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Billionaire Profile
Peter Sperling
Global Rank
#2134

Image: Liebers, Peter | CC BY-SA 3.0 de | via Wikimedia Commons

Peter Sperling

CEO, Education
UNITED STATES
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.98B
Estimated based on Education stock value as of April 20, 2026
0% (24h)
Age
66
Source
Education
Industry
Service
Citizenship
UNITED STATES

Biography

Peter Sperling is an American billionaire businessman, born in 1960. He is recognized for his significant contributions to the field of education. Sperling is the former chairman of Apollo Group, the parent company of the University of Phoenix. His career reflects his entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen, shaping the growth of the institution. Sperling's net worth is estimated to be $2.0 billion, a testament to his success. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Beyond his business endeavors, Sperling is known for his philanthropic efforts.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Peter V. Sperling was born in 1960. He is the son of John Sperling, the founder of the University of Phoenix, and Sandra Sperling, who was also an educator. Peter developed a strong interest in business and entrepreneurship from a young age. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California at Santa Barbara and an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Rise to Success

Sperling joined Apollo Education Group in 1983, about a decade after his father founded it. He took over as chairman in 2001 and remained in that position until 2017, when the group was taken private. Apollo Group, under his leadership, became a prominent for-profit education company, well-known for its online University of Phoenix network.

Key Business Strategies

As chairman, Peter Sperling played a pivotal role in shaping the institution's growth and success. He co-founded CallWave, Inc., a provider of cloud-based communication solutions. The company expanded internationally through strategic ventures.

Philanthropy

Peter Sperling is known for his philanthropic endeavors, including financial support for California's Proposition 7 in 2008, which aimed to increase renewable energy use.

Career Milestones

1983

Joined Apollo Education Group

Began his career at Apollo Education Group, a decade after his father founded it.

2001

Chairman of Apollo Education Group

Became the chairman of the Apollo Group.

2017

Stepped down as chairman

Stepped down when the group was bought and made private.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Environmental

Proposition 7

Undisclosed

Financial backing for California's Proposition 7 in 2008.

Environmental

Ellwood Mesa

$5 million

Donation to campaign to save Ellwood Mesa, a monarch butterfly site and wildlife habitat.

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