Top 3 Picks
2026 Outlook
The education sector is expected to expand significantly by 2026, driven by trends such as the proliferation of online and hybrid learning models, which could increase market penetration by 15-20% according to industry forecasts. Rising investments in AI-enhanced educational tools and lifelong learning programs will likely boost revenue growth, with the global edtech market projected to reach $500 billion. However, potential headwinds like regulatory scrutiny and economic slowdowns may temper enthusiasm, necessitating a focus on high-scoring companies with strong market caps for sustained performance.
Complete Rankings
| Rank | Stock | Score | Price | Market Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Adtalem Global Education Inc. Common Shares
|
65.3 | $109.58 | $5.4B |
|
2
|
Perdoceo Education Corporation
|
63.4 | $31.17 | $2.4B |
|
3
|
CHEGG, INC.
|
60.5 | $0.95 | $169M |
|
4
|
Grand Canyon Education, Inc
|
60.2 | $171.62 | $6.1B |
|
5
|
Universal Technical Institute, Inc.
|
60.1 | $27.44 | $1.7B |
|
6
|
Strategic Education, Inc. Common Stock
|
59.9 | $84.77 | $2.0B |
|
7
|
Laureate Education, Inc. Common Stock
|
57.3 | $34.17 | $4.6B |
|
8
|
Legacy Education Inc.
|
57.3 | $10.57 | $121M |
|
9
|
GRAHAM HOLDINGS COMPANY
|
56.6 | $1116.86 | $5.0B |
|
10
|
American Public Education, Inc.
|
55.5 | $38.09 | $701M |
|
11
|
Udemy, Inc. Common Stock
|
55.5 | $5.56 | $1.0B |
|
12
|
Boxlight Corporation Class A Common Stock
|
54.5 | $1.64 | $13M |
|
13
|
Lincoln Educational Services
|
54.3 | $24.55 | $730M |
|
14
|
Nerdy Inc.
|
53.9 | $1.07 | $151M |
|
15
|
Classover Holdings, Inc. Class B Common Stock
|
53.3 | $0.19 | $30M |
In-Depth Analysis: Top Education Stocks
ATGE
Adtalem Global Education Inc is an American for-profit educational company that operates various university and educational programs. The company has three segments namely Chamberlain; Walden; and Medical and Veterinary. It derives maximum revenue from Chamberlain segment.
Adtalem Global Education Inc. matters in the Education sector as a leading for-profit provider of diverse university programs, including Chamberlain, which accounts for the majority of its revenue and focuses on high-demand fields like nursing and health sciences. This positions ATGE as a key innovator in accessible higher education, serving growing markets in medical and veterinary training amid increasing demand for skilled professionals.
ATGE's 13.8% profit margin and 17.4% ROE reflect strong profitability and efficient equity utilization, indicating solid financial health compared to industry peers. Coupled with 10.8% revenue growth, these metrics suggest the company is effectively managing costs while expanding operations.
ATGE's 10.8% revenue growth and 17.4% ROE signal strong potential for continued earnings expansion by 2026, driven by its dominant Chamberlain segment in high-growth health education fields. The P/E ratio of 16.0 offers an attractive valuation for investors seeking undervalued opportunities in the sector. Additionally, with a Tradestie Score of 65.3, ATGE is poised to benefit from rising enrollment trends in online and vocational education, making it a compelling buy for long-term portfolio growth.
PRDO
Perdoceo Education Corp is an American for-profit education company that focuses on quality postsecondary education online to a diverse student population, along with campus-based and blended learning programs. The company's important segments include the American InterContinental University, the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, and Colorado Technical University. These universities provide undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs focusing on …
Perdoceo Education Corp matters in the Education sector due to its focus on accessible online and blended postsecondary programs, serving a diverse student population through institutions like American InterContinental University, which addresses the growing demand for flexible education options. Its 24.8% revenue growth underscores its adaptability and relevance in an increasingly digital learning landscape.
Perdoceo's 19.2% profit margin reflects efficient cost management and strong operational profitability, allowing the company to generate substantial earnings from its revenue streams. Additionally, a 16.1% return on equity indicates effective use of shareholders' investments to drive profits, contributing to overall financial health.
Perdoceo's 24.8% revenue growth highlights robust demand for its online education services, positioning the company for continued expansion in the evolving education market by 2026. The stock's P/E ratio of 12.5 suggests it is undervalued relative to earnings, offering potential for capital appreciation as the sector recovers. Furthermore, with a Tradestie Score of 63.4, the company demonstrates moderate investment appeal, making it a compelling choice for investors seeking growth in postsecondary education.
CHGG
Chegg Inc is an American educational services company. The Chegg platform provides products and services to support learners with their academic course materials, as well as their career and personal skills development. The company's service and product offerings fall into two categories: Subscription Services, which encompasses Chegg Study Pack, Chegg Study, Chegg Writing, Chegg Math, and Busuu offerings that can …
Chegg Inc. matters in the Education sector as a leading provider of digital learning platforms, offering subscription-based services that support academic success and career development for millions of students worldwide. Its focus on affordable, accessible education aligns with the growing trend of online learning, positioning it as a key player in addressing educational inequities amid digital transformation.
