| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 28, 2021 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | DE |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001459417 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 28, 2021 |
| Entity Registrant Name | 2U, INC. |
| Entity File Number | 001-36376 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 26-2335939 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 7900 Harkins Road |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Lanham |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MD |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20706 |
| City Area Code | (301) |
| Local Phone Number | 892-4350 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share |
| Trading Symbol | TWOU |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
