In an effort to enable public and private institutions of higher education pursue projects that promote the success and safety of students, the state announced Monday that it is making $250 million available in capital facilities grant funding through a joint solicitation of two state-backed, revolving bond programs.
The $250 million in grant funding is being made available as follows:
Higher Education Capital Improvement Fund (CIF), $110 million: The purpose of the CIF is to provide grants for the cost, or a portion of the cost, of the renewal, renovation, improvement, expansion, construction, and reconstruction of facilities and technology infrastructure. Institutions that may apply are four-year public and private institutions of higher education eligible to receive State aid.
Higher Education Facilities Trust Fund (HEFT), $140 million: The purpose of the HEFT is to provide grants for the cost, or a portion of the cost, of the construction, reconstruction, development, extension, and improvement of instructional, laboratory, communication, and research facilities. Institutions that may apply are public and private institutions eligible to receive State aid, including county colleges.
In accordance with P.L. 2025, c.74, a portion of the grants will be used for “deferred maintenance and other capital needs” at New Jersey City University (NJCU).
Institutions must submit applications by Sept. 22. Once evaluated and approved by the Secretary of Higher Education, project awards are subject to approval by the State Legislature and the issuance of bonds by NJEFA with coordination from the Office of Public Finance.
Gov. Phil Murphy said the legacy impact of the money will be huge.
“We are committed to leaving New Jersey’s higher education sector better than we found it: more accessible, more collaborative, and more resilient for the future,” Gov. Phil Murphy said. “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.”
Secretary of Education Brian Bridges agreed.
“Students succeed when our colleges and universities are strong, which is why a state-level partnership to promote the long-term financial health of our institutions must remain a top priority,” he said. “Capital funding continues to be an area of need, but today’s investment shows our commitment to maintaining safe, modern, and accessible campuses. It is a meaningful step in ensuring all students, now and in the future, have the opportunity to succeed within New Jersey’s diverse higher education ecosystem.”
Sheryl Stitt, executive director of the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority, obviously was pleased.
“Deferred maintenance needs are growing across the higher education sector nationally, and New Jersey is no exception,” she said. “The funds provided by these grants will help the state’s colleges and universities address emergent maintenance and repairs at their physical plants at a time when resources are limited.
“The authority is thrilled to once again be partnering with the secretary and his office to facilitate these programs.”
The grants build upon the Murphy Administration’s efforts, in collaboration with the Legislature, to provide funding for higher education capital needs, which includes the nearly $400 million awarded across 54 capital projects in 2023.
“This is an investment in the opportunities we offer our students so that they will pursue a higher education here in New Jersey,” Senate President Nick Scutari said. “Supporting capital improvements to our colleges and universities will ensure that they continue to play a key role in educating generations of students who will benefit from quality facilities and modern technologies. This is an important investment in New Jersey’s future.”
“Investing in our colleges and universities is one of the smartest things we can do for New Jersey’s future, because when we strengthen our campuses, we strengthen the students and communities they serve,” Speaker Craig Coughlin said. “By putting resources into our higher education infrastructure, we’re creating safer, more innovative, and more accessible learning environments where students in every corner of the state can grow and prepare for the opportunities ahead. Modern facilities are essential to attracting and retaining students, and the grants announced today will have an impact that lasts for years to come.”
