American Campus Communities

American Campus Communities

Student housing REIT owner and manager

Overview

American Campus Communities is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on student housing in the United States. It develops, owns, and manages purpose-built communities near colleges and universities to house student residents. Its product is rental housing for students, offering properties with amenities and community spaces designed to cater to college life. The company acquires or builds properties, then leases units to students, generating income from rent and fees. The business differs from general landlords by concentrating on the student segment, operating purpose-built housing, and providing on-site management and services that support a student-friendly living environment. The goal is to provide reliable, well-managed housing options for students while delivering steady rental income and value for investors.

About American Campus Communities

Simplify's Rating
Why American Campus Communities is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Real Estate

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Austin, Texas

Founded

1993

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Northeastern broke ground February 2026 on ACC's largest 1,200-bed equity project.
  • TCU topped out July 31, 2026 on ACC's 2,200-bed campus redevelopment.
  • ACC opened leasing July 2026 for Crest on University near UCF, 898 beds.

What critics are saying

  • TCU, UMass Amherst, and Northeastern depend on lengthy approvals and phased delivery.
  • ACC's lease-language litigation history invites copycat tenant claims and compliance costs.
  • Universities can internalize housing development, erasing ACC's pipeline within one contract cycle.

What makes American Campus Communities unique

  • ACC controls Blackstone-backed on-campus partnerships at Northeastern, UMass, TCU.
  • ACC mixes housing, study, and wellness spaces, not commodity off-campus apartments.
  • ACC's national scale spans nearly 140,000 students across purpose-built university communities.

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Benefits

Flexible Work Hours

Company News

Student Housing Business
Aug 18th, 2026
ACC, Texas Christian University top out 2,200-bed residence hall development.

ACC, Texas Christian University top out 2,200-bed residence hall development. August 18, 2026 Fort Worth, Texas - A public-private partnership between American Campus Communities (ACC) and Texas Christian University has topped out construction on a 2,200-bed residence hall project on the institution's campus in Fort Worth. The community - which is expected for completion in fall 2027 - will offer a mix of pod-style housing for first-year students and townhome-style units for sophomores. The property will also feature academic support spaces, flexible study zones, shared lounges, outdoor courtyards and wellness-focused amenities. The development team for the project includes The Beck Group and Robert A.M. Stern Architects.

American Campus Communities
Aug 4th, 2026
American Campus Communities wins 2026 Sustainability award.

American Campus Communities wins 2026 Sustainability award. Recognition honors organizations, products, teams, and individuals delivering measurable progress in sustainability. AUSTIN, Texas, August 4, 2026 - American Campus Communities today announced it has been named a winner in the Sustainability Leadership Award (Organization) category of the 2026 Sustainability Awards. Presented by the Business Intelligence Group, the award recognizes organizations, products, teams, and individuals turning sustainability commitments into real, measurable results. The 2026 Sustainability Awards honor achievement across a broad range of industries and use cases, spotlighting the companies and leaders moving sustainability beyond commitments and into practical, accountable results. This year's program recognized 63 winners across nine categories and eight countries. American Campus Communities was recognized for its companywide approach to integrating sustainability into student housing operations across approximately 165 communities. Through emissions tracking, utility data management, renewable energy purchasing, targeted efficiency investments, green building standards and resident education, the company is working to reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency and strengthen accountability across its portfolio. "American Campus Communities shows that sustainability at scale requires consistency, not just ambition. Applying emissions tracking, renewable energy purchasing, and green building standards across roughly 165 communities is exactly the kind of operational discipline that turns environmental goals into everyday practice for students," said Russ Fordyce, Chief Recognition Officer, Business Intelligence Group "We are honored to be recognized by the 2026 Sustainability Awards in the Sustainability Leadership Award category," said Rob Palleschi, CEO of American Campus Communities. "This reflects the dedication of our team, the trust of our customers and partners, and our commitment to building sustainability programs that create real outcomes, not just headlines. We believe the future belongs to organizations that can pair ambition with accountability, and we are proud to be part of that movement." The Sustainability Awards celebrate the organizations and individuals leading the next phase of sustainable business, where progress is judged not just by intent, but by impact. Winners are selected based on how effectively they are advancing environmental and social outcomes, reducing risk, and moving their industries forward. About American Campus communitiesabout American Campus Communities. American Campus Communities is the nation's largest developer, owner, and manager of premium student housing communities throughout the United States. With extensive experience in design, finance, development, construction management, and operational oversight, the company has facilitated over 115 public-private partnership (P3) transactions at 65 colleges and universities nationwide. Visit www.americancampus.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on the latest student housing news. About the Sustainability Awards. The Sustainability Awards recognize organizations, products, teams, and individuals leading the way in environmental and social responsibility. The program evaluates achievement across a wide range of industries and geographies, celebrating initiatives that turn sustainability commitments into measurable, verified outcomes. Judged by a panel of experienced business executives who provide transparent feedback and detailed scoring, the awards honor those proving that sustainability and business performance can advance together. About Business Intelligence groupabout Business Intelligence Group. Business Intelligence Group (BIG) is an independent awards organization that has been recognizing outstanding achievement in business since 2012. Now in its 14th awards season, BIG operates 12 annual programs spanning innovation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, customer service, cloud computing, sustainability, sales and marketing, workplace culture, and women's leadership. Business award programs include the BIG Innovation Awards, AI Excellence Awards, Fortress Cyber Security Awards, Excellence in Customer Service Awards, Stratus Awards for Cloud Computing, Sustainability Awards, SAMMY Awards for Sales and Marketing, Best Places to Work Awards, Herizon Awards, American Campus Communities Love Tech Awards, NAA Top Employers Award, and BIG Awards for Business. Unlike popularity contests, BIG programs use professional judging panels and objective scoring benchmarks to identify organizations, products, and individuals making real, measurable impact. Winners receive a complete promotional toolkit, including blockchain-verified credentials, press release support, social media assets, and featured placement across BIG's global community of more than one million business professionals.

