Drew University (Madison, NJ)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I initially had it on my student’s list but I think Drew is really struggling financially.

With an endowment of well over $100 million and only 2200 students that would be an exaggeration

That response really doesn’t add anything to the discussion. The point being made was about students at Drew struggling financially, not just the size of the university’s endowment. Throwing out a big number like $100 million sounds impressive, but it doesn’t actually address whether students are still under financial strain. Endowment size alone doesn’t mean much without looking at how it’s used, what portion is restricted, or how it translates into financial aid. Just pointing to the endowment dismisses the concern without engaging with the reality that students might still be struggling despite what the institution has on paper.

[Anonymous]

It’s primarily a commuter school. Everyone leaves on weekends.

[Anonymous]

A friend of the family is a professor at Drew and told us they are indeed having financial problems. This has resulted in eliminating and consolidating majors esp in the humanities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Drew recently sold a huge parcel of its land as part of its plan to remain financially viable. Time will tell if it can get back on firm footing.

https://thedrewacorn.com/2024/11/22/breaking-news-drew-university-agrees-to-sell-the-forest-to-borough-of-madison/amp/

Here’s an update from last month on the status of the deal:

https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2025/07/11/drew-university-forest-nj-new-homes-preservation-deal/84517376007/" target="_new" rel="nofollow"> https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2025/07/11/drew-university-forest-nj-new-homes-preservation-deal/84517376007/

It seems as though the deal is not finalized, and Drew really needs more money to survive.

Drew ran a 12.7 million dollar operating deficit in fiscal 2023 and a 14.6 million deficit in fiscal 2024. They have 68 million in bond debt, and have borrowed 64 million total from their endowment to fund operations as of the end of fiscal 2024. That money also has to be paid back.

Since 2021 they have been on Heightened Cash Monitoring with the Department of Education.

These are the reasons Forbes has their finances ranked so low.

I know they reached their enrollment target for fall 2024, but I’m not sure about fall 2025.

It is a beautiful campus with easy access to New York City. I am an early 90s alum and loved my time there, but I wouldn’t send my own child there today because I can’t be sure the school will last another four years. I’m really sorry to have to say that, and I do hope they make it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s primarily a commuter school. Everyone leaves on weekends.

False