Strategic Education Management
Management criteria checks 4/4
Strategic Education's CEO is Karl McDonnell, appointed in Jan 2006, has a tenure of 20.33 years. total yearly compensation is $5.67M, comprised of 17.9% salary and 82.1% bonuses, including company stock and options. directly owns 0.71% of the company’s shares, worth $12.75M. The average tenure of the management team and the board of directors is 9.5 years and 6.4 years respectively.
Key information
Karl McDonnell
Chief executive officer
US$5.7m
Total compensation
| CEO salary percentage | 17.95% |
| CEO tenure | 20.3yrs |
| CEO ownership | 0.7% |
| Management average tenure | 9.5yrs |
| Board average tenure | 6.4yrs |
Recent management updates
Recent updates
Narrative Update • Apr 27
STRA: AI Efficiencies And Cost Controls Will Support Future Margin Expansion
Narrative Update on Strategic Education The updated analyst price target for Strategic Education moves to $87 from $95, as analysts factor in softer enrollment trends highlighted in recent research while also acknowledging cost efficiencies and AI-driven margin support. These factors are reflected in slightly revised growth, profitability, discount rate, and future P/E assumptions.Seeking Alpha • Apr 14
Strategic Education: Moving To The Sidelines Following Read-Through From Phoenix Education Partners Customer Acquisition Issues
Summary I have sold my shares in Strategic Education due to rising concerns over AI-driven disruption of SEO-dependent customer acquisition channels. STRA's recent outperformance in 2025, particularly in the ETS segment, makes my prior thesis of 2026 revenue acceleration less compelling. AI large language models threaten to increase customer acquisition costs, potentially pressuring margins for businesses reliant on organic and paid search. Despite management's strong execution and cost-saving measures, lack of transparency on lead generation mix and channel efficiency limits my conviction in STRA. Read the full article on Seeking AlphaNarrative Update • Apr 10
STRA: Cost Controls And AI Efficiencies Will Support Future Earnings Power
Narrative Update on Strategic Education The Street’s price target on Strategic Education has shifted to $95 from $105, with analysts pointing to a mixed Q4 that combined steeper than expected US enrollment declines with EBITDA support from cost cutting and AI-driven efficiencies. Analyst Commentary Recent research highlights a mixed setup for Strategic Education, with analysts weighing enrollment pressure in the US against cost actions and AI-driven efficiencies that supported EBITDA in Q4.Narrative Update • Mar 27
STRA: Cost Controls And AI Efficiencies Will Support Stronger Future Margins
Analysts have trimmed their price target on Strategic Education to $95 from $105, reflecting updated views on fair value after a mixed Q4 in which weaker than expected US enrollment offset EBITDA support from cost cutting and AI driven efficiencies, along with a lower assumed future P/E multiple and revised margin and growth assumptions. Analyst Commentary Bullish Takeaways Bullish analysts see the EBITDA outperformance in Q4, supported by cost cutting and AI driven efficiencies, as evidence that management can protect profitability even when enrollment trends are not favorable.Analysis Article • Jan 05
Investors Holding Back On Strategic Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRA)
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 16x Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ) may be sending bullish...Analysis Article • Nov 20
Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Has Affirmed Its Dividend Of $0.60
Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.60 per share on the 8th of...Analysis Article • Nov 13
There May Be Some Bright Spots In Strategic Education's (NASDAQ:STRA) Earnings
The market was pleased with the recent earnings report from Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ), despite the...Narrative Update • Nov 05
STRA: Future Technology And AI Efficiencies Will Drive Improved Operating Margins
Analysts have increased their price target for Strategic Education from $88 to $94 per share, citing stronger growth at Capella, ongoing investments, and expectations for improved operating margins as a result of technology efficiencies. Analyst Commentary Recent analyst updates reflect evolving perspectives on Strategic Education's performance and prospects.Narrative Update • Oct 22
Analyst Commentary Highlights Growth Prospects and Valuation Stability for Strategic Education
Narrative Update on Strategic Education Analysts have increased their price target for Strategic Education from $88 to $94, citing stronger growth in Capella from targeted investments and employer enrollments. They also noted anticipated benefits from regulatory changes and operational efficiencies.Narrative Update • Oct 08
Best Buy's All-Inclusive Degree Program Will Attract Future Students
Analysts have slightly increased their price target for Strategic Education, raising it to $94 from $88. They cite stronger growth at Capella, expected benefits from technology efficiencies, and a positive outlook on regulatory developments.Analysis Article • Jun 21
A Piece Of The Puzzle Missing From Strategic Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:STRA) Share Price
With a median price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of close to 18x in the United States, you could be forgiven for...Analysis Article • Mar 02
Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Has Announced A Dividend Of $0.60
Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ) will pay a dividend of $0.60 on the 17th of March. The dividend yield will be...Analysis Article • Feb 25
Getting In Cheap On Strategic Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRA) Is Unlikely
There wouldn't be many who think Strategic Education, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:STRA ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of...Analysis Article • Nov 11
Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Is Due To Pay A Dividend Of $0.60
Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.60 per share on the 9th of...Analysis Article • Nov 07
Here's Why Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Has Caught The Eye Of Investors
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to...Analysis Article • Oct 22
Investor Optimism Abounds Strategic Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRA) But Growth Is Lacking
There wouldn't be many who think Strategic Education, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:STRA ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of...Analysis Article • Sep 27
Strategic Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:STRA) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 65% Above Its Share Price
Key Insights The projected fair value for Strategic Education is US$150 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity...
