University facilities play a critical role in shaping student success. From classrooms and libraries to dorms and labs, the condition of campus facilities has a direct impact on student health, behavior, engagement, and academic achievement. For higher education, investing in facilities management isn't just about maintenance—it's about creating environments that foster student success and well-being.

How Facilities Management Software Improves Student Success in Higher Education

According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, nearly 75% of schools were built before 1970, and many face severe facility issues, ranging from outdated plumbing to widespread roof damage.  Beyond the cost of maintenance, approximately half of school buildings report at least one unsatisfactory environmental condition (e.g., problems with ventilation, heating, lighting, or security), which can negatively impact both learning and retention.

Yet universities spend millions each year on facilities management without a truly efficient long-term planning process. That's where higher education facilities management software, like Foundation, helps institutions transition from reactive maintenance to proactive, data-driven capital planning.

Schedule a demo to learn more about Solutions for Higher Education. 

The Challenge: Higher Education Facility Budgeting

University financial offices face mounting pressure as operational costs rise and campus infrastructure ages. Unfortunately, facilities budgets are often the first to shrink—despite their critical role in supporting academic excellence.

A recent study reveals that nearly 50% of U.S. university facilities planning staff believe their current budgets and business models are insufficient to sustain their campuses for the next decade. For community colleges and two-year universities, the problem is even more pressing due to limited government funding and fewer alumni contributions.

This makes strategic facility planning and budgeting software essential for higher education leaders who want to ensure financial sustainability while improving the student experience.

Why Facilities Matter to Student Enrollment and Retention

Students are evaluating colleges on more than academics—they're also comparing the quality of campus facilities and amenities.

Universities experiencing record enrollment often struggle with insufficient housing and outdated infrastructure. Dorms that once only required a bed and desk no longer meet expectations. Modern students expect updated residence halls, technology-enabled classrooms, and spaces that support both learning and campus life.

Investing in facilities modernization is no longer optional—it's a competitive advantage for student recruitment and retention.

Schedule a demo to learn more about capital planning software. 

How Foundation Software Supports Higher Education Facilities Management

Foundation is the only higher education capital planning software of its kind, designed to:

• Conduct comprehensive facility condition assessments
• Generate data-driven reports for decision-making
• Support project planning for renovations and new construction
• Monitor spending and budgets in real-time
• Align long-term capital planning with institutional goals

With over $50 billion in building and infrastructure plans managed, FOUNDATION has a proven track record in higher education facilities management. By learning from past project data and continuously improving budget accuracy, FOUNDATION enables universities to make more informed financial decisions, extend the lifespan of facilities, and ultimately enhance student outcomes.

Final Thoughts

Campus facilities are a cornerstone of the student experience. Universities that prioritize strategic facilities management not only reduce long-term costs but also create healthier and more engaging environments where students and faculty can succeed.

With FOUNDATION capital planning software, higher education institutions can transform condition assessment data into actionable projects and sustainable, long-term plans—ensuring campuses remain competitive, modern, and student-centered.

Ready to take the next step toward smarter, data-driven facility management?

Schedule a demo of FOUNDATION to see how our capital planning platform empowers higher education leaders to assess campus conditions, prioritize investments, and build actionable long-term plans. 

Discover how innovative facilities software can help your institution create healthier, more efficient learning environments—and drive student success. Connect with our experts today to learn more.

Additional Resources

• How Software Improves Facility Planning
• Healthy Learning Environments
• Trends Impacting Higher Education
• Challenges in Higher Education Facilities Management

Sources

• Source: "Prevalence of School Policies, Programs, and Facilities That ..."
  • This article mentions: "75% of America's schools were built before 1970."
• Source: GAO Report – "School Facilities: Condition of America's Schools"
  • Noted figures: Almost 60% of schools had at least one significant building feature in disrepair.
  • "About half reported at least one unsatisfactory environmental condition in their schools (ventilation, heating, lighting, security, etc.)"