Maitripa Institute
Maitripa College is a nonprofit, DEAC-accredited Buddhist graduate institution in Portland, Oregon, offering low-residency MA and MDiv programs, continuing education, and ordination formation, primarily serving students within the FPMT-affiliated Tibetan Buddhist community.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersPortland, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Maitripa Institute does
Maitripa Institute, doing business as Maitripa College, is a private nonprofit Buddhist graduate institution headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and the only accredited Buddhist graduate program in the Pacific Northwest. Founded in 2004/2005 by Yangsi Rinpoche and affiliated with the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT), the college delivers a low-residency hybrid model combining periodic in-person residencies at the Portland campus, anchored by the Jokhang Meditation Hall and the James A. Blumenthal Library (5,400+ titles), with online coursework delivered through the Rejoice student portal. Its core academic products are the MA in Applied Buddhism (44 credits at $494/credit) and the MDiv with a Buddhist Chaplaincy concentration (72 credits at $494/credit), supported by a Continuing Education program, a community events calendar, and the Maitripa Rabjungma Community formation pathway for women pursuing ordination. The three-pillar pedagogy integrates scholarship, meditation, and service across all programs.
The institution's revenue model blends tuition, donations, and planned giving. Per-credit tuition of $494 is priced below half the average private graduate rate, and the college deliberately opts out of federal financial aid (FAFSA) to avoid a mandated 15% tuition increase. Revenue streams include graduate tuition (with monthly payment plans), non-degree continuing education fees (with a 10% senior discount), Mandala Membership recurring contributions, and charitable donations supporting the Student Scholarship Fund, Research Library Fund, Maitripa Endowment Fund, and the Lama Zopa Rinpoche Endowed Chair in Tibetan Buddhist Studies. Full tuition scholarships are provided for ordained sangha (monks and nuns), and alumni may audit classes tuition-free.
The go-to-market approach is community-led rather than performance-marketed: prospective students are reached through Buddhist center networks, FPMT affiliations, and word-of-mouth referrals within the spiritual community, supplemented by the Maitripa College Podcast (34+ episodes), the Lapis digital journal, email newsletters, and public community events. The institution holds Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) accreditation and is undergoing a planned Fall 2027 transition of both graduate programs to a new low-residency model that emphasizes flexible online and hybrid formats, signaling an intent to broaden geographic reach while maintaining contemplative and lineage-rooted rigor.
Maitripa Institute firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Maitripa Institute
- Legal name
- Maitripa College
- Website
- https://maitripa.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Maitripa College is a nonprofit, DEAC-accredited Buddhist graduate institution in Portland, Oregon, offering low-residency MA and MDiv programs, continuing education, and ordination formation, primarily serving students within the FPMT-affiliated Tibetan Buddhist community.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Maitripa Institute industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Buddhist Higher Education / Graduate Religious Studies
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Buddhist Monastic Universities & Dharma Colleges (EDAHAKAK)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Ministerial Training Institutes (Clergy Formation) (EDAHAKAE)
Keywords
Where Maitripa Institute is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Portland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Maitripa Institute business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Graduate Tuition: Per-credit tuition for MA and MDiv degree programs. MA in Applied Buddhism costs $494/credit with 44 total credits ($18,054 total). MDiv costs $494/credit with 72 total credits ($36,480 total). Additional term fees of $150 per term.
- Continuing Education: Non-degree courses and certificates open to all students at various price points. 10% tuition reduction for students 60+.
- Donations and Planned Giving: Charitable contributions through wills, living trusts, retirement plan beneficiaries, and life insurance policies. Funds support Student Scholarship Fund, Research Library Fund, and Maitripa Endowment Fund.
- Mandala Membership: Recurring membership program supporting the college with monthly contributions
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | MA in Applied Buddhism - 2 year program, 44 credits |
| Subscription | Monthly | MDiv - Buddhist Chaplaincy - 4 year program, 72 credits |
| Per seat | Per term | Continuing Education - Non-degree courses |
| Other | Per term | Term Fees |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels5 records
Maitripa Institute product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Maitripa Institute (Maitripa College) delivers accredited graduate-level Buddhist education through a low-residency model, offering a Master of Arts in Applied Buddhism (MAAB, 44 credits) and a Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy (MDiv, 72 credits), alongside non-degree Continuing Education courses. Programs combine periodic in-person residencies in Portland, Oregon with online coursework, integrating scholarship, meditation practice, and community service rooted in the Tibetan Buddhist Nalanda tradition.
