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US Education & Training Universities - PPC Market Share Analysis August 2026

Leveraging Adthena’s Whole Market View, this analysis explores recent trends in Google Ads for the US Universities category from the last month. Our Data Analyst, Ask Arlo provides commentary on key findings.

Universities – US

Google AI Overview visibility for Education & Training Universities US

See how often AIOs appear and how search intent is distributed across buying signals.

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AIO Frequency

How often a Google AI overview appears on search terms relevant to this category.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 56.906695916
43.093304084
56%

Complex Query Frequency

A complex query is a longer, more detailed search that often contains multiple keywords, specific conditions, or multi-part questions.

Frequency Percentage
Frequency 39
61
39%

Search Intent Distribution

Breakdown of search queries by their underlying goal.

Intent Distribution
Investigational 16%
Transactional 1%
Navigational 6%
Seasonal 0%
Local 2%
Problem Solving 5%

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Market Exposure

Share of Clicks for top 10 US Education & Training Universities brands

Here are the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Clicks for the last month.

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Share of Clicks - Last month
Share of Clicks - Last month
Domain Share of clicks
collegeboard.org 20.5
phoenix.edu 17.96
wgu.edu 8.22
asu.edu 5.52
snhu.edu 4.56
gcu.edu 4.15
capella.edu 2.47
chamberlain.edu 2.27
calacademy.org 1.54
arizona.edu 1.16
others 31.65
  • collegeboard.org - 20.5%
  • phoenix.edu - 17.96%
  • wgu.edu - 8.22%
  • asu.edu - 5.52%
  • snhu.edu - 4.56%
  • gcu.edu - 4.15%
  • capella.edu - 2.47%
  • chamberlain.edu - 2.27%
  • calacademy.org - 1.54%
  • arizona.edu - 1.16%
  • others - 31.65%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In the education sector’s PPC landscape, CollegeBoard.org leads with 20.5% click share, followed by Phoenix.edu at 17.96%. Others collectively hold 31.65%, showcasing diverse competition.

Market Exposure

Share of Spend for the top 10 US Education & Training Universities brands

Curious about your market position? Here you can see the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Spend for the last month. 

