Laureate Boosts Enrollment via Adult Learner Target at UPC and UPN

Laureate Education, Inc. Reported a 15% increase in reported revenue for the first quarter of 2026, totaling $272.6 million. The company, which operates higher education institutions including Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) and Universidad Privada del Norte (UPN) in Peru, attributed the growth to higher enrollments and foreign exchange impacts.

According to financial results released on April 30, 2026, the company saw new enrollments rise by 9% compared to the first quarter of 2025, while total enrollments increased by 6% over the same period.

Growth in the Peruvian Market

The company highlighted significant momentum in Peru, where enrollments grew by double digits. This growth was driven largely by a strategic focus on working adults and the expansion of online education modalities.

Reporting from Gestión indicates that the target market of working adults was a key factor in the enrollment surge. This demographic has increasingly sought flexible, online learning options to balance professional responsibilities with academic advancement.

Laureate’s operational footprint in Peru continues to expand through both digital and physical infrastructure. The company’s plans for the region include the development of a new UPN campus in Lima Sur to meet growing demand for higher education in that area.

Financial Performance and Guidance

While revenue rose from $236.2 million in the first quarter of 2025 to $272.6 million in the first quarter of 2026, the company faced challenges regarding profitability. SEC filings indicate that the operating loss for the period deepened due to higher costs.

Despite the wider loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, Laureate Education increased its full-year 2026 adjusted earnings per share guidance, signaling confidence in its long-term growth trajectory and the performance of its institutions in Mexico and Peru.

The company’s current strategy emphasizes the scaling of online programs and the integration of specialized educational services, such as those provided by Cibertec, to diversify its academic offerings and capture a broader segment of the adult learner market.

Strategic Focus on Adult Education

The shift toward adult learners represents a broader trend in the higher education sector, where traditional undergraduate models are being supplemented by lifelong learning and professional certification programs.

By leveraging online platforms, Laureate has reduced the barriers to entry for students who cannot attend traditional on-campus classes. This approach has allowed UPN and UPC to capture a larger share of the Peruvian market by offering programs tailored to the schedules and needs of the workforce.

The combination of digital expansion and targeted physical growth, such as the Lima Sur campus, allows the company to maintain a hybrid presence that caters to both traditional students and the growing professional segment.