Product overview
Maitripa College offers the only Buddhist graduate programs in the Pacific Northwest, grounded in three pillars of scholarship, meditation, and service. The institution provides a Master of Arts in Applied Buddhism (MAAB), a Master of Divinity (MDiv) with Buddhist Chaplaincy focus, and Continuing Education courses. The MAAB is a low-residency, cohort-based program integrating Buddhist wisdom into professional and personal life. The MDiv is a contemplative degree preparing graduates for spiritual care in healthcare, hospice, and community settings. Supporting offerings include the James A. Blumenthal Library (5,400+ titles), the Maitripa College Podcast, Lapis digital journal, Community Program with public practices and events, the Rabjungma Community for women's Buddhist ordination formation, the Rejoice online student portal, and grief support groups. In Fall 2027, both graduate programs will transition to new low-residency models combining online and hybrid formats. The institution is located in Portland, Oregon and is affiliated with FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Rejoice: Student portal unifying access to all student services including contact with chaplain, advisor, registrar, librarian, technical support, tuition inquiries, and online class access.
- Maitripa Rabjungma Community
- James A. Blumenthal Library
Products and services
- MA in Applied Buddhism (MAAB) A low-residency, cohort-based master's degree program integrating scholarship, meditation, and service within the Nalanda Buddhist tradition. Designed for individuals seeking graduate-level Buddhist studies or professional development without full-time relocation; 44 credits at $494/credit.
- MDiv - Buddhist Chaplaincy A contemplative Master of Divinity degree preparing graduates for spiritual care in healthcare, hospice, and community settings, with Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) integration. Designed for individuals pursuing Buddhist chaplaincy careers; 72 credits at $494/credit.
- Continuing Education Program Non-degree courses, certificates, and lifelong learning opportunities open to all individuals regardless of academic standing, allowing deepening of Buddhist practice at any stage of life. Includes a 10% tuition reduction for students aged 60+.
- Rabjungma Community Lineage-rooted formation pathway for women pursuing Buddhist ordination and long-term spiritual leadership, integrating rigorous study, Vinaya training, contemplative practice, retreat, and communal life within the Nalanda tradition.
- Buddhist Spiritual Care Grief Support Group Monthly facilitated sharing and listening circle centered on grief, integrating contemplative practices and compassionate presence for those experiencing loss.
Quantifiable outcome
- 99% of alumni report deepened contemplative practice
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Maitripa Institute
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Maitripa Institute technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
Maitripa Institute partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- FPMT (Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition)coreMaitripa College is affiliated with FPMT, an international organization dedicated to the preservation of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. This affiliation provides lineage connection, access to FPMT's global network of Buddhist centers, and alignment with FPMT's educational mission. Yangsi Rinpoche serves as both college President and FPMT teacher.
- Portland State UniversityminorCollaboration on secular ethics education. Maitripa faculty have taught at Portland State University, and the institutions have cross-institutional engagement including joint educational programs.
- Deer Park Buddhist CenterminorYangsi Rinpoche served as resident teacher at Deer Park Buddhist Center in Madison, Wisconsin for five years. The center has historical connection to Maitripa College through Rinpoche's teaching history.
- Ganden Shedrup Ling Buddhist CenterminorYangsi Rinpoche serves as Spiritual Director of this Buddhist center in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- Dharma Friendship FoundationminorYangsi Rinpoche serves as Spiritual Director of this Buddhist center in Seattle, Washington.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Maitripa Institute competitors and assessment
Company assessmentOthers
- Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT): International network affiliated with Maitripa College, running its own online learning programs (Lamrim, Basic Program, Masters Program). Comparable as a parent network offering Buddhist study programs that may overlap with Maitripa's offerings; not a competing degree-granting institution but a strategic partner.
