University of the People
A good fit for students who want a large campus community. graduation rate is below 40%. a private nonprofit school with 22,688 students.
About This School
University of the People is a private nonprofit institution located in Pasadena, California with approximately 22,688 undergraduate students enrolled. In-state tuition is $1,400 per year. The graduation rate is 34%.
The University of the People (UoPeople) is a private distance education university based in Pasadena, California. Founded in 2009 by Shai Reshef, the university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
This school is best suited for working adults, caregivers, or students in countries with limited access to higher education who need a fully online, low-cost path to a accredited degree — it's not the right fit for a traditional 18-year-old looking for a campus experience or career networking through in-person connections. The tuition model is genuinely remarkable, with fees as low as $60 per credit hour, making it one of the most affordable accredited options available anywhere. That said, the 34% graduation rate is a real concern — meaning roughly two out of three students who start here don't finish — which often reflects the challenges facing the adult learner population it serves, but it's still a number families should take seriously before enrolling. With 22,688 undergraduates, it has real scale and a diverse global student body, but support services and faculty engagement can feel thin compared to traditional institutions. My practical advice: if cost and flexibility are the deciding factors and you have strong self-discipline, this can absolutely work — but go in with a concrete completion plan, not just the intention to finish.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Financial Aid
After Graduation
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (22,688 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the graduation rate at University of the People?
University of the People has a graduation rate of 34%, according to U.S. Department of Education data.
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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