Less state aid for higher education in NJ
New Jersey’s colleges and universities are considering how to cope with a reduction in state aid.
New Jersey’s colleges and universities are considering how to cope with a reduction in state aid. [audio:100323PGCOLLEGES.mp3]
The Governor’s budget plan calls for a $173-million cut in state funds for higher education in the next fiscal year.
College presidents say less money for student aid programs may lead to a drop in enrollment.
Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt is the chairwoman of the Assembly Higher Education committee. She says each college is determining just how to deal with the budget cuts.
Lampitt: It’s going to mean increases in tuition. It’s going to mean cutback in programs. It’s going to mean larger class sizes.
Lampitt says the funding reductions may impact research programs on college campuses that benefit the business community.
She says the pension reform bills passed by the legislature could help colleges reduce some costs but are not enough to make up for the cut in state aid.
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