In 2016, NMHC formed a non-profit (501(c)(3)) Research Foundation to produce research that will further support the apartment industry's business interests. In 2018, NMHC formed the Student Housing Research Fund as part of the NMHC Research Foundation to conduct research focused on the student housing industry.
While student housing data and analysis has improved in recent years, the current scope of industry-specific research remains far too narrow to meet the industry's growing information needs.
The industry needs more quality research to raise the industry's standard of performance, encourage worldwide investment in the sector and support federal advocacy efforts.
The work supported by the NMHC Student Housing Research Fund, a component of the Douglas M Bibby NMHC Research Foundation, raises the industry's standard of performance and encourage worldwide investment in the sector.
- Affordability in Purpose-Built Student Housing | March 2023
- The Future of Student Housing Demand | July 2021
- Structural Changes in Student Housing Demand | July 2021
- U.S. Demographics and Implications for Student Housing Demand to 2031 October 2020
- The U.S. Student Housing Market: On-Campus, Student Housing and Student-Competitive Properties | January 2020
- A description of the influence of international students on the United States’ upper-educational system over the past ten years to the present. This description should provide aggregate numbers of students entering the USA (and a comparison to numbers of domestic students), principal nations of origin, a breakdown of undergraduate vs. graduate, numbers of international undergraduates and graduates enrolling in Top 175 campuses for purpose-built student housing (and comparison to domestic numbers) and if available whether undergraduates elected off-campus housing. The analysis should exclude private universities. The analysis should include the economic impact of international students across the industry as well as select universities that have significant percentages of international enrollment.
- A projection of the number of international students coming to the United States over the next decade (including a comparison to numbers of domestic students). This analysis should provide projections of the aggregate numbers of students entering the USA, principal nations of origin, a breakdown of undergraduate vs graduate, numbers of international undergraduates and graduates enrolling in Top 175 campuses for purpose-built student housing (and comparison to domestic numbers). The analysis should include the economic impact on universities that have high enrollments of international students.
- An examination of the total international student population over a timeframe that includes a forward-looking view on global demand. Analysis of other nations international students may choose over the United States (past and future estimates and projections) and reasons why students may choose other nations. This should include how much influence other nations have in attracting international students over selecting the United States, such as financial support, emotional support, and ease of application and entry. What are the political influences both in the United States and internationally that may influence demand here in the US. Analysis should include a forward-looking view of the economic impact of all these factors on student housing demand as well as enrollment on those universities highly dependent on international enrollment.
- An analysis relative to specific housing design and amenities that developers and operators should consider providing at purpose-built properties to international students given changes in preferences and demand. Potentially consider focus groups of internationals students to supplement this analysis.
The impact of international students on the purpose-built student housing industry
The Douglas M. Bibby NMHC Research Foundation seeks proposals for a research study examining the possible impact of international students on the purpose-built student housing industry.
Submission Deadline: February 29, 2024
Project Content:
We seek a comprehensive report on the influence of international students on the student housing industry. This report would be designed to help owners, operators, developers, investors, analysts, and other participants in the student housing industry to understand the impact international students have had on the marketplace and their future footprint. Specifically, a report should provide:
The NMHC Research Foundation values creativity in study design and execution. Those submitting proposals are encouraged to consider additional/alternative approaches.
- An analysis of the size and impact of the student housing industry
- A comparison of risk-adjusted rates of return for student housing relative to other asset classes
- A study of how the industry would fare in a recession
- An exploration of future industry growth and demand
- An evaluation of the efficacy of public/private partnerships in terms of benefits to universities and investors
The dedicated student housing fund to be housed within the Douglas M. Bibby NMHC Research Foundation will pursue unique and original research to fill gaps in knowledge about the student housing sector and make a difference in our members’ business lives. Research topics will span issues related to demographics, development and redevelopment activity, tax policy, the regulatory environment and public-private partnerships, among others.
While a full slate of projects is yet to be determined, here is sampling of potential topics:
The NMHC Student Housing Fund is guided by a board of directors comprised of NMHC's President, Chief Operating Officer, and SVP for Research. It is further advised by volunteer members of its Student Housing Advisory Group who provide input into the program of research.
The NMHC Student Housing Research Fund, a component of the Douglas M. Bibby NMHC Research Foundation would like to thank those companies that have made early funding commitments. Those companies are:
American Campus Communities, EdR (Greystar), Pierce Education Properties,The Scion Group, Humphreys and Associates,The Dinerstein Companies, GMH Capital Partners, Peak Campus, Campus Apartments, Aspen Heights, CA Ventures, Niles Bolton Associates, Blue Vista Capital Partners, Landmark Properties, Core Spaces, Capstone Collegiate Communities, Trinitas Ventures, Keybank, The Preiss Company, Pinnacle Campus Living, Campus Advantage
