University of the People does not offer a conventional intercollegiate varsity athletics program or a residential-campus sports experience. Applicants should not expect NCAA teams, athletic recruiting, or athletic scholarships as part of enrollment.
Students who want regular in-person sports participation would generally need to arrange it independently where they live. Online social activities may offer ways to meet classmates, but they are not equivalent to campus club sports, intramural leagues, or fitness facilities.
Student involvement at University of the People takes place primarily through online connections rather than a campus club corridor or student union. The university has described opportunities for students to connect through virtual communities and student-led activities, although the availability and activity level of particular groups can change.
For an applicant seeking a specific academic, cultural, service, or professional organization, the useful distinction is between a currently active, recognized group and an informal online discussion space. Ask for the current student organization directory or activity calendar before counting on a particular group as part of the experience.
University of the People enrolls a large, geographically dispersed student body. IPEDS reports total enrollment of 43,542, a figure that describes enrollment rather than the number of students gathered at the Pasadena address.
Its reported geographic mix reflects the online model: about 3% of students were California residents, 46% came from other U.S. states, and 43% came from foreign countries. These categories should be read as reported, without assuming that the remaining share belongs to any one location.
IPEDS also reports a student-to-faculty ratio of 28 to 1. That institution-wide ratio does not specify the size or teaching arrangement of an individual online course. Students evaluating how much interaction to expect should look at the course format and the support available from instructors, advisers, and peers.
Everyday student life at University of the People is built around online coursework, not a physical campus schedule. Students interact through their courses and digital channels while studying from their own homes, workplaces, or other suitable locations.
This arrangement can make it possible to study without relocating, but it places more responsibility on students to plan their time, maintain internet access, and seek help when they need it. Course participation follows academic deadlines even when students are in different time zones. New students should pay particular attention to orientation and foundation-course instructions, which explain how the university's academic routines work.
The social experience is correspondingly different from that of a residential college: friendships and professional contacts may develop online, while spontaneous in-person gatherings, campus recreation, and shared facilities are not built into the degree.
University of the People serves students through online academic resources rather than a physical campus library. IPEDS reports no on-campus libraries, which is consistent with an institution whose courses are delivered remotely.
Students should use the research materials, readings, and academic guidance made available through the university's learning systems and library resources. Access to a particular journal, database, ebook, or research service should be checked through the current student portal; access to one resource does not imply access to every publication a student might need.
For research-heavy assignments, it is worth checking early whether required materials are available remotely and what help is offered for finding and citing sources. A student who needs a physical study space or a specialized print collection may also need to arrange local library access independently.
Total enrollment
41961Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen
1454Veterans affair office
NoData last updated on November 2, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.