Should Rowan have spent $1M for its president to live in lavish digs? (POLL)

There's off-campus housing, and then there's off-campus housing.

Rowan University has reportedly spent $925,000 to purchase an upscale estate for its president to live in. School officials say it's a wise move — that President Ali Houshmand's hosts off-campus functions at his home, and they were becoming a nuisance for neighbors of his prior 2,600-square-foot residence in a Glassboro 55-and-older community.

The new home, in Harrison Township on 1.4 acres, is twice as big and costs about twice as much.

When we posted about it on Facebook Friday, almost all commenters said it seemed expensive and unnecessary.

"I will never understand why a college president needs to be given housing," Kathleen Lennon Pogoda wrote. "The school should have a reception room that can be used for numerous college business/entertaining and the president who is already making over 6 figures can pay for his own housing. The high cost of college has nothing to do with educating our children. It is all about perks like this."

In 2003, the school's board of trustees approved a pay raise taking Houshmand's salary from $375,000 to $550,000.

"Well I'm happy to see the money is spent on the guy that counts the most around there and not being wasted on those pesky student(s)," Andrea Dragwa Lucas wrote.

The school's choice had at least one defender on our Facebook page.

All university have housing for their president or provide an allowance. The previous president's home owned by Rowan was sold in 2014 for $500k," Marci Gordon Berr wrote. "The president holds diners and events at their home. As long this becomes the permanent home for a Rowan president it is fine. NYU spent more on than million on renovating their president's penthouse."

We'd like to know what you think. Take our poll at the bottom of this post.

More on the home itself:

A listing on ColdwellBankerHomes.com describes the 5,800 square foot, custom-built home — with four bedrooms and 3.5 baths:

"As you enter this home you are greeted by a circular stairwell in the foyer. You will instantly notice the exotic hardwood floors that cover much of the first floor," the listing states. "The gourmet kitchen features two ovens, full-size built in subzero refrigerator and separate freezer, built in beverage center, a wolf range and a breakfast area."

It continues: "The master suite is a must-see, featuring a sitting area, dressing area, laundry room, and huge walk-in closet with custom cabinetry. There are three fireplaces throughout which are in the kitchen, master bedroom (two-sided) and the great room."

No word on how much of that you'll see in typical Rowan student housing.

The home was subject to $24,735 in property taxes in 2015.