- 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 41,961 students (49% of students are full-time).
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the state average of 77%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 41,961 students
- Minority enrollment: 95%
- 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
Community Size
School Overview
University of the People
(CA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges: Mixed Baccalaureate/Associate's
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-profit
Public
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of University of the People has grown by 741% over five years.
The University of the People diversity score of 0.26 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has declined by 74% over five years.
Total Enrollment
41,961 students
6,838 students
# Full-Time Students
20,660 students
1,022 students
# Part-Time Students
21,301 students
5,816 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
233 students
390 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
19,007 students
967 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
1,653 students
96 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
17,894 students
5,798 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
3,407 students
21 students
% Asian
2%
12%
% Hispanic
3%
46%
% Black
3%
7%
% White
5%
23%
% Two or more races
1%
5%
% Unknown races
86%
6%
Diversity Score
0.26
0.00
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
74%
85%
Source: 2025 (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 and Largest student body.
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