Cardinal Group Shines in Top 25 Managers and Owners in Student Housing Business
DENVER, Colo., Dec. 16, 2025 – Cardinal Group Management (CGM) and Cardinal Group Investments (CGI) were recognized among the nation’s leading student housing operators, earning top placements on the 2025 Student Housing Business (SHB) Top 25 Managers and Owners rankings. Cardinal ranked third among Top 25 Managers and thirteenth among Top 25 Owners.
The recognition caps a year of strong growth and execution across Cardinal’s platform. In 2025, Cardinal surpassed 100,000 beds under management, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing and most trusted operators in student housing.
Growth was driven by strategic acquisitions, innovative technology, and centralized services that enhance performance for clients and residents. Nearly 4,500 of the owned beds added this year came through acquisitions, including more than 350 from the launch of The Cove in Santa Barbara, California, with the expanded portfolio representing over $600 million invested in acquisitions and development.
“We’re proud to be recognized by SHB as we build on a strong year for Cardinal Group,” said Sara Doherty, Senior Director of Business Development. “Through disciplined growth, we’ve become the only third-party manager to achieve 20% organic growth driven by performance. This recognition reflects the dedication of our teams and our commitment to providing exceptional results for clients and residents.”
Cardinal Group Management’s No. 3 ranking reflects its ability to deliver best-in-class resident experiences across more than 40 states through the strategic use of technology and data. The recognition follows a year marked by key milestones and the continued rollout of centralized services supporting consistent, high-quality results for clients and residents.
The SHB Top 25 Managers and Owners survey, conducted annually, evaluates operators based on managed and owned beds, highlighting organizations that demonstrate leadership and scale in the student housing industry.
For more information about the SHB Top 25 Managers and Owners list for 2025, please head to the latest Student Housing Business digital edition.
About Cardinal Group Companies
Cardinal Group Companies (“CGC”) is a fully integrated real estate management, investment, construction, consulting, and marketing firm focused on multifamily and student housing throughout the country. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, CGC affiliate companies are all firmly built atop the company’s “Cardinal Culture.” Since 2007, CGC has been operating successful partnerships, focused on creating efficiency and above-market performance via their commitment to challenging the status quo of the industry. Cardinal Group Companies’ management platform oversees over 110,000 student housing beds and more than 15,000 conventional and affordable housing units nationwide.
To learn more about Cardinal Group Companies, please visit www.CardinalGroup.com.
Media Contact:
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