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Share of Spend - Last Month
Share of Spend - Last Month
Date asu.edu phoenix.edu snhu.edu capella.edu gcu.edu waldenu.edu chamberlain.edu wgu.edu osu.edu devry.edu
2026/08/01 10.34% 9.21% 6.44% 4.81% 3.58% 2.72% 5.78% 3.26% 0.58% 4.32%
2026/08/02 11.21% 8.88% 6.48% 5.22% 4.32% 3.36% 5.63% 3.2% 0.56% 3.52%
2026/08/03 10.05% 10.63% 6.9% 5.51% 3.94% 3.62% 5.51% 2.64% 0.26% 4.48%
2026/08/04 11.07% 7.63% 5.61% 3.85% 4.3% 3.42% 5.98% 3.59% 0.42% 2.96%
2026/08/05 7.5% 7.36% 6.2% 3.54% 6.26% 2.87% 5.25% 3.59% 0.75% 1.58%
2026/08/06 7.82% 6.95% 5.29% 4.04% 5.44% 2.61% 5.07% 2.48% 1.01% 1.29%
2026/08/07 7.08% 6.64% 6.07% 3.08% 6% 2.6% 5.18% 3.77% 0.86% 1.63%
2026/08/08 7.28% 9.17% 7.24% 3.41% 3.28% 2.88% 6.17% 3.15% 1.6% 0.75%
2026/08/09 6.86% 7.05% 6.65% 2.44% 5.08% 1.79% 4.27% 3.84% 1.91% 0.99%
2026/08/10 8.33% 9.53% 8.15% 4.21% 4.59% 3.26% 5.95% 2.8% 0.95% 2.64%
2026/08/11 7.83% 9.98% 5.87% 3.67% 4.16% 2.73% 6.27% 3.1% 0.96% 1.76%
2026/08/12 6.1% 10.65% 6.97% 3.76% 5.06% 2.5% 6.08% 2.78% 2.05% 1.6%
2026/08/13 6.4% 9.59% 8.57% 3.62% 4.29% 2.87% 5.02% 4.35% 1.46% 1.32%
2026/08/14 5.69% 8.67% 7.19% 3.92% 4.86% 2.97% 5.65% 3.19% 1.24% 1.99%
2026/08/15 5.12% 11.25% 6.62% 2.76% 4.13% 2.73% 4.65% 3.91% 1.79% 1.37%
2026/08/16 5.29% 10.52% 8.24% 2.83% 5.04% 1.97% 3.27% 4.49% 1.53% 1.19%
2026/08/17 5.58% 11.93% 7.12% 4.39% 4.21% 2.22% 4.74% 2.86% 1.4% 2.29%
2026/08/18 5.97% 10.4% 5.75% 2.97% 4.47% 1.94% 4.54% 2.98% 1.63% 1.38%
2026/08/19 6.5% 11.02% 6.38% 4.02% 4.3% 2.19% 4.4% 2.88% 1.61% 1.16%
2026/08/20 5.02% 10.66% 6.43% 4.09% 5.38% 2% 4.02% 2.19% 2% 1.03%
2026/08/21 5.56% 9.85% 6.34% 3.22% 4.55% 2.59% 4.8% 2.99% 2.22% 1.11%
2026/08/22 4.98% 9.44% 6.58% 3.56% 4.5% 3.27% 5% 2.82% 2.2% 0.77%
2026/08/23 5.55% 10.44% 6.42% 2.82% 4.32% 3.13% 4.99% 3.4% 2.09% 0.82%
2026/08/24 5.69% 12.06% 7.09% 3.18% 4.05% 3.12% 3.93% 3.48% 1.7% 1.12%
2026/08/25 7.33% 10.86% 6.06% 3.43% 4.96% 2.89% 5.13% 2.94% 2.05% 1.56%
2026/08/26 7.52% 10.45% 7.42% 3.86% 4.39% 3.04% 5.13% 3.16% 2.27% 1.47%
2026/08/27 9.27% 10.17% 6.76% 3.17% 3.8% 1.65% 4.64% 2.93% 2.01% 1.75%
2026/08/28 8.87% 9.76% 6.62% 4.15% 3.96% 2.25% 4.54% 2.83% 2.31% 1.64%
2026/08/29 9.35% 9.88% 6.36% 4.29% 3.79% 2.94% 4.52% 3.18% 2.05% 1.61%
2026/08/30 11.04% 9.06% 6.03% 4.69% 4.06% 3.01% 4.33% 3.34% 1.89% 1.54%
2026/08/31 10.57% 10.32% 6.3% 5.65% 3.84% 3.14% 2.66% 2.13% 1.92% 1.61%
  • asu.edu
  • phoenix.edu
  • snhu.edu
  • capella.edu
  • gcu.edu
  • waldenu.edu
  • chamberlain.edu
  • wgu.edu
  • osu.edu
  • devry.edu

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In August 2026, ASU.edu’s PPC spend share fluctuated, peaking at 11.21% early, then dipping mid-month, before recovering to 10.57%. Phoenix.edu maintained a steady presence, ending at 10.32%. SNHU.edu and Capella.edu showed moderate stability, while GCU.edu and Waldenu.edu experienced minor fluctuations. Chamberlain.edu’s share decreased towards month-end, and WGU.edu remained consistent. OSU.edu and Devry.edu had minimal impact, with slight variations. Overall, ASU.edu led, with Phoenix.edu closely trailing.

Market Exposure

Competitor Count for US Education & Training Universities

Ever wondered how many competitors you’re up against in your industry? Well look no further, here we can see the number of advertisers bidding over the last month. 

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Competitor Count - Last month
Competitor Count - Last month
Date Competitor Count
2026/08/01 940
2026/08/02 949
2026/08/03 933
2026/08/04 1017
2026/08/05 920
2026/08/06 882
2026/08/07 850
2026/08/08 817
2026/08/09 825
2026/08/10 862
2026/08/11 883
2026/08/12 858
2026/08/13 851
2026/08/14 853
2026/08/15 843
2026/08/16 846
2026/08/17 803
2026/08/18 802
2026/08/19 784
2026/08/20 816
2026/08/21 824
2026/08/22 824
2026/08/23 828
2026/08/24 829
2026/08/25 794
2026/08/26 791
2026/08/27 838
2026/08/28 859
2026/08/29 908
2026/08/30 899
2026/08/31 872

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

August began with 940 advertisers, peaking at 1,017 on the 4th. A decline followed, reaching 784 on the 19th. The month concluded with a slight recovery, ending at 872 advertisers.

Campaign Efficiency

Market Loss & Market Gains for US Education & Training Universities

Here we’re looking at the Top 10 biggest industry movers by market share gains and losses for the last 30 days.

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Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Market Loss & Market Gains - Last month
Name Market Trend
collegeboard.org 2.42%
artic.edu 0.46%
asu.edu 0.28%
snhu.edu 0.28%
osu.edu 0.27%
devry.edu -0.18%
online.coloradotech.edu -0.18%
maricopa.edu -0.31%
chamberlain.edu -0.59%
wgu.edu -1.19%

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

In the past month, collegeboard.org surged with a 2.42% click share increase, while wgu.edu faced a decline of 1.19%.

Campaign Efficiency

US Education & Training Universities Share of Impressions

Take a look at the Top 10 competitors in the industry by Share of Impressions over the last month.

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Date phoenix.edu collegeboard.org asu.edu capella.edu waldenu.edu snhu.edu gcu.edu wgu.edu devry.edu chamberlain.edu
2026/08/01 11.18% 4.72% 7.18% 6.06% 2.48% 4.13% 3.26% 4.2% 4.35% 4.08%
2026/08/02 11.07% 3% 8.49% 5.28% 2.64% 4.87% 3.83% 4.42% 3.4% 3.84%
2026/08/03 13.36% 2.85% 7.39% 6.74% 2.77% 4.63% 3.34% 3.3% 4.25% 3.94%
2026/08/04 9.35% 2.82% 8.1% 4.39% 3.34% 4.23% 3.65% 4.32% 2.9% 4.28%
2026/08/05 8.91% 4.61% 5.02% 3.63% 2.33% 4.22% 5.01% 3.95% 1.43% 3.62%
2026/08/06 8.32% 3.87% 5.75% 5.53% 2.26% 3.73% 4.04% 2.83% 1.1% 3.4%
2026/08/07 8.66% 6.46% 5.25% 3.49% 2.27% 3.67% 4.66% 4.83% 1.26% 3.59%
2026/08/08 10.92% 6.56% 4.89% 4.39% 2.83% 4.28% 3.94% 4.2% 0.69% 3.61%
2026/08/09 8.88% 7.63% 5.69% 3.35% 1.18% 4.1% 3.91% 4.85% 0.72% 2.72%
2026/08/10 12.57% 5.36% 6.09% 4.7% 3.19% 5.71% 3.66% 2.94% 3.2% 4.31%
2026/08/11 11.62% 5% 5.25% 4.82% 2.35% 4.41% 3.5% 3.48% 2% 3.95%
2026/08/12 12.09% 7.06% 4.02% 6.27% 2.18% 4.51% 3.66% 3.15% 1.53% 3.94%
2026/08/13 11.5% 6.47% 4.45% 4.98% 2.74% 6.19% 3.27% 4.93% 1.1% 3.09%
2026/08/14 9.63% 7.99% 4.19% 6.95% 2.6% 5.42% 3.39% 3.75% 2.21% 3.41%
2026/08/15 12.22% 5.44% 3.54% 6.72% 2.6% 5.03% 3.11% 4.6% 1.12% 2.8%
2026/08/16 11.28% 6.58% 4.29% 5.16% 1.91% 5.68% 3.76% 4.95% 1.05% 2.11%
2026/08/17 13.13% 5.85% 4.2% 5.55% 2.31% 4.71% 3.7% 3.53% 2.04% 3.06%
2026/08/18 11.69% 8.57% 4.29% 3.88% 2.07% 3.33% 3.35% 3.87% 1.29% 2.61%
2026/08/19 12.22% 9.61% 5.15% 5.84% 1.65% 3.71% 3.18% 4.07% 1.1% 2.4%
2026/08/20 11.59% 6.97% 3.93% 6.48% 1.62% 4.35% 4.17% 2.81% 1.02% 2.62%
2026/08/21 10.9% 7.87% 4.74% 5.97% 2.09% 3.89% 3.52% 3.75% 1.19% 3.04%
2026/08/22 10.34% 4.76% 3.82% 4.36% 3.62% 4.17% 4.14% 3.25% 1.08% 3.06%
2026/08/23 11.62% 6.02% 4.21% 3.96% 3.02% 4.06% 4.06% 5.02% 0.91% 3.15%
2026/08/24 13.43% 6.13% 4.51% 4.12% 2.96% 4.97% 3.79% 4.17% 1.22% 2.48%
2026/08/25 11.63% 8.27% 5.39% 3.92% 2.67% 4.28% 5.31% 3.52% 1.96% 3.06%
2026/08/26 11.07% 7.34% 5.61% 5.11% 3.48% 4.54% 4.29% 3.88% 1.88% 2.97%
2026/08/27 11.3% 5.15% 7.03% 4.47% 1.68% 4.36% 3.54% 4.01% 2.14% 2.86%
2026/08/28 11.34% 5.3% 6.7% 5.25% 2.37% 4% 3.65% 3.37% 2.01% 2.64%
2026/08/29 10.61% 5.33% 6.36% 4.95% 3.46% 3.57% 3.55% 3.2% 2.14% 2.74%
2026/08/30 9.95% 5.31% 9.18% 4.52% 2.82% 4.08% 3.96% 3.82% 1.52% 2.81%
2026/08/31 10.39% 7.99% 7.66% 7.18% 4.25% 3.7% 3.46% 2.54% 1.85% 1.54%
  • phoenix.edu
  • collegeboard.org
  • asu.edu
  • capella.edu
  • waldenu.edu
  • snhu.edu
  • gcu.edu
  • wgu.edu
  • devry.edu
  • chamberlain.edu

