New Jersey is making a historic investment in the future of its colleges and universities. Governor Phil Murphy’s administration has announced $250 million in state-backed capital facilities grants, a move designed to modernize higher education campuses, address long-standing maintenance needs, and create safer, more innovative learning environments for students across the Garden State.
This new round of funding underscores New Jersey’s commitment to strengthening its higher education sector as a driver of opportunity, economic growth, and community development.
Breaking Down the $250 Million Investment
The funding is being made available through a joint solicitation of two major state bond programs:
- $110 million from the Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund (CIF)
- Supports renovation, renewal, expansion, and technological upgrades.
- Applies to four-year public and private institutions eligible for state aid.
- $140 million from the Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund (HEFT)
- Targets the construction, reconstruction, and enhancement of instructional, research, and lab facilities.
- Applies to both four-year institutions and county colleges across New Jersey.
Combined, the grants are designed to help institutions address deferred maintenance, safety upgrades, and modernization projects that are often delayed due to budget limitations. From research facilities to student housing and classroom technology, the funding will allow schools to create campuses that match the demands of today’s higher education environment.
Why It Matters for Students and Communities
Strong campuses equal strong communities. By investing in physical infrastructure and technology, New Jersey is ensuring that students have access to modern, safe, and competitive learning environments. These upgrades don’t just improve academic experiences — they also make New Jersey schools more attractive to prospective students who may otherwise look out of state.
Governor Murphy emphasized that the funding represents more than just bricks and mortar.
“By leveraging the State’s bonding capacity, we’re helping institutions address critical repairs and improvement projects and reinforcing their role as engines of opportunity and economic growth across our communities.”
The ripple effect of these investments will be felt beyond classrooms, as thriving campuses help stimulate local economies, strengthen partnerships, and prepare students to enter New Jersey’s workforce.
A Strategic Step Toward Long-Term Resilience
New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges noted that students succeed when colleges and universities are strong, underscoring the importance of public-private partnerships in higher education.
The grants are also a strategic step in addressing deferred maintenance, a growing national issue. Campuses across the country face aging infrastructure, and without dedicated funding, repairs can snowball into larger problems. The New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority has warned that these needs cannot be ignored — and the $250 million allocation is a critical step toward ensuring campuses remain functional and future-ready.
Legislative Leaders Support the Investment
New Jersey’s legislative leadership has also voiced strong support for this initiative. Senate President Nick Scutari called the grants an investment in opportunity, while Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin highlighted how modern facilities are essential to attracting and retaining students in a competitive higher education landscape.
Both leaders stressed that higher education institutions are not just academic centers but also vital contributors to New Jersey’s long-term economic future.
Application Process and Next Steps
Applications for this round of funding are now open and must be submitted by September 22, 2025. Institutions of higher education — both public and private — are encouraged to apply in order to secure funding for their capital projects.
For updates on New Jersey’s business investments and educational infrastructure, visit Explore New Jersey’s Business section.
This $250 million initiative marks one of the most significant higher education infrastructure investments in recent years. By addressing deferred maintenance, enhancing safety, and modernizing facilities, New Jersey is reinforcing its reputation as a state committed to educational excellence and economic growth.
For students, faculty, and communities alike, these improvements mean more than new buildings — they represent a stronger foundation for the future of higher learning in the Garden State.
