NJ Colleges and Universities Receive Nearly $250M to Upgrade Campus Infrastructure

On Jan 9, 2026

The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) has awarded $244.4 million in capital facilities grant funding from two state-backed, revolving bond programs for higher education. A total of 92 projects across 23 colleges and universities have received funding to address deferred maintenance, enhance campus safety, and upgrade student facilities.

The institutions include: Drew University; Farleigh Dickinson University; Felician University; Kean University; Montclair State University; New Jersey City University; New Jersey Institute of Technology; Ramapo College of New Jersey; Rowan University; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Saint Peter’s University; Seton Hall University; Stevens Institute of Technology; Stockton University; The College of New Jersey; County College of Morris; Essex County College; Middlesex College; Montclair State University; Ocean County College; Rowan College of South Jersey; Saint Elizabeth University; UCNJ Union College of Union County, NJ; and William Paterson University.

Grants were awarded following a competitive solicitation released in August 2025, with $108.9 million in funding awarded for 41 projects from the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund (CIF) and $135.5 million for 53 projects from the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund (HEFT). Funding for the approved applications is subject to the issuance of bonds. In accordance with P.L. 2025, c.74, a portion of the grants were designated for deferred maintenance and other capital projects at New Jersey City University and some awards are still underway.

Projects being funded span a range of facility improvements, including structural repairs to meet health, safety, fire and building code standards. Institutions are upgrading fire alarms, installing emergency generators and enhancing building access to meet safety and ADA standards. Outdated HVAC systems, boilers and chillers will also be replaced to improve energy efficiency. Renovations to aging classrooms, labs and libraries will transform them into modern, technology-supported learning environments.

“New Jersey colleges and universities are engines of innovation and excellence, and this investment ensures they have the infrastructure to support their mission,” said Gov. Phil Murphy. “By enhancing their capacity to modernize and improve, we’re empowering institutions to deliver world-class education and drive breakthroughs that shape our future.”

“State support for higher education capital needs plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term financial health and sustainability of our institutions,” said Angela Bethea, Acting Secretary of Higher Education. “Today’s investment builds on our commitment to maintain safe, modern, and accessible campuses, while supporting institutions to deliver cutting-edge educational experiences that prepare students for success in the workforce.”

“Preserving, maintaining, and reimagining college campuses across the state has helped New Jersey maintain its role as a leader in higher education,” said Sheryl Stitt, executive director of the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority. “With deferred maintenance needs in higher education growing exponentially across the country, this investment will have a meaningful impact on the State’s higher education environments where our students and faculty live, learn, and work every day.”

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