In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the financial challenges faced by students at New Jersey City University (NJCU), highlighting a significant gap in the utilization of financial aid programs. Despite a large percentage of the student body qualifying for full Pell and TAG grants, only about 20% are accessing these funds fully, while an additional 29% receive partial aid. Alarmingly, over half of the students are relying on personal or borrowed funds to cover their educational expenses.

The discussion pointed to potential barriers in navigating the FAFSA application process as a contributing factor to this issue. New Jersey's new requirement for high school graduates to complete the FAFSA may help, but concerns remain about students' apprehensions regarding the information collected and the necessity of working while studying, which can disqualify them from receiving full aid.

Officials emphasized the need for a data-driven approach to better understand the financial realities faced by students. They plan to analyze the actual costs incurred by students and the financial circumstances affecting their ability to access aid.

The meeting also touched on the university's tuition structure, noting recent adjustments that have made NJCU more competitive for out-of-state students, particularly those from Staten Island. This change is expected to foster enrollment growth.

Additionally, the conversation shifted to the university's reliance on online education, which has surged since the pandemic. Currently, a significant portion of undergraduate classes is conducted online, with nearly all graduate courses offered virtually. Concerns were raised about the impact of this shift on campus life and the need for investment in physical infrastructure to enhance the learning environment.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on staffing, revealing that approximately 65% of classes are taught by adjunct professors, raising questions about the financial implications of transitioning to more full-time faculty. The university's financial health was also scrutinized, with a noted decline in tuition revenue and salary expenditures over recent years, indicating a need for strategic planning to ensure sustainability.