Senator questions $4M funding cut to Stockton University despite high graduation rates

The New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee meeting on May 1, 2025, focused heavily on the funding challenges faced by Stockton University. During the session, concerns were raised about the significant disparity in Tuition Aid Grant (TAG) funding between Stockton and other institutions, such as the College of New Jersey and Rutgers University.

Senator Paulsina highlighted that Stockton University, despite having the second highest enrollment among its peers, receives one of the lowest state appropriations per full-time student. This underfunding has made it increasingly difficult for the university to maintain its facilities, develop new programs, and keep tuition affordable. The senator expressed particular concern over a proposed $4 million cut in operating aid for Stockton, questioning the rationale behind penalizing a university that has consistently performed well academically, with graduation rates exceeding the national average.

The discussion revealed that TAG funding is structured by sector, with research institutions receiving different award amounts compared to non-research institutions like Stockton. This system has not fully covered tuition costs for decades, leading to ongoing financial challenges for schools like Stockton that serve a diverse student body, including many from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The committee's dialogue underscored the need for a reevaluation of funding strategies to ensure that institutions like Stockton, which demonstrate strong performance despite limited resources, receive adequate support. The meeting concluded with a call for further examination of the funding formulas to address these disparities and support the university's mission.