuses—Livingston, Cook, and Busch, they ended up going to Villanova, Clemson, and the University of Florida. I would be kidding myself if I thought Rutgers has a more scenic campus ( although I think it is fine excluding CAC). One wanted a smallish school ( Villanova), one wanted a very large school in the South ( UF) and one wanted medium size ( Clemson). Weather and good looking girls didn’t hurt lol. With very good grades, they all ended up paying in the ballpark of Rutgers. Villanova and Florida are as respected as Rutgers. Clemson has record breaking applicants every year, just opened a beautiful new Business School building, and is the school of choice for good South Carolina students, despite the University of South Carolina-Columbia being considered the state flagship. Most people who see the USC-Columbia campus are very surprised that it is an urban college. Most importantly, they were all happy with their experience. The Rutgers-Piscataway/New Brunswick campus is not for everyone. I have been saying this for years-if we want to get more of the good NJ students, we need to get them and their parents on campus when they are ten, not seventeen. Ballgames, concerts, museums, fairs, expos, whatever it takes, get New Jerseyans to come to THEIR campus. With all the medical Rutgers Health is now involved in across the state, a visitor should not be able to walk five feet without seeing video boards, brochures, posters, special days for youngsters interested in various medical careers informing them about all the Rutgers Medical majors offered to them across the three campuses.

 

[NotInRHouse]

This doesn't really matter in New Jersey. The state has a massive, growing population of middle and upper-middle class households with college bound children. Rutgers has a huge pool of applicants even without the state's say top 5% being interested. Charge in-state tuition to New York City residents watch demand for Rutgers blast through the roof.

True, Rutgers in-state is higher than SUNY in-state. Still, Rutgers would be a bargain compared to private schools and most high school students would strongly prefer Rutgers to say Stony Brook despite similar academics.

Rutgers is very well positioned versus its Northeastern public and private peers.

I agree with that idea have suggested including LI and Westchester before.

I do think it matters less and less- the cost of college is skyrocketing to the point some of these private schools are really going to be screwed unless they get creative or only want rich students.

 

[NotInRHouse]

My nephews are certainly not from “the money set,” but all three nephews were admitted to Rutgers-Piscataway/New Brunswick. They all went on tours and while they all wanted to have various distance from New Jersey, a major point for them was being turned off by the urban feel of the College Avenue campus. As much as I tried to emphasize the more beautiful campuses—Livingston, Cook, and Busch, they ended up going to Villanova, Clemson, and the University of Florida. I would be kidding myself if I thought Rutgers has a more scenic campus ( although I think it is fine excluding CAC). One wanted a smallish school ( Villanova), one wanted a very large school in the South ( UF) and one wanted medium size ( Clemson). Weather and good looking girls didn’t hurt lol. With very good grades, they all ended up paying in the ballpark of Rutgers. Villanova and Florida are as respected as Rutgers. Clemson has record breaking applicants every year, just opened a beautiful new Business School building, and is the school of choice for good South Carolina students, despite the University of South Carolina-Columbia being considered the state flagship. Most people who see the USC-Columbia campus are very surprised that it is an urban college. Most importantly, they were all happy with their experience. The Rutgers-Piscataway/New Brunswick campus is not for everyone. I have been saying this for years-if we want to get more of the good NJ students, we need to get them and their parents on campus when they are ten, not seventeen. Ballgames, concerts, museums, fairs, expos, whatever it takes, get New Jerseyans to come to THEIR campus. With all the medical Rutgers Health is now involved in across the state, a visitor should not be able to walk five feet without seeing video boards, brochures, posters, special days for youngsters interested in various medical careers informing them about all the Rutgers Medical majors offered to them across the three campuses.

If parents are able to pay those OOS tuitions they would be considered wealthy, IMO. Google says Villanova tuition (before room and board) is 66k!!!

 

[HeavenUniversity]

If parents are able to pay those OOS tuitions they would be considered wealthy, IMO. Google says Villanova tuition (before room and board) is 66k!!!

They didn’t pay full out of state tuitions. Other states are very generous with out of state students with very good grades. A significant percentage of students at Villanova do not pay the full amount. All three went or are going at about what Rutgers charges. We all know how stingy Rutgers is to New Jerseyans which is why we lose many kids. And we all know how stingy New Jersey is to Rutgers. In the meantime, we have small town school superintendents making $250,000 a year. We aren’t talking about school systems the size of Houston lol. Who knows where all our tax dollars go!—I can not tell you how many parents I have run into over the years who had at least one kid that most likely would have gone to Rutgers, but ended up at an out of state public university because that school was more generous with aid. I remember one week where I ended up talking to two different families where their kid picked Ohio State because it cost less.