New Narrative • Sep 10
Strategic Partnerships And EdTech Growth Propel Company To New Heights
Strengthening of strategic corporate partnerships is expected to lead to sustained revenue growth by expanding the customer base and increasing course enrollments.Analysis Article • Sep 07
We Think Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Can Manage Its Debt With Ease
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Analysis Article • Aug 03
Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Is Due To Pay A Dividend Of $0.60
The board of Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.60 per share on...Analysis Article • Jul 15
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Strategic Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:STRA) P/E
With a price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 26.7x Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ) may be sending very...Analysis Article • Jun 29
Here's Why We Think Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Might Deserve Your Attention Today
For beginners, it can seem like a good idea (and an exciting prospect) to buy a company that tells a good story to...Analysis Article • May 13
Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Has A Rock Solid Balance Sheet
The external fund manager backed by Berkshire Hathaway's Charlie Munger, Li Lu, makes no bones about it when he says...Analysis Article • Apr 04
Why Investors Shouldn't Be Surprised By Strategic Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:STRA) P/E
Strategic Education, Inc.'s ( NASDAQ:STRA ) price-to-earnings (or "P/E") ratio of 35.6x might make it look like a...Analysis Article • Mar 03
Strategic Education, Inc. Just Beat Earnings Expectations: Here's What Analysts Think Will Happen Next
It's been a pretty great week for Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ) shareholders, with its shares surging 14...Analysis Article • Jan 03
Strategic Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRA) Not Lagging Market On Growth Or Pricing
When close to half the companies in the United States have price-to-earnings ratios (or "P/E's") below 16x, you may...Analysis Article • Dec 12
Are Investors Undervaluing Strategic Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:STRA) By 44%?
Key Insights Strategic Education's estimated fair value is US$164 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current...Analysis Article • Oct 30
Here's Why Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Can Manage Its Debt Responsibly
Warren Buffett famously said, 'Volatility is far from synonymous with risk.' So it might be obvious that you need to...Analysis Article • Aug 28
Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Has Affirmed Its Dividend Of $0.60
The board of Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ) has announced that it will pay a dividend of $0.60 per share on...Analysis Article • Aug 22
Strategic Education, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:STRA) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 67% Above Its Share Price
Key Insights The projected fair value for Strategic Education is US$131 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity...Analysis Article • Jul 30
Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Is Due To Pay A Dividend Of $0.60
The board of Strategic Education, Inc. ( NASDAQ:STRA ) has announced that it will pay a dividend on the 11th of...Analysis Article • Jul 19
These 4 Measures Indicate That Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) Is Using Debt Reasonably Well
David Iben put it well when he said, 'Volatility is not a risk we care about. What we care about is avoiding the...CEO Compensation Analysis
| Date | Total Compensation | Salary | Company Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 31 2026 | n/a | n/a | US$130m |
| Dec 31 2025 | US$6m | US$1m | US$127m |
| Sep 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$114m |
| Jun 30 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$115m |
| Mar 31 2025 | n/a | n/a | US$113m |
| Dec 31 2024 | US$5m | US$990k | US$113m |
| Sep 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$126m |
| Jun 30 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$117m |
| Mar 31 2024 | n/a | n/a | US$102m |
| Dec 31 2023 | US$5m | US$961k | US$70m |
| Sep 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$49m |
| Jun 30 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$37m |
| Mar 31 2023 | n/a | n/a | US$38m |
| Dec 31 2022 | US$5m | US$933k | US$47m |
| Sep 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$50m |
| Jun 30 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$48m |
| Mar 31 2022 | n/a | n/a | US$53m |
| Dec 31 2021 | US$6m | US$906k | US$55m |
| Sep 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$39m |
| Jun 30 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$46m |
| Mar 31 2021 | n/a | n/a | US$61m |
| Dec 31 2020 | US$5m | US$880k | US$86m |
| Sep 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$109m |
| Jun 30 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$115m |
| Mar 31 2020 | n/a | n/a | US$105m |
| Dec 31 2019 | US$7m | US$840k | US$81m |
Compensation vs Market: Karl's total compensation ($USD5.67M) is about average for companies of similar size in the US market ($USD5.47M).