American Campus Communities
Jun 1st, 2026
American Campus Communities named to Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ 2026 list.

American Campus Communities named to Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ 2026 list. AUSTIN, Texas, June, 2026 - American Campus Communities (ACC), the nation's largest developer, owner and manager of student housing communities, has been named to Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ 2026 list. Presented by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group, the recognition highlights employers that foster inclusive workplace cultures and strong employee experiences. The ranking is based on over 994,000 company reviews - including more than 72,000 from LGBTQ+ employees - combined with desk research on public commitments, Corporate Equality Index listings, and published diversity and inclusion reports. "We are honored to be recognized by Newsweek as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for LGBTQ+ 2026," said Michel Weathers, senior vice president of human resources at American Campus Communities. "As we celebrate Pride Month, this recognition reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel empowered to be themselves and know they belong. At ACC, we strive to foster an environment where employees can build meaningful careers, support one another and make an impact." Across its corporate office and communities nationwide, ACC is focused on creating an environment where employees can grow professionally, build meaningful connections and contribute to a shared mission of supporting student success. The company's culture is grounded in collaboration, professional development and creating opportunities for employees to make an impact. This recognition reflects ACC's broader commitment to building a people-first workplace where employees can grow, contribute and succeed while helping create communities where students live successfully. About American Campus Communities. American Campus Communities is the nation's largest developer, owner, and manager of premium student housing communities throughout the United States. With extensive experience in design, finance, development, construction management, and operational oversight, the company has facilitated over 115 public-private partnership (P3) transactions at 65 colleges and universities nationwide. Visit www.americancampus.com and follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X to stay up to date on the latest student housing news.

Student Housing Business
Mar 29th, 2026
ACC names Chelsea Bennett vice president, public-private partnerships and business development.

ACC names Chelsea Bennett vice president, public-private partnerships and business development. March 29, 2026 Austin, Texas - American Campus Communities (ACC) has named Chelsea Bennett to the role of vice president of public-private partnerships and business development. She joins the Austin, Texas-based firm with nearly 15 years of experience in higher education. Bennett previously served as vice president of advisory services with The Scion Group.

Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Mar 20th, 2026
TCU is getting a Chipotle, along with other retailers, in West Berry expansion.

TCU is getting a Chipotle, along with other retailers, in West Berry expansion. March 20, 2026 2:35 PM Gift Article A new Chipotle is coming to TCU's campus as a part of a $500 million campus expansion that will add 3,200 beds to campus housing. The project is part of the partnership between TCU and Endeavor Real Estate Group- an Austin developer firm responsible for sites like The Domain and Saltillo. Shane Hesson, principal of Endeavor Real Estate Group, told the Star-Telegram that Chipotle will be one of four retailers going into the Morado on Berry development. Endeavor hopes to open the Morado on Berry with student housing in fall 2027. What is Morado on Berry? Morado on Berry is an $82.9 million mixed-use project, responsible for the addition of 780 student beds and 25,000 square feet of street-level retail space. Construction has already begun at the northeast corner of University Drive and Berry Street. Morado will be between the TCU Campus store and other student housing apartments, Molly Reid Hall (formerly known as Grandmarc Westberry Place). About 18,000 square feet of ground-level retail space will span West Berry Street and Cockrell Avenue, with an option for a restaurant with a large patio. Morado's parking garage will also have 175 spots for retail customers. What other retailers will be in Morado on Berry? Hesson said in about two months Endeavor and TCU will have more retail tenants squared away. What is certain is that Chipotle will be one of them. In previous reporting from the Star-Telegram, Jake Newman, another principal at Endeavor, said retail tenants will be businesses that appeal to the surrounding neighborhoods of TCU. The majority of them will be food- and beverage-focused. More about TCU's $500 million expansion. In addition to Morado on Berry by Endeavor Real Estate Group, TCU has also partnered with American Campus Communities to build an additional six housing facilities (or another 2,450 beds). The 1.2 million square feet of new housing will be on the east side of campus. Five of the new dorms will be located between West Cantey and West Bowie streets. This project will cost approximately $280 million. By the start of the 2028-29 academic school year, TCU also plans to renovate the 78-years-old Ed Landreth Hall and Auditorium along South University Drive and add classroom space to the building. At least 25 new buildings are planned to be added to TCU campus. The $500 million plan will also transform West Berry into a "walkable urban district" with residential and commercial offerings. May 30, 2025 5:28 AM June 7, 2025 5:30 AM Fort Worth Star-Telegram Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.

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