Chegg's profitability is weak, evidenced by a -17.1% profit margin that indicates the company is operating at a loss, and a -46.4% ROE reflecting poor efficiency in utilizing shareholders' equity. The -43.1% revenue growth further underscores financial strain, likely due to competitive pressures and shifting market dynamics in the education sector.
By 2026, investors should consider Chegg due to the projected expansion of the global online education market, which could drive recovery from its current -43.1% revenue decline as demand for digital learning tools rises. The company's Tradestie Score of 60.5/100 suggests moderate upside potential, supported by its established platform for personalized education. Additionally, potential innovations in AI and cost efficiencies could enhance profitability, making Chegg an attractive buy for long-term growth in the evolving education landscape.
LOPE
Grand Canyon Education Inc is a publicly traded education services company dedicated to serving colleges and universities. GCE's university partner is Grand Canyon University, an Arizona non-profit corporation that operates a comprehensive regionally accredited university that offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs, emphases, and certificates across nine colleges both online, on the ground at its campus in Phoenix, Arizona and …
Grand Canyon Education Inc. matters in the Education sector as a leading provider of comprehensive educational services, partnering with Grand Canyon University to deliver accessible graduate and undergraduate programs, which have driven its revenue growth of 9.6%. Its focus on regionally accredited, non-profit university operations positions it as a key innovator in expanding higher education access amid increasing demand for flexible learning options.
Grand Canyon Education demonstrates robust profitability with a 19.4% profit margin, indicating efficient operations and strong revenue conversion into net income. Its 27.8% ROE highlights effective equity utilization for profit generation, contributing to overall financial health despite a moderate Tradestie Score of 60.2.
Grand Canyon Education's 9.6% revenue growth and 27.8% ROE suggest sustained momentum, making it an attractive buy for 2026 as demand for online education rises, potentially boosting earnings further. The company's P/E ratio of 22.3 indicates reasonable valuation relative to peers, offering upside potential if profitability trends continue. Additionally, its role in serving expanding university needs could capitalize on sector growth, supported by a solid 19.4% profit margin.
UTI
Universal Technical Institute Inc is an educational institution. It provides undergraduate degree, as well as certificate programs for technicians in the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine fields. The company's reportable segment which includes Universal Technical Institute (UTI) and Concorde Career Colleges, Corporate. Majority of the revenue is generated from UTI segment which provides different kinds of degree and …
Universal Technical Institute matters in the Education sector due to its specialized focus on vocational training for high-demand technical fields like automotive and diesel repair, addressing critical skilled labor shortages in the U.S. workforce. As a key provider of certificate and undergraduate programs, it differentiates itself by emphasizing practical, hands-on education that directly prepares students for immediate employment in growing industries.
UTI's profitability is moderate with a 7.5% profit margin, reflecting efficient cost management in a competitive education market, while its 21.4% ROE demonstrates strong returns on shareholder equity, indicating effective use of capital. The company's 13.3% revenue growth further supports its financial health, suggesting sustainable expansion despite a P/E ratio of 22.0 that implies market expectations for continued growth.
Investors should consider buying UTI stock in 2026 given its 13.3% revenue growth, which signals ongoing demand for technical education amid rising needs for skilled technicians in automotive and related sectors. The 21.4% ROE underscores the company's operational efficiency and potential for higher profitability as enrollment and programs expand. Moreover, with a P/E ratio of 22.0, the stock offers a compelling valuation for investors anticipating sector growth driven by labor market trends and economic recovery by 2026.
STRA
Strategic Education Inc. is an education services company that provides access to high-quality education through campus-based and online post-secondary education offerings, as well as through programs to develop job-ready skills for high-demand markets. The company operates through wholly-owned subsidiaries Strayer University and Capella University, both accredited post-secondary institutions of higher education located in the United States, as well as Torrens …
Strategic Education Inc. matters in the Education sector as a leading provider of accessible, high-quality post-secondary education through campus-based and online platforms, catering to the rising demand for flexible learning amid workforce evolution. Its focus on job-ready skills programs positions it as a key bridge between education and high-demand job markets, enhancing employability in sectors like technology and healthcare.
Strategic Education's 9.1% profit margin reflects solid operational efficiency in delivering education services, while its 6.8% ROE indicates moderate returns on equity, suggesting potential for better capital utilization. The company's 4.6% revenue growth demonstrates stable financial health in a competitive sector, supported by a P/E ratio of 16.3 that aligns with reasonable market valuation.
Investors should consider buying STRA in 2026 given its 4.6% revenue growth, which could expand with increasing demand for online and job-skills education driven by technological advancements and remote work trends. The P/E ratio of 16.3 offers an attractive entry point compared to peers, potentially leading to stock appreciation as the company leverages its wholly-owned subsidiaries for market penetration. Additionally, with a Tradestie Score of 59.9, STRA presents a balanced opportunity for growth in the evolving education landscape, supported by its focus on high-demand skills programs.
