Rider University Faces Probation: What This Means for Students, Faculty, and Financial Stability
New Jersey private college Rider University was placed on financial probation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. A financially struggling university chose this for stability. The accredited but probationary university must make financial and operational changes to protect students’ education.
Leaders say universities must take tough but necessary budget cuts. Cut all employees’ pay by 14%, fire up to 40 full-time teachers, and stop retirement plan contributions. Long-running scholarship program for students who partner to change athletic scholarships will end at the university. These changes would affect riders emotionally, according to president John R. Loyack. He said the university would stay true to its mission while making tough stability decisions.
Middle States placed Rider on financial and accreditation probation. Although the university can improve, losing accreditation would mean losing federal aid and having trouble transferring credits. Rider must explain how students will graduate or transfer if the university closes by December 19. After receiving a further monitoring report by January 12, the commission will decide Rider’s accreditation in March.
Restructuring and academic improvement helped probationary universities regain accreditation. Kean University avoided probation in 2012 by improving academic policies and compliance. Rider leaders are following the Board of Trustees’ “March to Sustainability Plan” to secure university finances and operations.
Rider accepts applications despite issues. The university says fall 2026 admissions are going well and accepted students have until May 1 to decide. Next semester, academic offerings should remain the same, but professors will work harder. Major program advisors will replace fired faculty advisors.
Rider says athletes will keep scholarships until graduation despite program changes. Graduate and academic programs will continue at the university. Faculty tuition remission ends in 2026–27, but affected employees can join Tuition Exchange.
Probation shows many universities struggle financially. Rider University’s students and staff understand the need for stability and minimal disruptions. The goal is to strengthen the university and help students succeed academically and professionally.
Sources
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Rider University official statements
Rider News, Rider University student newspaper
NJ Advance Media reports
