New Hampshire lawmakers clash over $50M budget cut to university funding

New Hampshire's House Finance Committee meeting on March 31, 2025, spotlighted a critical issue: the alarming decline in student enrollment across educational institutions, particularly at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). With public school enrollment dropping from 210,000 in 2013 to under 160,000 today, concerns are mounting about the state's aging population and its impact on future workforce development.

Chancellor of UNH expressed fears of potential campus closures due to dwindling enrollment numbers, a sentiment echoed by several committee members. Representative Murray vehemently criticized proposed budget cuts of $50 million to the university, labeling them "egregious" and warning that such reductions could drive students out of state, exacerbating the workforce crisis. "This is a significant driver of our workforce," she stated, emphasizing the need for investment in higher education to retain graduates in New Hampshire.

The discussion also highlighted the competitive nature of college admissions and financial aid, with reports indicating that up to 76% of students now rely on some form of financial assistance. Representative Sweeney argued that while budget cuts may seem manageable at 2.1%, they could have devastating long-term effects on the university system and, by extension, the state's economy.

In a related discussion, the committee addressed proposed changes to the Education Freedom Account program, which would expand access to school vouchers. Critics warned that this expansion could divert essential funds from public education at a time when the state is already facing significant budget constraints.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the future of New Hampshire's educational landscape hangs in the balance, with urgent calls for a reevaluation of budget priorities to support both higher education and workforce development. The implications of these discussions will likely resonate throughout the state as lawmakers consider the long-term effects of their decisions on education and economic sustainability.