Utah State University (USU), a public research institution in Logan, Utah, serves approximately 20,000 students, including 13,800 full-time on-campus students. As the university explored strategies to support enrollment growth, leadership sought to determine whether new student housing development was necessary and, if so, which delivery method—university-funded or a public-private partnership (P3)—would be most appropriate. To guide this decision, USU engaged Scion Advisory Services to conduct a Student Housing Market Study, Demand Analysis, and P3 Feasibility Assessment, evaluating both student demand and market conditions to determine if a partnership model was warranted.
Scion conducted a comprehensive market assessment utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A student housing survey captured insights into student preferences, affordability considerations, and housing satisfaction. An off-campus market analysis evaluated rental rates, availability, and planned developments to determine competitive market conditions. Institutional data, including enrollment trends and on-campus housing occupancy, was analyzed to assess demand for additional housing. Additionally, Scion’s campus visit included site tours, student focus groups, stakeholder discussions, and meetings with city representatives to evaluate external factors that could impact the feasibility of a P3 development.
Scion’s analysis determined that a P3 student housing development was not justified at that time. The local market already had a robust development pipeline delivering new student housing beds near campus, and a decline in full-time student enrollment further reduced projected demand. Given these factors, Scion recommended that USU defer any immediate pursuit of a P3 housing project and instead focus on enrollment growth initiatives, monitor the absorption of new off-campus student housing, and reassess demand in the future. By doing so, USU could ensure that any future partnership or investment in student housing aligned with actual market needs and long-term institutional priorities.