 

[NotInRHouse]

They didn’t pay full out of state tuitions. Other states are very generous with out of state students with very good grades. A significant percentage of students at Villanova do not pay the full amount. All three went or are going at about what Rutgers charges. We all know how stingy Rutgers is to New Jerseyans which is why we lose many kids. And we all know how stingy New Jersey is to Rutgers. In the meantime, we have small town school superintendents making $250,000 a year. We aren’t talking about school systems the size of Houston lol. Who knows where all our tax dollars go!—I can not tell you how many parents I have run into over the years who had at least one kid that most likely would have gone to Rutgers, but ended up at an out of state public university because that school was more generous with aid. I remember one week where I ended up talking to two different families where their kid picked Ohio State because it cost less.

Villanova isn't a state school so it's different. However, RU is a relative bargain compared to other OOS schools for NJ families if we're talking schools of similar caliber. I see for example that SUNY Albany is offering NJ in state tuition to students, but it's not on our level.

 

[kupuna133]

They didn’t pay full out of state tuitions. Other states are very generous with out of state students with very good grades. A significant percentage of students at Villanova do not pay the full amount. All three went or are going at about what Rutgers charges. We all know how stingy Rutgers is to New Jerseyans which is why we lose many kids. And we all know how stingy New Jersey is to Rutgers. In the meantime, we have small town school superintendents making $250,000 a year. We aren’t talking about school systems the size of Houston lol. Who knows where all our tax dollars go!—I can not tell you how many parents I have run into over the years who had at least one kid that most likely would have gone to Rutgers, but ended up at an out of state public university because that school was more generous with aid. I remember one week where I ended up talking to two different families where their kid picked Ohio State because it cost less.

My experience with nephews and nieces that have entered college in the past 10 years. Many chose southern state schools and northeastern privates. Very similar to your family members. South Carolina, Clemson, UVA and Nova were all chosen as out of state options. Each one had matching in state tuition (so paid SC rates)as long as they maintained a certain academic standard. Nova even extended Bloustein scholar grant money that was earned at RU.

 

[RUTGERS95]

My nephews are certainly not from “the money set,” but all three nephews were admitted to Rutgers-Piscataway/New Brunswick. They all went on tours and while they all wanted to have various distance from New Jersey, a major point for them was being turned off by the urban feel of the College Avenue campus. As much as I tried to emphasize the more beautiful campuses—Livingston, Cook, and Busch, they ended up going to Villanova, Clemson, and the University of Florida. I would be kidding myself if I thought Rutgers has a more scenic campus ( although I think it is fine excluding CAC). One wanted a smallish school ( Villanova), one wanted a very large school in the South ( UF) and one wanted medium size ( Clemson). Weather and good looking girls didn’t hurt lol. With very good grades, they all ended up paying in the ballpark of Rutgers. Villanova and Florida are as respected as Rutgers. Clemson has record breaking applicants every year, just opened a beautiful new Business School building, and is the school of choice for good South Carolina students, despite the University of South Carolina-Columbia being considered the state flagship. Most people who see the USC-Columbia campus are very surprised that it is an urban college. Most importantly, they were all happy with their experience. The Rutgers-Piscataway/New Brunswick campus is not for everyone. I have been saying this for years-if we want to get more of the good NJ students, we need to get them and their parents on campus when they are ten, not seventeen. Ballgames, concerts, museums, fairs, expos, whatever it takes, get New Jerseyans to come to THEIR campus. With all the medical Rutgers Health is now involved in across the state, a visitor should not be able to walk five feet without seeing video boards, brochures, posters, special days for youngsters interested in various medical careers informing them about all the Rutgers Medical majors offered to them across the three campuses.

agree with all of this (except Clemson as that is a tough degree to market) and Rutgers is far from a bargain for a state school. I'm paying the same for OOS at a different BIG school

we should offer every state valedictorian free ride (not all get this surprisingly)
we should offer in state (or reduced neighbor rate) to Eastern PA and the Burroughs
RU needs to really get more involved earlier as suggested and follow how Florida, Texas, Indiana, and some other states do it.

Even the onboarding experience for parents is so much better away from Rutgers. I'd also suggest Rutgers really needs to focus less on the diversity angle and more on the merit angle as it turns off a lot of families. Few will admit it publicly but privately it's a very real concern.