FY2013 - FY2017 Capital Investment Plan
Report - Investment Category - Higher Education

The Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to building an affordable, world-class system of public higher education in Massachusetts because the continued success of Commonwealth's knowledge-based economy depends on a highly educated and well-skilled workforce.

The Commonwealth's public higher education system, which serves approximately 260,000 students, is comprised of 29 campuses divided into three segments: fifteen community colleges; nine state universities; and five University of Massachusetts (UMass) campuses. In response to the alarming capital deficiencies at many of these institutions when he took office in 2007, Governor Patrick dramatically increased planned investments in higher education capital projects in the first five-year capital investment plan in FY08, and, working with the Legislature, obtained passage of a $2.2 billion higher education bond bill in 2008 as a key component of his 10-year education reform initiative.

The following graph reflects the Administration's estimated capital investment in higher education capital projects over the next five years as compared to fiscal years 2007 and 2012 spending on higher education projects. The Commonwealth accelerated funding for some higher education projects in FY12, which has impacted the level of funding for projects in FY13. Over the five years of the capital investment plan, the Administration has dedicated 13% of the bond cap to higher education, which includes almost $1.16 billion in programmed projects and over $100 million reserved for future projects or deferred maintenance.

This bar graph shows the Higher Education spending: all sources of funds for FY07 and FY12-FY17.

Policy Goals

  1. Improve affordability and access. The Administration aims to strengthen the ability of the Commonwealth's public higher education system to improve affordability and access for all students.
  2. Educate in STEM fields. More of our students need to be well-educated in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, which will enable them to pursue post-secondary degrees or careers in these high-growth job sectors in the Commonwealth.
  3. Support research that strengthens our state and economy. The Commonwealth supports high level research and development initiatives that strengthen the state and region as a whole.
  4. Meet the workforce needs of the state. Our workers' knowledge and skills must meet the requirements of business and our state's industries.

Administration Accomplishments to Date

FY13 Highlights

Community Colleges

This plan includes the announcement of five new community college projects, which affirms the Governor's commitment to investing in community colleges that provide students with strong educational foundations and relevant workforce training opportunities that will prepare them for success in the local job market and/or further academic study.

Over the five year plan, the Commonwealth will spend $297 million on community college projects. New community college projects include:

Examples of ongoing projects include:

State College and Universities

Over the five year plan, the Commonwealth has planned to invest $259 million on state college and university projects. For FY13, the plan includes:

Examples of ongoing projects include:

University of Massachusetts

Over the five year plan, the Commonwealth has planned to spend $607 million on University of Massachusetts projects with an additional $50 million or more in new projects or deferred maintenance to be identified. New UMass projects include:

Examples of ongoing projects include: