Strategic Education Data Breach Exposes Social Security Numbers: 1.5M Affected

Strategic Education Inc., the parent company of Strayer University and Capella University, disclosed a data breach that occurred in late February 2026 and affected 1.5 million people.

An unauthorized actor accessed Strategic Education's computer servers between Feb. 23, 2026, and Feb. 25, 2026. During the three-day period, the actor took copies of certain files stored on the company's network.

The company concluded its investigation of the incident. After reviewing the compromised files, the company determined that they contained personal information belonging to individuals connected to Strayer University, Capella University or both.

The types of personal information exposed included names, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers or state ID card numbers, and passport numbers.

The breach was reported to attorneys general in several states on June 1 and 2, 2026. According to those filings, 100,845 Texas residents, 63,272 South Carolina residents, 14,112 Washington residents, 8,188 Massachusetts residents, 2,673 Maine residents and 1,065 Vermont residents were affected. The breach was also reported to the attorney general in California.

The company discovered the breach on May 21, 2026, and began notifying affected consumers on May 29, 2026.

Strategic Education's response

Strategic Education is offering affected individuals a complimentary membership in identity monitoring services through Kroll. The monitoring package includes three components: single bureau credit monitoring, unlimited fraud consultation and identity theft restoration.

Affected individuals can enroll by visiting Kroll's enrollment website and entering the membership number provided in their notification letter. Enrollment must be completed before the activation deadline listed in the letter.

The company has set up a toll-free call center at 844-959-7093 for people with questions about the incident. The call center is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Central Time, excluding major U.S. holidays.

Strategic Education is located at 2303 Dulles Station Blvd., 6th Floor, Herndon, VA 20171 and can also be reached at 703-561-1600.