Stockton University to raise tuition amid falling enrollment

Stockton University has announced a 3% tuition increase for the 2026-27 school year following a Board of Trustees vote for a fiscal 2027 budget that is nearly $9 million lower than the previous year. Under the new rates, full-time in-state students will pay $17,256 annually, while out-of-state students will pay $26,016 in tuition and fees.

The university cited declining enrollment and reduced state financial aid as the primary drivers for the increase. Enrollment has decreased by 12% since 2020, leading the institution to lower its admission goals. Additionally, state aid for the fiscal 2027 budget is set to drop to $41.8 million from $44.4 million, with funding for the Atlantic City campus specifically reduced by $2 million.

To manage the budget, Stockton is tapping into a $24.9 million reserve fund and has previously offered voluntary buyout agreements to certain faculty members. Staffing remains the university's largest expense, accounting for 61% of the annual budget.