Guardian Warns Stockton Funding Cut Could Signal Bigger Crisis for New Jersey Colleges

ATLANTIC CITY — State Assemblyman Don Guardian says New Jersey's decision to withhold previously promised funding for Stockton University is about more than one institution—it's part of a larger challenge facing higher education across the state.

Appearing on Off The Press with Scott Cronick on News Talk 1400 & 92.3 WOND, Guardian criticized the state for backing away from its commitment to Stockton while warning that financial pressures and declining enrollment could force numerous private colleges in New Jersey to close over the next decade.

"I was particularly upset about the Stockton thing," Guardian said. "How does the state make a promise and then say, under the new government, we're not going to keep that promise?"

The Republican assemblyman described Stockton as South Jersey's university, noting that roughly three-quarters of its students come from the region.

"I don't think they'd be going to a university if it wasn't for Stockton here," he said.

Guardian also expressed support for Stockton's continued growth in Atlantic City but suggested future expansion should focus on graduate education rather than duplicating undergraduate programs already offered at the university's main Galloway campus.

He said graduate nursing and allied health programs would be a natural fit for Atlantic City's campus and would help meet workforce needs while strengthening the university's long-term presence in the city.

"I think that's a perfect fit," Guardian said.

Declining Enrollment Raising Concerns

Guardian said Stockton's funding concerns reflect broader challenges facing colleges throughout New Jersey.

With fewer students enrolling in college nationwide, he said institutions that rely heavily on tuition revenue are finding it increasingly difficult to remain financially stable.

"There are fewer kids going to college," Guardian said, noting that enrollment declines are affecting nearly every institution in the state outside of Princeton University.

He predicted that as many as eight to ten private colleges in New Jersey could close within the next decade because of those financial pressures.

"We lost Bloomfield College last year," Guardian said. "I think you'll see several that are in trouble now."

He added that once a college loses its accreditation, recovery becomes extremely difficult and institutions are often left with little choice but to sell their campuses.

Stockton's Regional Role

Guardian said Stockton occupies a unique position in South Jersey's higher education landscape because it serves students who might otherwise never attend college.

He called the university an essential educational and economic asset for the region, saying continued state investment is critical as higher education faces increasing financial headwinds.

As lawmakers prepare for discussions with the governor later this summer, Guardian said restoring Stockton's funding remains one of his top priorities, arguing that maintaining a strong regional university is vital not only for Atlantic City but for the future of South Jersey as a whole.