The fate of one of New Jersey’s oldest institutions is hanging in the balance – in danger of shutting down.

Bloomfield College is experiencing financial difficulties and the doors to the school may be shuttered forever. The president of the college has put out a plea and a call to action for help.

“I’m publicly making this plea and helping people understand that colleges like Bloomfield need to be here and there’s definitely value added,” says president Dr. Marcheta Evans.

Evans says that her promise to her students and staff was always transparency and this is why she went public with the school’s financial issues.

“It was like killing me inside to keep this to myself. Even as we tried to problem-solve because I like being open and honest with people. And I think it’s only fair to the community, as well, for them to know what’s happening,” Evans says.

Enrollment at the college has dropped in recent years and the COVID-19 pandemic further strained the school’s resources.

Evans says that during the pandemic many of her students had to choose between staying in school and making a living. Tuition is the college’s primary source of revenue.

“Our students are dealing with food insecurities and housing insecurities and having to help family members just get passed this pandemic,” she says.

The 153-year-old private four-year college is looking for philanthropical support from the higher education community, as well as corporate support, to stay open. Students tell News 12 New Jersey that they hope that the school will be able to stay open.

“I’m a little upset about it. Hopefully it works out good in our favor,” says sophomore Kamron Smith. “As of right now I’m keeping my options open. I’m looking for other schools.”

More than 85% of the student body at Bloomfield College are students of color or first-generation college student. Some are also facing adversities. Evans says the school wants to continue its core mission of creating educational pathways for minority and low-income students.

The school enrolled just over 1,500 students last year. Evans says the college will be able to complete the 2021-2022 school year. But she says it is uncertain if it can reopen next fall