University of the People
Undergraduates
36,901
Student-faculty ratio 28:1
Peer median 13 : 1
Graduation rate
10.3%
4-year; 6-year rate 21.0%
Peer median 44.6%
“Peers” are all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
The University of the People, known in Chinese as 人民大学, is a pioneering institution that emphasizes accessible and affordable higher education for all. Established in 2009, it has become a leader in the realm of online education, breaking traditional barriers and providing opportunities for students worldwide. With a mission to democratize higher education, the university offers programs in various fields, including Business Administration, Computer Science, and Health Science. The university's innovative online model allows students to learn at their own pace while accessing high-quality educational resources from anywhere in the world.
The university prides itself on its diverse and inclusive environment, which fosters a sense of community among students from more than 200 countries. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and academics who are dedicated to providing support and guidance to students throughout their learning journey. The University of the People operates on a unique tuition-free model, charging minimal fees for course assessments, which significantly reduces the financial burden on students. This structure not only enhances the accessibility of education but also prepares graduates to thrive in a competitive job market. As a result, the University of the People has successfully cultivated a network of alumni who are making impactful contributions in various industries globally.
Analysis of Tuition, Student Enrollment, and Graduation Rates
The data from University of the People reveals some significant trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates over recent years. Notably, the tuition for both undergraduate and graduate programs has remained relatively stable at $1,200 and $2,400 respectively since 2021. This consistency in tuition fees is a positive factor for prospective students who are burdened by the rising costs of education in many institutions across the globe.
In stark contrast, there has been a remarkable increase in student enrollment, particularly in undergraduate programs. The number of undergraduate students surged from 4,390 in 2017 to an astounding 34,108 in 2021, before experiencing a decline to 27,220 in 2023. This spike likely reflects the growing recognition of online education as a viable alternative, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many traditional institutions faced challenges in maintaining enrollment.
Graduation rates also indicate a positive trend. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduate students showed a significant increase from approximately 0.3% in 2020 to about 16% in 2023. This dramatic growth suggests that the institution is effectively improving its academic support and resources, enabling more students to complete their degrees in the expected timeframe.
Additionally, the retention rate has shown fluctuations, peaking at around 86% in 2018 and settling at approximately 74% in 2023. While this is a relatively strong retention rate, maintaining a higher percentage will be crucial for the institution's long-term success.
In summary, University of the People's stable tuition, increasing enrollment, and improving graduation rates highlight its potential as a leading option for students seeking affordable and flexible education. However, continuous efforts to enhance student retention will be essential for sustaining this positive momentum.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Los Angeles, about 20 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), about 20 mi
- Academic calendar
- Other
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Asaf Wolff (Speacial Assitant to the President)
- Phone
- 6262648880
- City
- Pasadena, California
- Address
- 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 623, Pasadena, CA 91101
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Business Administration and Management, General · Master's1102 (0% international)
- Secondary Education and Teaching · Master's320 (0% international)
- Elementary Education and Teaching · Master's243 (0% international)
- Teacher Education, Multiple Levels · Master's181 (0% international)
- Information Technology · Master's179 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data for University Programs
The graduation data from the University of the People presents some interesting insights into the trends across various disciplines. Notably, the field of Public Health stands out with a substantial number of master's graduates, totaling 1,185, indicating a strong interest and need for professionals in this area, especially in the context of recent global health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This aligns with the increasing demand for public health expertise to address complex health challenges.
In contrast, the Computer and Information Sciences program shows a significant number of bachelor's graduates at 390. This reflects the ongoing demand for skilled professionals in technology and information systems, a sector that continues to grow rapidly. However, there are no master's or doctoral graduates reported in this field, suggesting that students may be entering the workforce directly after their bachelor's degree, which could be a strategic move given the industry's current needs.
Education programs also reveal noteworthy trends, particularly in Secondary Education and Teacher Education, where no bachelor's graduates were recorded. This raises concerns about potential teacher shortages in these areas, which could impact the quality of education. The data suggests a critical need for initiatives to attract and retain students in teacher education programs.
Overall, the data highlights significant disparities between fields, with health and technology programs seeing higher graduation rates compared to education, indicating potential areas for development and investment in future curricula and student support.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - | |||
| Information Technology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Health, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | - | |||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | - | |||
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | - |
Students
41,961 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 54:46
- Continuing undergraduates 22,617
- Graduate students 5,060
- Transfers and others 14,284
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (36,901)
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at University of the People in 2023
In 2023, the University of the People showcases a diverse and balanced student body across various categories. The data indicates that the total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 2,700, with a near-even gender distribution, where approximately 50.6% are male and 49.4% are female. This balance is crucial as it reflects the institution's commitment to inclusivity and gender equality in higher education.
The undergraduate seniors represent a significant population of 13,442 students, with a higher male presence at 54.8%. This could suggest a trend where more males persist in their studies at this level, which may warrant further investigation into retention strategies and support systems that could assist female students in their academic journeys.
The data on transfer students, though limited with only 111 individuals, shows a notable male predominance at 57.7%. This shift raises questions about the factors influencing transfer decisions and whether they disproportionately affect one gender.
Graduate students total 6,972, with a similar gender ratio as the undergraduate population, indicating that the trend of gender balance continues into advanced studies. This reflects positively on the academic environment, as diversity can enhance collaboration and innovation within graduate programs.
Overall, the demographic composition at the University of the People demonstrates a healthy mix of genders and a solid foundation for a diverse educational experience. However, addressing the gender disparities in certain categories, particularly among undergraduate seniors and transfer students, could further strengthen the institution's mission of providing equitable education for all.
