Colleges across the state are feeling the pinch.

Rutgers University's athletic department hit a $78 million shortfall in fiscal year 2025.

That number has been growing since the university first joined the Big Ten conference in 2014, totaling $516 million in debt that the athletic department has accrued.

If you're wondering how that's possible, well, take a look at what Rutgers spent since it was added to the conference.

$1.35 billion in athletics, including more than 500 million on coaching staff, which includes head football coach Greg Sianno's nearly $7 million salary.

Rutgers is also spending hundreds of millions on recruiting and scholarships, as well as on new facilities.

According to NJ.com, who reviewed the financials, Rutgers has struggled to reap the benefits of being in the big 10, falling behind other schools in royalties, licensing, and sponsorships.

Meanwhile, Ryder University is trying to close a $21 million deficit by selling part of its campus to Mercer County.

The sale will include a 56-acre lot on the outskirts of campus, along with the presidential house and the lease of school facilities to the county.

In total, that could bring in nearly $10 million for the university to write their financial ship.

Ryder is also laid off 35 full-time staff and reduced salaries of most of its employees by 14%.

These changes came after Ryder University was placed on probation by its accrediting agency last year.

[Music]