Compensation vs Earnings: Karl's compensation has been consistent with company performance over the past year.
CEO
Karl McDonnell (59 yo)
20.3yrs
Tenure
US$5,672,067
Compensation
Mr. Karl McDonnell was Director of Think: Education Group Pty Ltd in 2011 until March 2025. Mr. He has been Chief Executive Officer at Strategic Education, Inc. May 2, 2013 and serves as its President sinc...
Leadership Team
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 20.3yrs | US$5.67m | 0.71% $ 12.7m | |
| Executive VP | 11.2yrs | US$3.30m | 0.45% $ 8.0m | |
| Senior VP | 7.8yrs | US$1.95m | 0.25% $ 4.5m | |
| Senior VP & Chief Human Resources Officer | 7.8yrs | US$1.95m | 0.30% $ 5.4m | |
| Senior VP | 5.2yrs | no data | 0.12% $ 2.1m | |
| Director of Investor Relations | no data | no data | no data | |
| President Emerita and Director of Accreditation & Regulatory Affairs - Strayer University | 14.6yrs | US$799.80k | no data | |
| President of U.S. Higher Education | no data | US$1.78m | no data | |
| President of Education Technology Services | no data | no data | no data | |
| Vice-Chancellor of Torrens University Australia | no data | no data | no data | |
| President of Strayer University | no data | no data | no data | |
| President of Torrens University Australia | no data | no data | no data |
9.5yrs
Average Tenure
52yo
Average Age
Experienced Management: STRA's management team is seasoned and experienced (9.5 years average tenure).
Board Members
| Name | Position | Tenure | Compensation | Ownership |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President | 14.5yrs | US$5.67m | 0.71% $ 12.7m | |
| Independent Director | 25.3yrs | US$200.00k | 0.051% $ 912.7k | |
| Chairman | 25.2yrs | US$4.12m | 1.43% $ 25.6m | |
| Independent Director | 29.8yrs | US$215.00k | 0.075% $ 1.3m | |
| Independent Director | 29.8yrs | US$275.00k | 0.11% $ 1.9m | |
| Independent Director | 7.8yrs | US$210.00k | 0.063% $ 1.1m | |
| Presiding Lead Independent Director | 2.7yrs | US$220.00k | 0.11% $ 2.0m | |
| Independent Director | 4.8yrs | US$280.00k | 0.041% $ 727.1k | |
| Independent Director | 1.1yrs | US$180.00k | 0.013% $ 235.3k | |
| Independent Director | 2.1yrs | US$200.00k | 0.023% $ 407.7k | |
| Independent Director | 3.7yrs | US$305.00k | 0.054% $ 974.6k | |
| Independent Director | 5.1yrs | US$205.00k | 0.035% $ 626.6k |
6.4yrs
Average Tenure
63yo
Average Age
Experienced Board: STRA's board of directors are considered experienced (6.4 years average tenure).
Company Analysis and Financial Data Status
| Data | Last Updated (UTC time) |
|---|---|
| Company Analysis | 2026/05/11 03:10 |
| End of Day Share Price | 2026/05/11 00:00 |
| Earnings | 2026/03/31 |
| Annual Earnings | 2025/12/31 |
Data Sources
The data used in our company analysis is from S&P Global Market Intelligence LLC. The following data is used in our analysis model to generate this report. Data is normalised which can introduce a delay from the source being available.
| Package | Data | Timeframe | Example US Source * |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company Financials | 10 years |
| |
| Analyst Consensus Estimates | +3 years |
|
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| Market Prices | 30 years |
| |
| Ownership | 10 years |
| |
| Management | 10 years |
| |
| Key Developments | 10 years |
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* Example for US securities, for non-US equivalent regulatory forms and sources are used.
Unless specified all financial data is based on a yearly period but updated quarterly. This is known as Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) or Last Twelve Month (LTM) Data. Learn more.
Analysis Model and Snowflake
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Industry and Sector Metrics
Our industry and section metrics are calculated every 6 hours by Simply Wall St, details of our process are available on Github.
Analyst Sources
Strategic Education, Inc. is covered by 21 analysts. 3 of those analysts submitted the estimates of revenue or earnings used as inputs to our report. Analysts submissions are updated throughout the day.
| Analyst | Institution |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Meuler | Baird |
| Gary Bisbee | Barclays |
| Alexander Paris | Barrington Research Associates, Inc. |