REPORT
Under pressure: how financial constraints are reshaping higher ed IT
New research from Boldyn Networks reveals how financial stress is impacting IT operations, infrastructure, and innovation across U.S. colleges and universities—and what leaders can do about it.
Adapting campus technology to today’s challenges
Higher education IT teams are facing unprecedented challenges. From rising tech costs and shrinking budgets to talent shortages and cybersecurity threats, institutions are under pressure to do more with less. Boldyn Networks surveyed over 200 IT professionals to understand how these pressures are reshaping campus technology—and what strategies can help institutions adapt and thrive.
Key findings from IT leaders
Financial pressure is intensifying:
37% of institutions report “high” or “extremely high” financial stress—up 7 points from last year.
IT service quality is suffering:
55% say financial pressure is substantially impacting IT operations, and 66% expect talent shortages as a result.
Infrastructure investment is lagging:
While 97% say modern IT infrastructure is critical, only 37% say their institution prioritizes it.
Cybersecurity risks are rising:
65% of institutions with hiring challenges report gaps in security preparedness, amid a 23% spike in ransomware attacks.
Garth Cormier, Campus CIO, Boldyn Networks
- “Managing through uncertainty is weighing on higher ed leaders right now. By shifting away from big upfront capital projects and embracing an OpEx approach, schools can be more nimble and maintain predictable budgets—even in the face of today’s volatility.”
— Garth CormierCampus CIO, Boldyn Networks