University of the People: $1,200 Tuition

$1,200Tuition

19,276Students

37%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit4-yearData: 2023-24

About University of the People

University of the People operates as the world's first tuition-free, accredited online university. With 19,276 students enrolled, this digital institution has disrupted traditional higher education by eliminating tuition costs entirely. The university offers fully online degree programs in business administration, computer science, and health science.

Students pay just $1,200 regardless of residency status, though this covers assessment fees rather than tuition. Zero percent of students receive federal financial aid or Pell Grants because the university's model eliminates the need for traditional assistance. With no federal loans required, graduates avoid the debt burden that plagues most college students. The modern approach makes higher education accessible to students worldwide who might otherwise be priced out of degree programs.

The student body reflects global diversity, with only 4.08% coming from California and just 5.54% identifying as white. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger virtual class sizes than traditional universities. Founded in 2012, the institution maintains a 79.39% retention rate despite its unconventional format. However, the 33% four-year graduation rate suggests students often need additional time to complete their degrees through this self-paced online model.

Academics & Faculty

University of the People operates as the world's first tuition-free, accredited online university, charging students only $1,200 for assessment fees rather than traditional tuition. The school focuses on business administration, computer science, and health science programs delivered entirely through distance learning. With a student-faculty ratio of 27:1, students receive moderate individual attention in the virtual classroom environment. The 33% four-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working adults face completing degrees while balancing other responsibilities. UoPeople partners with major corporations and universities to provide practical, career-focused education. The online format attracts students from over 200 countries who cannot access traditional higher education due to geographic or financial barriers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 27:1
Graduation Rate (4-year): 33.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 36.7%
Retention Rate: 79.4%
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Campus Life

This online university operates entirely in virtual classrooms with no physical campus to visit. Students from around the world connect through digital platforms, making up a globally distributed student body where only 4% come from California despite the Pasadena headquarters address. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio means larger online class discussions and less individual attention than traditional colleges.

Your "daily life" happens wherever you have internet access. Students typically log in from home, coffee shops, or libraries to attend virtual lectures and participate in discussion forums. With a 79% retention rate, most students stick with the program despite the challenges of self-directed online learning. The tuition rate of $1,200 attracts working adults and international students who need flexible scheduling. Weekend activities depend entirely on your local community since there's no campus social scene. Success here requires strong self-motivation, as the 33% four-year graduation rate reflects the difficulty many students face completing degrees without traditional campus support systems.

Setting: City-Midsize
Calendar System: Other
Founded: 2012

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 47°–68°F
July Avg: 64°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 21.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This tuition-free online university draws students from around the globe, with only 4% coming from California. The student body reflects the school's mission to break down barriers to higher education worldwide. Men slightly outnumber women at 52%, typical for technology-focused programs. The diverse international enrollment shows in the demographics, with students representing every continent. Most learners are working adults seeking flexible degree options they couldn't otherwise afford. The 27:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the online format where professors manage larger virtual classrooms than traditional universities.

Men: 52.4%
Women: 47.6%
White: 5.5%
Black: 2.9%
Hispanic: 2.8%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 4.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 0.0%

Location

University of the People operates from Pasadena, California, though this online-only institution serves students worldwide rather than maintaining a traditional campus. Pasadena sits 10 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, placing the university's administrative headquarters in one of Southern California's most strong suburban cities. The area features Mediterranean climate, proximity to the San Gabriel Mountains, and hosts the famous Rose Bowl stadium. Only 4.08% of students actually reside in California, reflecting the university's global reach. The Pasadena location primarily houses administrative functions while students study remotely from their home countries. Students considering colleges in California may also compare University of the People with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pasadena, California 91101

UoPeople President Shai Reshef and UoPeople Provost David Cohen

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of the People?

University of the People operates as a tuition-free online university with open enrollment policies, meaning they don't have a traditional acceptance rate. The school focuses on making higher education accessible globally rather than selective admissions. With 19,276 students enrolled, the university emphasizes accessibility over exclusivity.

How much does University of the People cost after financial aid?

Tuition at University of the People costs just $1,200 per year, making it one of the most affordable accredited universities in America. However, 0% of students receive federal financial aid or Pell grants, likely because the tuition is already so low that most students pay out of pocket. Only 5.03% receive institutional grants averaging $857.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of the People?

The student-faculty ratio stands at 27:1, which is higher than most traditional universities due to the online format. Classes rely heavily on peer-to-peer learning and discussion forums rather than live lectures. The university uses volunteer faculty from strong institutions worldwide to keep costs down while maintaining academic quality.

What are the graduation rates at University of the People?

The four-year graduation rate is 33% and the six-year rate reaches 36.7%, which are lower than traditional universities but reflect the challenges many online students face. The 79.39% retention rate shows that most students who start do continue their studies. Many students are working adults or international learners balancing education with other responsibilities.

Where is University of the People located?

University of the People is headquartered in Pasadena, California, but operates entirely online with no physical campus. Only 4.08% of students are actually from California, reflecting the university's global reach. The school serves students from over 200 countries who cannot access traditional higher education due to cost or geographic barriers.

Is University of the People accredited?

University of the People is fully accredited and was founded in 2012 with a mission to democratize higher education worldwide. The university partners with major companies and organizations to provide career pathways for graduates. Despite being relatively new, it has gained recognition for its modern approach to making quality education accessible to underserved populations globally.