Rutgers President urges New Jersey lawmakers to restore higher education funding cuts

Rutgers University is urging New Jersey lawmakers to restore significant funding cuts proposed in the fiscal year 2026 state budget, emphasizing the critical role the university plays in the state's education and community services. During a recent budget hearing, Rutgers President highlighted the university's achievements, including its ranking among the top 25 programs in over 40 academic disciplines and its contributions to research in vital health areas.

President noted that the proposed budget cuts could amount to approximately $65 million, impacting operating aid, programmatic services, and student financial aid. This reduction would hinder Rutgers' ability to maintain affordable tuition and support programs that benefit low-income families and students, particularly first-generation college attendees.

The president expressed gratitude for the state's past support and called for continued investment in higher education, stressing that the university's mission aligns with the state's values of diversity and inclusion. He pointed out that cuts to programs like the Garden State guarantee, which aids students from modest-income families, could severely limit access to higher education for many.

As the university faces these challenges, President emphasized the importance of collaboration between Rutgers and the state government to ensure that the institution can continue to serve its students and the broader community effectively. The call for restoration of funding reflects a unified stance among New Jersey's public higher education institutions, all advocating for the resources necessary to fulfill their educational and social missions.