Perdoceo Education to Acquire South University for $140M
Perdoceo Education, a for-profit education company, plans to acquire South University in a deal valued at up to $196 million. The transaction includes an initial cash payment of between $130 and $140 million, with potential additional payments based on future earnings performance over the next three years. Both boards have approved the acquisition, which is expected to close as early as April 2027 after regulatory approvals are secured. South University brings graduate programs in health sciences such as physician assistant studies, anesthesiology, and nursing, along with a pharmacy doctorate program. The university currently serves approximately 10,500 students across its southern U.S. campuses and online platforms. Perdoceo aims to invest in South's clinical placements, faculty development, and instructional technology post-acquisition. The deal marks the fourth change of ownership for South University within a decade. Previously owned by Education Principle Foundation since 2019, it was acquired from Dream Center Education Holdings (DCEH), which faced severe financial distress following its purchase in 2017.
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