Perdoceo to Buy South University Savannah for Up to $150 Million
The all-cash purchase is expected to firm up the education company’s graduate health sciences portfolio as early as April 2027.
Perdoceo Education Corporation (PRDO) agreed to acquire South University Savannah, LLC in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $130 million to $150 million at closing.
The postsecondary education provider said the transaction is expected to close as early as April 2027. Once completed, the acquisition will firmly establish Perdoceo’s graduate health sciences offerings and further extend the breadth and depth of its academic program offerings.
Todd Nelson, president and chief executive officer, said South University has spent more than a century preparing students for in-demand careers. He said the company intends to invest in clinical capacity and academic and student support services, and to advance transformational initiatives that it believes will further enhance student experiences and academic outcomes at South University.
The deal follows Perdoceo’s December 2024 acquisition of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences, or USAHS, which prepares medical professionals through graduate health sciences degree offerings in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy and nursing, as well as continuing education programs. South University Savannah would add another graduate health sciences campus to that footprint.
Perdoceo’s other institutions, Chamberlain University and Argosy University, focus on personalized learning technologies such as the intellipath learning platform and on data analytics to serve students. The company’s stated mission is to close the gap between learners seeking career advancement and employers and communities needing a qualified workforce.
For the full year ended December 31, 2025, Perdoceo reported revenue of $846.1 million, up 24.2% from $681.3 million a year earlier. Operating income rose 12.5% to $196.0 million, and adjusted operating income increased 25.8% to $237.6 million. Diluted earnings were $2.42 a share, compared with $2.19 a year earlier.
The company ended 2025 with $643.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and available-for-sale short-term investments. Nelson said Perdoceo will continue to maintain a balanced approach to capital allocation and expects positive operating momentum to continue into 2026.
The South University Savannah purchase is cash-only, with no stock consideration disclosed. The company will invest in clinical capacity and student support at the acquired campus after closing.