The New School anticipates a dramatic decline in enrollment next semester, according to the Feb. 6 meeting minutes from the Financial Transparency Council (FTC).

Administrators’ “target goal” for enrollment next semester is 8,400 degree-seeking students, according to the minutes. The figure is 500 fewer students than last fall’s enrollment of 8,900 degree-seeking students, which was already the lowest in at least five years.  

The New School Free Press has reached out and is awaiting comment from university communications. 

This would be the fifth straight year of an enrollment drop. 8,400 students reflects about a 20% decline since the university’s peak enrollment of 10,469 students in fall 2021, which was confirmed in an email from Joel Towers to faculty and students on March 3. 

Enrollment is tied to finances at The New School. Approximately 85% of the university’s revenue comes from tuition, dining, and residence halls. A drop in enrollment means a drop in revenue. Yet despite the anticipated 500 student drop next semester, administrators expect a “reduced deficit in FY27 and balanced budget in FY28,” according to the minutes. 

Restructuring is a massive and controversial cost-cutting effort by administrators to stabilize its years-long operating deficit, last projected in November by administrators to be $48 million. Majors, minors, classes, and jobs have been cut. The university will also move into a two college structure next semester.

This is a developing story. Check back as the NSFP continues to report it.