Louisiana’s colleges and universities are set to receive a major boost in state funding, with more than $600 million allocated for construction and special projects in the 2025-26 budget year, Louisiana Illuminator reports. 

The LSU System leads the pack with projects slated to receive about $196 million next year, up from $186 million this year. In addition to about $33 million for the first phase of construction of its library, which should begin next summer, around $28 million has been allocated for a new science building, and another $28 million was set aside for renovations at the Medical Education Building Laboratory at LSU Health Sciences New Orleans. 

The Southern University System will receive about $144 million, up from about $67 million. The largest portion, $47 million, will be used for a new STEM complex at its main campus in Baton Rouge. 

The University of Louisiana System will get $175 million, while community and technical colleges will receive $31 million. On top of construction, each system secured additional one-time funding for research, athletics and campus improvements. 

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