McGraw Hill
American education publishing company and digital learning provider specializing in educational content, assessment tools, and learning platforms for students and professionals.
Company Type
public
Founded
1888
Headquarters
New York City, New York, USA
Stock
NYSE: MHK
Revenue
approximately $1.9 billion (FY2024)
Employees
Approximately 4,000
Primary Market
Global
digital learningeducational accessibilitysustainable content
About McGraw Hill
McGraw Hill operates as a comprehensive education company providing educational content, assessment tools, and learning platforms. The company's business model combines traditional educational publishing with digital learning solutions, assessment services, and educational technology.
The company's primary segments include K-12 education, higher education, professional education, and assessment services. McGraw Hill generates revenue through textbook sales, digital subscriptions, assessment licensing, and educational technology platforms.
McGraw Hill employs approximately 4,800 people worldwide, with its headquarters in New York City and additional offices in educational markets globally. The company continues to invest in digital transformation, adaptive learning technologies, and educational research while maintaining its position as a leader in educational content and assessment.
History of McGraw Hill
McGraw Hill traces its origins to 1888 when James H. McGraw and John A. Hill founded the McGraw-Hill Publishing Company in New York City. The company initially focused on trade magazines and business publications before expanding into educational publishing.
Throughout the early 20th century, McGraw Hill grew into one of America's leading educational publishers, acquiring various textbook publishers and educational companies. The company became particularly known for its mathematics, science, and business education materials.
In 2013, McGraw Hill was acquired by Apollo Global Management for $2.4 billion, taking the company private. Under Apollo's ownership, McGraw Hill invested heavily in digital transformation and educational technology, developing online learning platforms and digital assessment tools.
In 2021, McGraw Hill went public through an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming a publicly traded company again. The company has continued to focus on digital learning, educational assessment, and adaptive learning technologies while maintaining its position as a leader in educational publishing.
McGraw Hill Sustainability & Ethics
McGraw Hill has established comprehensive sustainability and ethical practices focused on educational accessibility, digital learning innovation, and corporate responsibility in the education sector. The company recognizes its role in shaping educational outcomes and has committed to environmental responsibility while maintaining high standards of educational content and digital platform operations.
The company's environmental sustainability strategy includes commitments to reducing carbon emissions across its operations, sustainable paper sourcing for printed materials, and energy-efficient digital infrastructure. McGraw Hill has implemented programs to increase the use of recycled paper in textbook production and digital alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
Educational accessibility initiatives focus on making learning materials available to diverse student populations, including students with disabilities and those in underserved communities. McGraw Hill develops accessible digital platforms and content that comply with accessibility standards, ensuring equitable access to educational resources.
Digital sustainability programs emphasize energy-efficient data centers, cloud infrastructure optimization, and environmentally responsible technology practices. The company invests in green computing solutions and reduces the environmental footprint of its digital learning platforms.
Corporate responsibility includes comprehensive ethics programs, data privacy protection for student information, and transparent business practices. McGraw Hill maintains strict standards for educational content accuracy, assessment validity, and ethical marketing practices in educational publishing.
Awards & Recognition
McGraw Hill has received significant recognition for educational innovation, digital learning leadership, and corporate achievement in the education sector.
- America's Best Midsize Companies (2025): Named by TIME magazine as one of America's best midsize companies, recognizing overall business excellence and corporate performance.
- America's Greatest Workplaces for Women (2024): Recognized by Newsweek for creating an inclusive workplace environment and supporting women's career advancement in the education technology sector.
- Best Workplaces for Innovators: Education (2023): Honored by Fast Company for innovation in educational technology and digital learning solutions.
- Most Trustworthy Companies in America (2023, 2025): Named by Newsweek for trustworthiness and ethical business practices in the educational publishing industry.
- America's Best Midsize Employers (2026, 2025, 2024, 2023): Consistently recognized by Forbes for workplace excellence and employee satisfaction.
- Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education (2024): The prestigious education award recognizes trailblazers in education, with McGraw Hill supporting the prize through the McGraw Family Foundation.
