Flytedesk

$88.8B in back-to-college spending. 3,000 students surveyed. 102 campuses across 29 states. The College 2026 report covers who the 2026 student is, how they spend, and what campus marketing actually moves the needle. Download it free below.

Most back-to-college research tells you students spend a lot. This one tells you when, why, and what actually moves the needle. College 2026 is flytedesk's annual research report - 3,000 students, 102 campuses, 29 states. Read it if you're planning any college marketing in the next 12 months.

Students are up to 2.6x more likely to buy the brand they perceive as most popular on campus. Not the one with the biggest social budget. The one they see around them. We surveyed 3,000 students across 102 campuses to understand how that perception forms , and what brands can do about it. The College 2026 report is the result.

The College 2026 report breaks down exactly when students spend, what drives their decisions, and what campus presence actually does to purchase behavior. Data from 3,000 students across 102 campuses.

Our research shows that students are up to 2.6x more likely to choose brands they see actively embraced by peers on campus rather than ones just shouting from afar. The College 2026 Report reveals actionable strategies based on feedback from thousands of students across diverse universities—designed to help your brand truly connect where it matters.

Why do some brands resonate deeply with students while others fade away? Dive into the College 2026 Report to uncover actionable insights about what truly drives student purchases. This report isn't just information—it's your key to impactful engagement.