Higher education facility construction costs for 2026

Higher education leaders are reimagining campuses to meet the demands of a rapidly changing academic landscape. As learning styles evolve, student demographics change, government policies shift, and technology reshapes expectations, facilities must deliver more than space by embracing tech-driven personalization, sustainability and well-being.

The 12th Annual State of Facilities in Higher Education report revealed that most institutions are pausing major expansions to reassess long-term operational strategies. This recalibration highlights the urgency of strategic planning and investment in flexible, sustainable infrastructure. By aligning maintenance, repair, and operations projects with the institution’s mission, leaders can transform existing spaces into tech-enabled environments that boost connectivity and convenience, reduce energy costs, and stretch limited budgets for maximum impact.

Gordian’s RSMeans Data, a trusted construction cost database since the 1940s, provides reliable benchmarks for budgeting campus transformation projects. With localized square-foot costs on over 100 building models, Gordian’s RSMeans Data allows architects, engineers and other preconstruction professionals to quickly and accurately create conceptual estimates for future builds.

This table shows a five-year view of costs per square foot for two-story college classrooms in select cities, with sustainable, “green” building considerations.

Visit rsmeans.com/bdandc for more information about Gordian’s RSMeans Data.