Earnings results often indicate what direction a company will take in the months ahead. With Q4 now behind us, let’s have a look at Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) and its peers.

A whole industry has emerged to address the problem of rising education costs, offering consumers alternatives to traditional education paths such as four-year colleges. These alternative paths, which may include online courses or flexible schedules, make education more accessible to those with work or child-rearing obligations. However, some have run into issues around the value of the degrees and certifications they provide and whether customers are getting a good deal. Those who don’t prove their value could struggle to retain students, or even worse, invite the heavy hand of regulation.

The 6 education services stocks we track reported a very strong Q4; on average, revenues beat analyst consensus estimates by 3.1%. while next quarter's revenue guidance was 2% above consensus. Investors abandoned cash-burning companies to buy stocks with higher margins of safety, but education services stocks held their ground better than others, with the share prices up 6.4% on average since the previous earnings results.

Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA)

Formed through the merger of Strayer Education and Capella Education in 2018, Strategic Education (NASDAQ:STRA) is a career-focused higher education provider.

Strategic Education reported revenues of $302.7 million, up 12.1% year on year, topping analyst expectations by 1.8%. It was an impressive quarter for the company, with a decentbeat of analysts' earnings estimates.

“During 2023, we delivered strong enrollment, revenue, and earnings growth and are proud of the organization’s ongoing commitment to the success of our students,” said Karl McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Education.

The stock is up 9.6% since the results and currently trades at $104.41.

Is now the time to buy Strategic Education? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free.

Best Q4: Universal Technical Institute (NYSE:UTI)

Founded in 1965, Universal Technical Institute (NYSE: UTI) is a leading provider of technical training programs, specializing in automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, and marine technicians.

Universal Technical Institute reported revenues of $174.7 million, up 45.6% year on year, outperforming analyst expectations by 3.8%. It was an exceptional quarter for the company, with an impressive beat of analysts' revenue and estimates.

Universal Technical Institute pulled off the fastest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is up 5.4% since the results and currently trades at $15.48.

Is now the time to buy Universal Technical Institute? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it's free.

Weakest Q4: Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ:LOPE)

Founded in 1949, Grand Canyon Education (NASDAQ:LOPE) is an educational services provider known for its operation at Grand Canyon University.

Grand Canyon Education reported revenues of $278.3 million, up 7.6% year on year, exceeding analyst expectations by 1.1%. It was a mixed quarter for the company, with revenue and EPS coming in higher than Wall Street's estimates, driven by a beat in its enrolled students and an increase in its average revenue per student.

Grand Canyon Education had the weakest performance against analyst estimates and weakest full-year guidance update in the group. The stock is down 0.3% since the results and currently trades at $130.01.

Read our full analysis of Grand Canyon Education's results here.

Lincoln Educational (NASDAQ:LINC)

Established in 1946, Lincoln Educational (NASDAQ:LINC) is a provider of specialized technical training in the United States, offering career-oriented programs to provide practical skills required in the workforce.

Lincoln Educational reported revenues of $102.5 million, up 11.7% year on year, surpassing analyst expectations by 6.6%. It was a solid quarter for the company, with full-year revenue guidance exceeding analysts' expectations and an impressive beat of analysts' revenue estimates.

Lincoln Educational delivered the biggest analyst estimates beat and highest full-year guidance raise among its peers. The stock is up 4% since the results and currently trades at $10.13.

Read our full, actionable report on Lincoln Educational here, it's free.

Bright Horizons (NYSE:BFAM)

Founded in 1986, Bright Horizons (NYSE:BFAM) is a global provider of child care, early education, and workforce support solutions.

Bright Horizons reported revenues of $615.6 million, up 16.3% year on year, surpassing analyst expectations by 4.1%. It was a solid quarter for the company, with full-year revenue guidance exceeding analysts' expectations.

The stock is up 17.4% since the results and currently trades at $112.57.

Read our full, actionable report on Bright Horizons here, it's free.

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