The State of Facilities in Higher Education, 13th Edition
For more than a decade, Gordian’s State of Facilities report has served as a trusted constant for higher education leaders — documenting where campuses stand today while revealing the long‑term patterns shaping their future.
The 2026 edition continues that tradition.
This year’s report reflects on another year of extraordinary pressure on academic communities — marked by continued college closures, tightening resources and the growing reality of the demographic cliff. Familiar challenges remain, but the data tells an evolving story about how institutions are responding.
Key Highlights
Gordian’s analysis, based on data from one of the largest verified higher education facilities databases in North America, identifies key factors shaping higher education facilities across the U.S.
Current State:
Capital renewal backlogs have climbed to $156/gsf, an 8% increase over last year, while operating budgets remain 18.5% below target and institutions invest only 73.5% of required funding to keep backlogs from growing.
Barriers & Complications:
Structural underinvestment, persistent operating gaps and rising deferred maintenance continue to restrict campus flexibility and push institutions toward reactive, costlier facility management.
Pathways to Progress:
Strategic reinvestment, data-driven benchmarking and proactive maintenance practices can help stabilize backlog growth and support informed long-term decision-making across higher education.
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