University of the People

What is the history of University of the People?

University of the People was founded in 2009 by Shai Reshef as a nonprofit, online university intended to make higher education accessible to students regardless of where they live. Its Pasadena, California, address is an administrative location, not a residential campus.

The university began with programs in business administration and computer science, then expanded into health science and graduate study. Its development has centered on online instruction rather than building a physical campus. A significant recent milestone was accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in 2025. Prospective students comparing older descriptions of the university should check the date of any accreditation information they encounter.

What are the faculties and departments at University of the People?

University of the People organizes its academic offerings around a small number of online fields rather than a large system of campus-based colleges. Its undergraduate programs include business administration, computer science, and health science, with associate and bachelor's degree options.

Graduate offerings include a Master of Business Administration, a Master of Education in Advanced Teaching, and a Master of Science in Information Technology. The academic catalog is the appropriate place to check current concentrations, course prerequisites, and degree requirements; a field's availability at one degree level does not mean it is offered at every level.

Courses use an online learning platform and scheduled academic terms. That format can accommodate students in different locations, but it still requires regular participation and attention to assignment deadlines.

What is the location of University of the People?

University of the People is based in Pasadena, California, but students study online rather than attending classes at a Pasadena campus. The city serves as the institution's administrative home, not as the setting for a conventional commuter or residential college experience.

For most applicants, location matters less than reliable internet access, a suitable study environment, and the ability to work to course deadlines. Living near Pasadena does not provide a separate in-person version of the degree programs, while living elsewhere does not ordinarily require relocation.

What is the mission and vision of University of the People?

University of the People states that its mission is to provide accessible, affordable, quality online higher education. Its educational model emphasizes tuition-free instruction, online delivery, and access for students facing geographic or financial barriers.

"Tuition-free" describes its tuition policy, not the absence of all charges: application and course assessment fees can still apply. The university presents itself as a secular institution. Applicants can assess its stated access mission alongside practical considerations such as fees, program fit, academic support, and completion outcomes.