Rider University Announces Major Faculty Layoffs and Salary Cuts Amid Deepening Financial Crisis

Lawrenceville’s R Rider University cut pay and fired many to save money. The private college must fire 40 full-time teachers, 25% of its staff, by December 31. This cut is part of university money-management reform.

On December 1, university employees will lose 14% of their base pay and cannot contribute to retirement. The university’s “March to Sustainability” won trustee approval. Faculty must teach more classes. Senior administrators and adjuncts will lose tuition waivers and health benefits in 2026–27.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education placed the university on financial probation on Oct. 30. It prompted restructuring. Federal funding and accreditation require planning, resource, and institutional improvement. Do this on probation.

The president of Rider University said these painful steps were necessary to save the school and help students graduate. There are 4,000 students per 13 university faculty. Cuts alter it.

Poor funding and enrollment hurt the school. The faculty union fears layoffs, benefit cuts, and stress will lower morale and teaching.

While the university says it will keep offering classes and degrees, small private colleges face declining enrollment, rising costs, and accreditation issues. Rideau University must restructure soon while continuing its mission.

Sources
Forbes 
The Rider News 
NJ Spotlight via PBS 
University Herald