Polistina Says Stockton Can Weather $19 Million Deficit: ‘The Future Is Still Bright’

GALLOWAY — State Sen. Vince Polistina says Stockton University faces a difficult financial stretch caused by declining enrollment, increased investment in Atlantic City and reduced state support, but he believes the problems are temporary and the university's long-term future remains strong.

Polistina discussed Stockton's finances extensively during an appearance on WOND's Off The Press with Scott Cronick, saying he recently met with Stockton President Joe Bertolino and university officials about the challenges facing the institution.

“I think they're going to be okay,” Polistina said. “They have obviously this structural deficit they're dealing with.”

Polistina attributed much of Stockton's enrollment challenge to the so-called demographic cliff confronting colleges across the country — a decline in the traditional college-age population following lower birth rates during and after the 2007-09 recession.

“And so there just aren't as many kids going to college right now, because they would all now be 18,” Polistina said. “And so I think it'll be fine.”

Stockton's own financial documents underscore the size of the immediate challenge.

The university's fiscal 2026 budget projected approximately $292.6 million in revenue and $311.9 million in expenses, leaving a projected deficit of about $19.3 million before additional cost-saving measures.

Stockton has acknowledged the broader issue publicly. In its state budget request, the university identified “financial sustainability and stabilizing our enrollment” as two of its top priorities while citing the looming enrollment cliff and economic pressures confronting regional public universities.

Atlantic City Investment Part of the Equation

Polistina said Stockton's finances cannot be attributed to enrollment alone.

He pointed to the university's substantial expansion into Atlantic City, including its academic building and residential facilities.

“The dedication and the commitment that Stockton has shown to Atlantic City, incredibly important for the city,” Polistina said. “But, you know, those campuses, the academic building and the two dorms cost money.”

Polistina said the state had committed funding to help support Stockton's Atlantic City presence but reduced some of that support this year.

“The state made a commitment to help fund them,” Polistina said. “And, you know, this year they cut some of that funding by $2.3 million.”

As a result, Polistina said Stockton is confronting two financial pressures simultaneously.

“Some of those commitments that Stockton made to help the city of Atlantic City are having an impact,” he said. “And then the drop in enrollment, you know, everything at the same time also has an impact. And so it's a combination of both of those things.”

For context, Stockton received a record $45.1 million state appropriation for fiscal 2025, including $4.612 million specifically preserved for its Atlantic City campus. Its FY2026 budget lists its general state appropriation at approximately $44.4 million, excluding state reimbursement for fringe benefits.

Enrollment Pressure

Stockton reported total fall 2025 enrollment of 8,626 students, including 7,583 undergraduates and 1,043 graduate students.

In his 2025 State of the University address, Bertolino acknowledged enrollment and financial challenges. Although first-time student enrollment had increased 2.3%, declines among transfer and graduate students resulted in total new-student enrollment falling 1.8%.

Polistina said he believes the combination of increased expenses and enrollment pressure represents a short-term problem rather than a fundamental threat to Stockton.

“That combination is a short-term issue, I believe,” Polistina said.

“I believe we're going to get additional funding back from the state,” he added.

Health Care Could Be Part of the Answer

One of Polistina's reasons for optimism is Stockton's growing emphasis on health care education and partnerships.

In May, Stockton and AtlantiCare announced creation of the Stockton-AtlantiCare College of Community Health, which will be based in Atlantic City. AtlantiCare committed an initial $15 million to support academic programs, workforce initiatives and other components of the partnership.

Plans include expansion of existing programs in nursing, health sciences, social work and public health, along with potential new programs in fields including respiratory therapy, physician assistant studies, radiology technology and rehabilitation therapies.

Polistina believes programs such as those can help Stockton rebuild enrollment.

“As the enrollment starts to pick up again, you know, specifically as you build these things with the College of Health Sciences, with Temple University, with a nursing program, with a social work program, with potentially some graduate programs ... all of these are going to lead to bigger and better things for Stockton,” he said.

“So I think the future is still bright,” Polistina added. “Unfortunately, we're dealing with some of the short-term impacts right now that we've got to get through.”

Stockton Already Looking for Savings

Polistina also said the university has begun taking steps to reduce expenses, including offering employee buyouts.

“I think that'll result in some savings,” he said. “And I think they've made some moves to try to, you know, make some changes on their spending side that will result in some savings.”

He expects the immediate period to remain difficult, however, as Stockton adjusts to having fewer students.

Polistina's assessment ultimately was optimistic but qualified: Stockton needs to get through its current budget imbalance while adapting its programs and expenses to a changing higher-education market.

“I think the future is still bright,” he said.