The U.S. student housing sector continues to demonstrate durable fundamentals as it moves through the 2025–2026 leasing cycle. According to College House’s 2025–26 Leasing Cycle: Year in Review, national average rents reached approximately $1,006 per bed, reflecting sustained demand across most major university markets. While rent growth has moderated compared to prior years, occupancy levels remain healthy at 91.8% nationwide, supported by steady enrollment trends and limited new supply.
Regional performance continues to favor the Southeast, which leads the country in both occupancy and rent growth, driven by large public universities and constrained development pipelines. Purpose-built student housing remains well positioned relative to traditional multifamily, as students increasingly prioritize affordability, proximity to campus, and shared living arrangements. At the same time, new construction remains disciplined, helping prevent oversupply in core markets.
Overall, the data highlights a student housing market that is transitioning into a more balanced and sustainable growth phase, while maintaining strong demand drivers and long-term resilience. These fundamentals continue to support student housing as an attractive asset class within institutional and private real estate portfolios.
For readers interested in deeper insights and detailed analysis, the complete College House 2025–26 Leasing Cycle: Year in Review Report can be requested here.
