New Jersey Awards $244.4 Million for Campus Upgrades Across 23 Schools

New Jersey's Office of the Secretary of Higher Education distributed $244.4 million on Jan. 8. The grants will fund 92 projects at 23 colleges and universities. Money tackles overdue maintenance, strengthens campus security, and improves student spaces.

Two state-backed bond programs supplied the cash. Officials distributed $108.9 million across 41 projects from the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund. Another $135.5 million went to 53 projects through the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund.

The grants followed a competitive solicitation released in Aug. 2025. Funding requires bond issuance first. Some grants were reserved for overdue maintenance and other building projects at New Jersey City University.

Projects cover many facility improvements. Schools will make structural repairs to meet health, safety, fire, and building code standards. Fire alarms get upgraded, emergency generators get installed, and building access improves to meet safety and ADA standards.

Old HVAC systems, boilers, and chillers will be swapped out to boost energy efficiency. Aging classrooms, labs, and libraries will become technology-supported learning spaces through renovations.

"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, per NJ.gov. "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."

Governor Phil Murphy praised the investment. "New Jersey colleges and universities are engines of innovation and excellence, and this investment ensures they have the infrastructure to support their mission," he said.

Sheryl Stitt, executive director of the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, mentioned the exponential growth of deferred maintenance needs in higher education 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," said Stitt.

The Murphy Administration distributed nearly $400 million in 2023 across 54 capital projects through all four state-backed bond programs for higher education. Back in 2021, OSHE distributed $46 million across 15 facilities improvement projects supporting career and technical education at county colleges.

Senate President Nick Scutari called the funding "an important investment in New Jersey's future." Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin said the grants will help keep institutions competitive and ensure students have safe learning environments.