Ken Research has announced a significant milestone in the US student accommodation market, which has now surpassed USD 22.8 billion in value. This revelation comes from their recently published analysis titled “US Student Accommodation Market Outlook to 2030,” released on October 31, 2025.
The report outlines the factors driving this growth, including increased university enrollments, a surge in international students, and heightened institutional investments in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). As campuses across the United States evolve, there is a rising demand for secure, modern, and community-oriented living spaces situated close to educational institutions.
In the comprehensive report, which spans over 80 pages, Ken Research provides in-depth insights into market dynamics, regulatory environments, and competitor landscapes across various housing formats, including PBSA, private rentals, university-managed housing, shared rooms, studios, and co-living spaces.
Namit Goel, Research Director at Ken Research, commented on the market”s transformation, stating, “US student housing continues to evolve from “luxury amenity wars” to functional, academically supportive, and well-located properties.” He noted that with international enrollment figures surpassing one million and urban campuses expanding their capacities, operators who focus on optimizing unit mix and enhancing the living experience will likely achieve sustainable occupancy and profitability.
The report identifies key market dynamics reshaping student housing, including:
- Enrollment Trends: Flagship universities are attracting substantial numbers of international students, contributing to occupancy stability and premium rental prices, especially in major metropolitan areas and prominent state universities.
- Design Priorities: Developers are moving towards a “right-amenity” approach, emphasizing security, study areas, and community features over extravagant amenities, which aligns with student preferences.
- Capital Trends: Ongoing institutional interest is demonstrated through large portfolio transactions and consolidations, indicating confidence in the asset class.
- Funding and Policy Initiatives: Support from universities and local governments for funding and campus expansions is influencing the timing and feasibility of new housing developments.
The analysis also addresses critical strategic questions related to market entry timing, regulatory navigation, and competitive positioning. It highlights the importance of understanding local zoning laws and safety codes that can impact development timelines and financial projections.
Harsh Saxena, Principal at Ken Research, emphasized the report”s value for decision-makers, stating, “What differentiates this mandate is its operator”s toolkit. We go beyond sizing to map policy pathways, competitive moats, and student behavior, enabling investors and operators to proceed with confidence and speed.”
For those interested in a deeper understanding of the US student accommodation landscape, Ken Research offers access to the full report, which includes detailed segmentation and competitive benchmarking to guide strategic investments.