- McGraw Hill Pathfinder Awards (2025): National award program recognizing innovative educators who empower learners to discover their unique path to success, celebrating educational innovation and teaching excellence.
- Educational Technology Leadership Awards: Multiple awards for digital learning platforms, adaptive assessment tools, and educational innovation.
Controversy, Regulation & Public Scrutiny
McGraw Hill operates in the regulated education sector, facing scrutiny related to educational content accuracy, assessment validity, and digital learning privacy. The company maintains compliance with educational standards, accreditation requirements, and data protection regulations across its global operations.
The company has faced criticism regarding textbook pricing and accessibility concerns, particularly around the high cost of educational materials and barriers to student access. McGraw Hill has addressed these concerns through digital alternatives, rental programs, and partnerships with educational institutions to improve affordability.
Assessment and testing controversies have emerged regarding standardized testing practices and educational measurement accuracy. McGraw Hill maintains comprehensive validation processes and works with educational researchers to ensure assessment reliability and fairness in educational testing.
Digital learning privacy concerns have drawn attention regarding student data protection and platform security. As a provider of digital educational platforms, McGraw Hill must comply with various privacy regulations including COPPA, FERPA, and international data protection laws.
Regulatory compliance includes adherence to educational content standards, accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and various state and national educational regulations. The company operates under oversight from educational authorities and accreditation bodies across multiple jurisdictions.
Content accuracy and bias concerns occasionally emerge regarding educational materials and assessment content. McGraw Hill maintains editorial review processes, content accuracy verification, and bias screening to ensure educational appropriateness and factual correctness.
Brands Owned by McGraw Hill
McGraw Hill owns 0 brands in our database.
Stock Information
McGraw Hill Ownership: Pros & Cons
Advantages
- +Market leadership in educational publishing and assessment
- +Strong brand recognition in education sector
- +Growing digital learning platform business
- +Diversified revenue streams across educational segments
- +Integration of traditional publishing with digital technology
Considerations
- -Competition from digital learning platforms and free educational resources
- -Transition challenges from traditional to digital publishing
- -Dependence on educational institutions and curriculum adoption
- -Regulatory requirements for educational content and assessment
- -Need for continuous innovation in educational technology
Frequently Asked Questions About McGraw Hill
Is McGraw Hill owned by another company?
No, McGraw Hill is an independent, publicly traded company with no parent organization. The company was previously owned by Apollo Global Management from 2013-2021 but has operated independently since going public in 2021.
Is McGraw Hill publicly traded?
Yes, McGraw Hill is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MHK. The company has been publicly traded since its IPO in 2021 and is owned by institutional investors, mutual funds, and individual shareholders worldwide.
When was McGraw Hill founded?
McGraw Hill was founded in 1888 by James H. McGraw and John A. Hill in New York City. The company has grown from a small publishing partnership into one of the world's largest educational publishing companies.
Who founded McGraw Hill?
McGraw Hill was founded by James H. McGraw and John A. Hill, who established the McGraw-Hill Publishing Company. The two entrepreneurs built the company into a major educational publisher through strategic acquisitions and organic growth.
What is McGraw Hill's market position?
McGraw Hill holds a strong position in the educational publishing market, particularly in K-12 education, higher education, and professional education. The company competes with Pearson, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and other educational publishers while maintaining its position as a leader in educational content, assessment, and digital learning solutions.
Sources & Further Reading
- McGraw Hill Official Website
- McGraw Hill Investor Relations
- NYSE: McGraw Hill (MHK)
- SEC EDGAR: McGraw Hill (MHK)
- McGraw Hill Awards & Honors
- McGraw Hill Pathfinder Awards
- Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize
- TIME Magazine: America's Best Midsize Companies
- Newsweek: Most Trustworthy Companies
- Forbes: Best Midsize Employers
- Fast Company: Best Workplaces for Innovators
- U.S. Department of Education
- Educational Testing Service
- Association of American Publishers
- Digital Learning Alliance
- International Association for Educational Assessment
- American Educational Research Association
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