Despite tepid growth at best in average enrollment figures for post-secondary schools, the US institutional student housing market is poised to remain a steady option for real estate investors, according to a new report from the National Multifamily Housing Council. 

NMHC estimates the student housing market will grow from 8.5 million beds last year to 9.2 million by 2031, accounting for an average annual increase of 0.8% per year, while enrollment in post-secondary schools will increase annually by 1.1% on average. Most of that growth, according to NMHC, will occur in public four-year universities.  Demand in public four-year universities will likely be concentrated on the undergraduate side, while private colleges will see demand focus on graduate student housing.

"Even in the face of a more challenging demographic environment, there will still be pockets of opportunity for the more discerning investor," the report notes.