LAUR
Laureate Education Inc is an international community of universities. The company provides higher education programs and services to students through an international network of licensed universities and higher education institutions. Its geographical segments include Peru and Mexico.
Laureate Education matters in the Education sector as a leading provider of higher education through its international network of universities in emerging markets like Peru and Mexico, addressing the growing demand for accessible tertiary education in these regions. This positions the company to capitalize on demographic trends and economic development in Latin America, enhancing educational outcomes and workforce readiness.
Laureate's 12.9% profit margin reflects efficient cost management and strong revenue conversion into earnings, indicating a healthy ability to generate profits in a competitive sector. Additionally, the 20.4% ROE demonstrates effective use of shareholders' equity to drive returns, underscoring the company's solid financial health and operational efficiency.
Laureate's 8.6% revenue growth highlights its potential for continued expansion in high-demand markets like Peru and Mexico, driven by increasing enrollment and digital education trends, making it an attractive buy by 2026. The P/E ratio of 24.7 suggests the stock is reasonably priced relative to its earnings growth, offering upside for investors in a sector resilient to economic fluctuations. Furthermore, with a Tradestie Score of 57.3, the company presents a balanced opportunity for moderate returns amid global education recovery and market penetration strategies.
LGCY
Legacy Education Inc is engaged in career-focused, post-secondary education services to students at all stages of adult life, from recent high school graduates to working parents.
Legacy Education Inc. matters in the Education sector by offering career-focused, post-secondary education tailored to diverse adult learners, from recent high school graduates to working parents, addressing the rising demand for flexible and practical skills training in a competitive job market.
Legacy Education's 11.0% profit margin and 20.0% return on equity indicate strong profitability and efficient use of equity, reflecting a healthy financial position. Additionally, the company's 38.5% revenue growth demonstrates robust expansion, supported by a Tradestie Score of 57.3, suggesting moderate overall investment appeal.
Investors should consider buying LGCY stock in 2026 given its 38.5% revenue growth, which signals strong potential for continued market expansion in the education sector. The 20.0% ROE underscores efficient management and high returns on equity investments, while the 19.2 P/E ratio positions it as a reasonably valued opportunity amid increasing demand for career-oriented education. This combination of metrics and sector trends makes LGCY a compelling choice for long-term growth.
GHC
Graham Holdings Co. is a diversified education and media company made up of subsidiaries. Firm operations include educational services; television broadcasting; online, print, and local news; home health and hospice care; and manufacturing. The Company segments into the following seven reportable segments: Kaplan International, Higher Education, Supplemental Education, Television Broadcasting, Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Automotive. The majority of revenue comes from …
Graham Holdings Company matters in the Education sector as a diversified leader with subsidiaries providing educational services, which integrate with its media and broadcasting operations to enhance learning technologies and content delivery. This positions GHC as a key innovator in blending education with digital media, addressing evolving demands for accessible and comprehensive educational resources.
Graham Holdings exhibits strong profitability with a 14.9% profit margin and a 17.0% ROE, indicating efficient operations and effective equity utilization. Its 5.9% revenue growth and a low P/E ratio of 6.6 further suggest financial stability and potential undervaluation, supported by a Tradestie Score of 56.6 that reflects moderate overall investment appeal.
Investors should consider buying GHC stock in 2026 due to its undervalued P/E ratio of 6.6, which offers significant upside potential as the education sector expands with digital advancements. The company's solid 17.0% ROE and 5.9% revenue growth demonstrate sustained profitability and resilience, positioning it for gains from increasing demand in online education and media integration. Additionally, GHC's diversification into education and related services could capitalize on post-pandemic trends, driving long-term value by 2026.
APEI
American Public Education Inc provides online and campus based postsecondary education including various undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The fields of study include business administration, health science, technology, criminal justice, education, liberal arts, national security, military studies, intelligence, and homeland security. There are three reporting segments: the American Public University segment which is the key revenue generator; the Rasmussen University …
American Public Education Inc. (APEI) stands out in the Education sector for its comprehensive online and campus-based programs in high-demand fields such as health science, technology, and national security, particularly serving military personnel and working adults, which addresses growing needs for flexible education options.
APEI's profit margin of 4.9% indicates moderate profitability in a competitive sector, while its ROE of 11.2% reflects efficient equity utilization for returns, supported by a 6.6% revenue growth that signals ongoing financial health despite a P/E ratio of 27.6 suggesting a relatively high valuation.
APEI's 6.6% revenue growth demonstrates potential for continued expansion in the online education market, especially with rising demand for programs in technology and health science by 2026. The company's ROE of 11.2% highlights strong financial efficiency, which could translate to increased shareholder value amid sector recovery. Furthermore, as a provider catering to military and national security fields, APEI is poised to benefit from government and institutional partnerships in a post-pandemic educational landscape.
Methodology
Stocks are ranked using the Tradestie Score, a proprietary 0-100 rating that combines fundamental quality (profitability, balance sheet strength), growth metrics (revenue and earnings growth), valuation (P/E, PEG ratio), and momentum factors. Scores are updated daily based on the latest market data. Learn more about our methodology.