All students need to live somewhere while pursuing their studies. Student housing meets this need with various forms of accommodation. Examples of student housing in the U.S. include dormitories, shared apartments and purpose-built student accommodation (PABA), a popular asset class among investors.
Several factors influence the demand for each type, from community college enrollment demographics to the type of studies students engage in.
Read on to discover why community college enrollment is a catalyst for regional housing demand.
College student demographics are the statistical characteristics of the college student population. Like other population group demographics, they include categories like age, race, gender, socioeconomic status, etc.
There is one other demographic category particular to college student populations worth noting: college enrollment status.
The number of enrolled students influences the overall demand for housing, but their demographics determine the need for specific types of student housing.
A new student will more likely choose to stay in the parental home if they have a disadvantaged socioeconomic status. The same is often true for students relying on financial aid. Senior students and those from wealthier homes may seek out student apartments with top-tier amenities.
Community college enrollment typically falls into two categories: 1) full-time students and 2) part-time students.
A full-time student is someone enrolled in the maximum number of credit hours towards a course of study or degree program. Although the exact number may differ, the minimum for students on financial aid is 12 credit hours per semester.
On the other hand, a part-time student is someone enrolled for the minimum credit hours of a course. This is typically less than 12 credit hours per semester. They take longer to complete their studies but obtain the same qualifications.
There are different types of part-time students too. Some study part-time so they can work. Others are mature students, working or raising families while continuing their education, or international students on exchange programs.
Part-time students can also be dual enrollment students. These are high school students who take some college classes. to earn credit toward their future college courses before they graduate from high school.
Full-time students need student housing near campus and tend to choose long-term rentals. Mature students typically don’t need student housing. Dual enrollment students live in their parental homes. Other part-time students, however, including international students, need student accommodation.
The size of each of these categories of students at any college will determine regional demand for student housing. According to our latest research, the national average pre-lease rate for the 2025-2026 leasing cycle was 36.6%, with shifts across various regions.
Our report on year-end trends shaping the student housing market explains this in more detail.
Community college enrollment is on the rise in the US, rebounding from the effects of the global pandemic of 2020. Approximately 15.2 million undergraduate students enrolled in college for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The most growth was seen in the community college category. These colleges are affordable but only offer associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate programs. Community college students can transfer to universities after completing their studies to continue studying for a bachelor's degree or otherwise.
All of these student populations drive national demand for student housing. However, investors should take note of how transferring student populations affects regional demand.
According to our research, around a third of community college students transfer, although less than half may go on to complete their degrees.
The demand for student housing near community colleges remains high. In university towns, the desire for student housing increases as community college graduates transfer to universities.
Community college enrollment trends have a direct influence on regional student housing demand. The number of enrollees, their demographics, and even their academic plans can affect the accommodation they choose.
This is why investors in student housing need access to up-to-date student data and analyses. And that’s what you’ll get at College House, along with market intelligence and insightful reports.
Get the data you need to make better student housing investment choices. Book a demo or schedule a call today.
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