Broad incumbents
- Harvard Divinity School: Major graduate theological school at Harvard University offering multi-religious studies including Buddhist studies and chaplaincy. Comparable as a top-tier U.S. institution offering graduate-level religious studies with Buddhist and chaplaincy tracks, but operating at much larger scale than Maitripa.
- Graduate Theological Union: Interfaith consortium in Berkeley, California offering graduate degrees across multiple religious traditions including Buddhist studies with affiliated faculty. Comparable as a U.S. multi-tradition graduate theological institution offering Buddhist and chaplaincy pathways at a broader scale.
Direct peers
- Dongguk University Los Angeles: Los Angeles campus of Dongguk University offering graduate Buddhist studies rooted in Korean Seon (Zen) tradition. Comparable as a U.S. graduate institution offering accredited degrees in Buddhist studies with chaplaincy orientation.
- Institute of Buddhist Studies: Graduate theological school in Berkeley, California focused on Buddhist studies and chaplaincy training, affiliated with the Sōtō Zen tradition and Pacific School of Religion. Directly comparable as an accredited U.S. institution offering graduate degrees in Buddhist studies with chaplaincy pathways.
- University of the West: Private university in Los Angeles offering graduate degrees in Buddhist studies and chaplaincy with a low-residency/hybrid model. Closely comparable as a U.S. accredited Buddhist-aligned graduate institution serving working professionals interested in chaplaincy and applied Buddhist learning.
- Naropa University: Private contemplative university in Boulder, Colorado founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche with contemplative education and graduate chaplaincy programs. Comparable because it offers graduate-level contemplative and chaplaincy training in the U.S. with a Buddhist-foundation lineage.
- Soka University of America: Private liberal arts university in Aliso Viejo, California founded on Nichiren Buddhist principles. Comparable as a U.S. accredited higher-education institution with a Buddhist-foundation identity serving graduate and undergraduate students.
Emerging players
- Upaya Zen Center: Zen training center in Santa Fe, New Mexico offering chaplaincy training and contemplative education programs. Comparable because it trains Buddhist chaplains and offers contemplative professional formation, though not offering accredited graduate degrees directly.
- Spirit Rock Meditation Center: Insight Meditation (Theravada) center in Woodacre, California offering teacher training and contemplative programs. Comparable as a U.S. Buddhist organization offering ongoing education and training programs that overlap with Maitripa's continuing education category.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Maitripa Institute social profiles
Digital presenceMaitripa Institute compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Maitripa Institute financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Maitripa Institute leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Maitripa Institute subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Maitripa Institute funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Maitripa Institute M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Maitripa Institute
What does Maitripa Institute do?
Maitripa Institute (Maitripa College) delivers accredited graduate-level Buddhist education through a low-residency model, offering a Master of Arts in Applied Buddhism (MAAB, 44 credits) and a Master of Divinity in Buddhist Chaplaincy (MDiv, 72 credits), alongside non-degree Continuing Education courses. Programs combine periodic in-person residencies in Portland, Oregon with online coursework, integrating scholarship, meditation practice, and community service rooted in the Tibetan Buddhist Nalanda tradition.
Is Maitripa Institute a public or private company?
Maitripa Institute is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Maitripa Institute founded?
Maitripa Institute was founded in 2004. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Maitripa Institute based?
Maitripa Institute is headquartered in Portland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Maitripa Institute make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Graduate Tuition is the primary driver. The others are continuing Education, donations and Planned Giving and mandala Membership.
Who are Maitripa Institute's main competitors?
Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) is listed as an others. Broad incumbents are Harvard Divinity School and Graduate Theological Union. Direct peers are Dongguk University Los Angeles, Institute of Buddhist Studies, University of the West, Naropa University and Soka University of America. Emerging players are Upaya Zen Center and Spirit Rock Meditation Center.
Does Maitripa Institute have an API?
No public API is recorded for Maitripa Institute.
What industry is Maitripa Institute in?
Maitripa Institute's product category is Buddhist Higher Education / Graduate Religious Studies. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAHAKAK, Buddhist Monastic Universities & Dharma Colleges, with a secondary code of EDAHAKAE, Ministerial Training Institutes (Clergy Formation). Its NAICS code is 61131 and its SIC code is 8200.