Business Wire·Oct 20, 2026, 9:00 AM ET

Accruent Survey: Nearly 6 in 10 Say Campus Repair Backlogs or Disruptions Could Affect if They Attend or Recommend a College

FTV

New Accruent research indicates Americans link campus safety to well-maintained facilities, emergency readiness, & real-time information rather than physical security alone.
58% of Americans say they would be less likely to attend or recommend a college if it had significant repair backlogs or frequent facility disruptions.
76% of respondents rate campus safety as extremely or very important when choosing a college for themselves or a loved one.
Nearly all Americans (94%) say well-lit walkways & outdoor spaces contribute to safety, while 92% cite clean, well-maintained buildings & 89% point to visible security personnel.
Only 20% of respondents feel confident that U.S. colleges are prepared to respond effectively to emergencies such as severe weather, fires, or lockdowns.
43% say well-trained staff who know how to respond during emergencies would make them most confident that a college takes safety seriously.
60% of Americans are extremely or very concerned about colleges delaying repairs to critical building systems like heating, cooling, electrical, & life-safety equipment.
When budgets are constrained, 32% of respondents prioritize emergency preparedness & communications, while 28% prioritize maintaining & modernizing existing buildings.
78% say it is extremely or very important for colleges to provide real-time updates during emergencies or major facility disruptions.
88% of respondents support colleges using technology that monitors building conditions or occupancy to identify where people need assistance during emergencies.
The survey was conducted by Dynata for Accruent in August 2026 with 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18 & older.