Age Distribution Among University Students in 2023
The age distribution data from University of the People in 2023 reveals some interesting trends about the demographics of its student body. A significant portion of the students falls within the traditional college age range of 18 to 24 years, with the highest enrollment occurring in the 22-24 age group. This may reflect the university's appeal to young adults seeking flexible education options, likely influenced by the increasing acceptance of online learning.
Notably, the data shows a substantial presence of students aged 25-29, which accounts for a considerable share of the total enrollment. This trend indicates that many individuals are pursuing higher education later in life, possibly due to career changes or the desire to enhance their qualifications. This phenomenon is increasingly common in today's job market, where continuous learning is essential for career advancement.
The gender distribution is also noteworthy, with a higher number of male students than female students across most age categories. This disparity could point to broader societal trends regarding educational access and participation rates among different genders. It may also reflect the various fields of study that attract more male or female students, thus influencing enrollment figures.
The representation of older students, particularly those aged 50 and above, while minimal, suggests that education is seen as a lifelong endeavor, with more individuals valuing personal development at all stages of life. As universities adapt to the needs of diverse student populations, these trends will likely inform future policies and practices aimed at fostering inclusivity and accessibility in higher education.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2017
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2017
Data insights
Comment on International Student Data at University of the People
The absence of data regarding international students at the University of the People raises significant questions about the institution's global engagement and outreach efforts. In an era where online education is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among international students seeking flexible learning options, the lack of available statistics could indicate a potential gap in understanding the university's demographic composition.
International students often contribute to a rich diversity within academic settings, fostering cross-cultural exchanges and enhancing the overall educational experience. As universities worldwide strive to attract a more diverse student body, it is essential for institutions like the University of the People to analyze and showcase their international student statistics. This not only helps in crafting targeted marketing strategies but also aids in improving student services and support mechanisms tailored to the needs of a diverse population.
Moreover, with the ongoing global shifts in education due to geopolitical factors and public health issues, maintaining transparency about student demographics could bolster the institution's reputation. It may also attract partnerships and collaborations with international organizations seeking to promote education across borders.
In conclusion, while the current lack of data is concerning, it presents an opportunity for the University of the People to enhance its reporting practices and focus on strategies to engage with international students more effectively.
Cost
Peer median tuition + room and board $47,329 · all 406 private master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 40% from 2017 to 2025; room and board rose 0%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$22.3M
Expenses$21.6M
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
No athlete data available for 2025.
No athlete data available for 2024.
No athlete data available for 2023.
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
California Institute of TechnologyPasadena · 0.9 mi
U.S. News #5
-
Occidental CollegeLos Angeles · 4.4 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles · 12.0 mi
U.S. News #27
-
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles · 18.1 mi
U.S. News #20
-
Pomona CollegeClaremont · 24.4 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Scripps CollegeClaremont · 24.6 mi
Liberal Arts #38
-
Claremont McKenna CollegeClaremont · 24.6 mi
Liberal Arts #3
-
Harvey Mudd CollegeClaremont · 24.6 mi
Liberal Arts #8
-
University of California-IrvineIrvine · 38.4 mi
U.S. News #34
Data insights
Here are some notable schools near the University of the People:
-
California Institute of Technology (加州理工学院) - Ranked 7th in the 2024 US News rankings, Caltech is renowned for its strong emphasis on science and engineering, making it one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
-
University of California-Los Angeles (加州大学洛杉矶分校) - With a rank of 15, UCLA is a leading public research university known for its diverse programs and vibrant campus life.
-
University of Southern California (南加州大学) - Ranked 28th, USC is known for its strong focus on research and offers a wealth of programs across various fields.
-
Pomona College (波莫纳学院) - This prestigious liberal arts college is ranked 4th and is known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.
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Claremont McKenna College (克莱尔蒙特麦克纳学院) - With a rank of 11, this liberal arts college focuses on economics and government, providing a strong foundation for future leaders.
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Harvey Mudd College (哈维穆德学院) - Ranked 16th, Harvey Mudd is famous for its engineering and science programs, emphasizing a strong liberal arts education.
-
Scripps College (斯克里普斯学院) - This women’s college is ranked 35th and is known for its strong emphasis on the arts and humanities.
These institutions represent a diverse array of educational opportunities in the vicinity of University of the People, catering to a wide range of academic interests and career goals.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at University of the People
The crime data from the University of the People reflects a commendable trend over the years, with no recorded incidents of crime or disciplinary actions from 2013 to 2023. This ought to be seen as a significant achievement for the institution, suggesting a safe environment conducive to academic pursuits. The absence of recorded offenses, including serious ones like gun arrests, drug-related arrests, or violence, points to effective campus safety measures and a strong community ethos among the students.
It is noteworthy that such data can influence prospective students' decisions. Safety is often a priority for students and parents when selecting a university, and this clean record may enhance the university's reputation. Moreover, maintaining a crime-free campus can contribute positively to student satisfaction and retention rates.
However, it is essential to consider that the lack of reported incidents does not always equate to a lack of crime. Factors such as underreporting or insufficient awareness of available resources might also play a role. Ongoing education about safety and proactive measures should continue to ensure that the campus remains secure.
Overall, the data serves as a positive indicator of University of the People's commitment to providing a safe and supportive educational environment, which is crucial in today’s world where campus safety remains a pressing concern. For further understanding of crime rates and their calculations, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of University of the People include Justin Banned for Life Knapp (First person to make over one million Wikipedia edits), Olumide Idowu (Nigerian climate change activist and environmentalist) and Khalila Mbowe (Tanzanian choreographer and social entrepreneur).
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Justin Banned for Life Knapp 1982–
First person to make over one million Wikipedia edits
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Olumide Idowu 1987–
Nigerian climate change activist and environmentalist
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Khalila Mbowe 1988–
Tanzanian choreographer and social entrepreneur
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.