A student at Dharma Realm Buddhist University studies Buddhist teachings and traditional academic subjects, applying wisdom and virtue in daily life. The faculty works in close cooperation with each other and with the administrators, as well as joining in community events daily where they are able to observe and interact with the student body. The atmosphere, which prevails in all programs within the University structure, is one of mutual support and positive reinforcement.

At the University, emphasis is placed on the virtues of constancy, humaneness, and integrity. Students are encouraged to contribute to the wellbeing of the land and its citizens, and by extension, to the entire world. The opportunity exists for students to develop their innate human potential to as full an extent as they are capable.