Copyright © Adthena. All rights reserved.

Phoenix.edu led August with fluctuating impressions, peaking at 13.43%. Collegeboard.org surged mid-month, reaching 9.61%. ASU.edu and Capella.edu showed steady growth, while Waldenu.edu and Devry.edu remained stable. Chamberlain.edu ended with a dip.

Campaign Efficiency

Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for US Education & Training Universities

Ever wondered how your rivals’ ads are doing? Here we can see the top-performing ads in the industry over the last month.

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Google Text Ad Copy Insights & Creative Trends for US Education & Training Universities - Last month
  1. 1
    Accredited Online University | Flexible Online Programs https://www.capella.edu

    Earn Your Degree Online, On Demand, And On Your Terms At Capella University. Get Started.

  2. 2
    Official College Board® SAT | Register for the SAT Today https://satsuite.collegeboard.org › sat › registration

    SAT Can Help You Build A Strong College Application And Get On The Right Track To College. SAT Is An Important Part Of Your College App Process ...

  3. 3
    Grand Canyon University https://www.gcuonlineprograms.com

    Online Degree Programs — Get an Affordable, Quality Education That's Accessible No Matter Where You Are. Choose From...

  4. 4
    University of Phoenix® https://www.phoenix.edu

    Online University Programs — Don't Let Prior Credits or Relevant Life Experiences go to Waste with Our PLA. Have Your Training...

  5. 5
    SNHU® - Southern NH University https://degrees.snhu.edu › online

    See Yourself Succeed at SNHU — Learn More & Apply 100% Online Now! Offering One of the Lowest Online Tuition Rates in the Nation...

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In the competitive landscape of online education, Capella University stands out with its promise of flexibility and personalized learning. Meanwhile, College Board emphasizes the SAT’s role in shaping college futures. Grand Canyon University and University of Phoenix highlight accessibility and credit recognition, while SNHU focuses on affordability and success.

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See this data specific to your brand performance

The data on this page is just a sample of the billions of data points we hold at Adthena. The insights generated by Ask Arlo, leverage real-time GenAI to answer questions about your search data.

Our search consultants can introduce you to Whole Market View data that is specific to your organization, based on the size of the relevant search term and competitor universe, and the locations that you need monitoring.

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