Student Housing Market Update – September 2025

September 10, 2025

Back to School 🎓 | Student Housing Outlook 2025

The student housing market is changing fast. At Capright, we’re tracking these trends closely. Our newly released Student Housing Market Update – September 2025 takes a comprehensive look at the data, trends, and developments shaping the market.

🔍 Sector Snapshot

Enrollment is up 3.2% YoY, but high school graduates are set to dip 3.1% by 2028. Public universities keep growing, private colleges face closures, and student housing property sales just surged 105% YoY.

Cap rates sit at 5.5–6.5%, slightly above conventional multifamily — making this a market to watch closely.

📊 Key Highlights from the September 2025 Update

Enrollment Growth

• Forecasted national college enrollment growth (2020 – 2030) is up 8% (vs. up 37% in 2000 – 2010).

High School Graduates (Pipeline Indicator)

• 2025 peak: 3.77M graduates
• Forecast 2028: 3.65M graduates (down 3.1% over 3 years)

Transaction Activity

• Sale Volume (trailing 12 months as of 2Q25): $1.88B (up 105% YoY)

📬 Let’s Talk

At Capright, we are uniquely positioned to support institutional investors, operators, and developers navigating this evolving environment. As an independent valuation and advisory firm, we provide clarity, accuracy, and confidence, especially where the stakes are highest.

If you’d like to discuss the findings or need support with your Student Housing valuation or strategy, reach out to: