Institutions across the country are recognizing that student housing is no longer optional—it is critical to student success, retention, and campus vitality. Yet many campuses struggle to move projects forward due to financial constraints, competing priorities, and uncertainty in defining the “right” housing solution. This session is anchored in an institutional perspective, exploring how campuses align housing needs with financial realities and long-term facilities strategies. Presenters will examine how early decisions around demand, target rents, and project scope influence feasibility, and how collaboration across institutional, financial, and design teams supports better outcomes. Through real-world examples, this session highlights how campuses are reframing student housing as part of a broader strategy—moving from identified need to implementable, sustainable solutions.