- The University of the People is a private distance education university, in the United States, based in California. Founded by Shai Reshef in 2009, it is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission and by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.
School Highlights
University of the People serves 4,987 students
The college's student:teacher ratio of 17:1 is lower than the state community college average of 32:1.
Minority enrollment is 100% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 77%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 4,987 students
- Student:teacher ratio: 17:1
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
University of the People ranks among the top 20% of public schools in California for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
University of the People
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate's
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Associate's Dominant
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
n/a
315 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of University of the People has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The University of the People diversity score of 0.00 is less than the state average of 0.70. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
4,987 students
9,796 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
17:1
32:1
# Full-Time Students
n/a
1,259 students
# Part-Time Students
n/a
8,537 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
n/a
242 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
3,087 students
1,250 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
601 students
63 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,297 students
8,299 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
2 students
10 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
121 students
% Asian
n/a
13%
% Hispanic
n/a
47%
% Black
n/a
7%
% White
n/a
23%
% Hawaiian
n/a
1%
% Two or more races
n/a
5%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
100%
3%
Diversity Score
n/a
0.70
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
n/a
42%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
43%
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
85%
Median Debt for Graduates
n/a
$10,500
Median Debt for Dropouts
n/a
$6,239
Acceptance Rate
n/a
93%
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is University of the People's ranking?
University of the People ranks among the top 20% of community college in California for: Average community college minority breakdown.
Recent Articles
Unlocking Airport Career Opportunities: Your Guide to Ground Jobs
Discover the diverse range of ground jobs at mid-size U.S. airports, their educational requirements, and how community colleges can prepare you for these exciting careers.
The Real Dollar Value of an Associate Degree
How much is an associate's degree really worth? We calculate and research the ROI of an associate degree specifically, and the results are interesting.
Hands Across California: Community College Students Band Together to Save the System
Facing a monumental budget crisis, California's community college students took matters into their own hands, holding rallies and conferences for Hands Across California.
