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Years operating
Founded in 2009
Variety of degrees
Master’s, Bachelor’s, Associate’s, and certificate programs
Tuition
Tuition-free model
University of the People Pros & Cons
Pros
Fully online, asynchronous learning for flexible schedules.
Accredited by WSCUC; recognized by DEAC.
Low total program cost via per-course assessment fees.
Cons
Fees still apply (application and per-course assessment).
Program portfolio focuses on a core set of disciplines.
University of the People at a Glance
8.6
Editorial ScoreYears Operating
Founded as an online, non-profit university in 2009 and accredited in February 2014.
8.0
Variety of Programs
Offers 20+ associate, bachelor and master online degree programs across business, CS and health‑science.
8.0
Tuition
No cost for instruction, books, or traditional campus costs. Charges a one-time application fee and assessment fees per course.
10.0
Accreditation
Accredited regionally by WSCUC and nationally by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
8.0
Degree Levels
Offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degree programs, does not offer doctoral degrees.
9.0
Overview
University of the People (UoPeople) is a U.S.-based, nonprofit online university founded in 2009. It offers 100% online associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees delivered asynchronously, enabling students worldwide to study without set class times. Programs span Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science at the undergraduate levels and MBA, M.Ed., and MSIT at the graduate level. The academic model is tuition-free for instruction, with modest fees for application and per-course assessments, published clearly on the fees page.
How University of the People works
Apply online: submit an application through the UoPeople site. Program-specific admissions requirements apply (e.g., prior degree level, English proficiency where relevant).
Admissions review & enrollment: once admitted, students register for courses on the Online Campus and study asynchronously.
Pay fees as you progress: instruction is tuition-free; students pay the stated assessment fee per course (and the application fee).
Complete program requirements: upon completing required courses and assessments, students graduate with an accredited U.S. degree. (See accreditation below.)
Accreditation & Recognition
WSCUC (WASC Senior College and University Commission): UoPeople is Accredited; WSCUC’s directory lists current status and key details (Pasadena address, phone, action history).
Commission actions (2025): WSCUC records the February 2025 action history for institutions, including UoPeople’s move through the accreditation process.
DEAC: UoPeople states recognition by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission and adherence to DEAC standards.
Terms and Fees
UoPeople charges no tuition for instruction. Instead, students pay a one-time application fee and assessment fees per course. The university publishes approximate total costs by degree.
| Degree Level | Assessment Fee (per course) | Other Key Fee(s) | Approx. Total Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
Associate (AS) | $160 (undergrad) | $60 application | $3,260 |
Bachelor’s (BS) | $160 (undergrad) | $60 application | $6,460 |
M.Ed. | $400 (graduate) | $60 application | $5,260 |
MBA | $450 (graduate) | $60 application | $5,460 |
MSIT | $450 (graduate) | $60 application | $5,460 |
*Totals are UoPeople’s current approximations and may change; always confirm on the official fees page and/or use the UoPeople Cost Calculator.
Help & Support
Email (admissions): admissions@uopeople.edu
General info: info@uopeople.edu
Program advising (current students): advising@uopeople.edu
Phone: +1 (626) 264-8880
Meet in person (by appointment): Fridays 8:00 am–12:00 pm PT at 595 E. Colorado Blvd, Suite 623, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA.
Bottom Line
UoPeople offers accredited, fully online degrees with a transparent, low-fee structure that replaces traditional tuition. The portfolio is focused (business, computing, health, education) and intentionally flexible for working adults and international students. Applicants should confirm total costs using the official calculator, and verify any industry-specific licensure or transfer policies in advance. For cost-sensitive learners seeking a U.S. credential they can complete from anywhere, the value proposition is clear.
AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.
FAQs
Is UoPeople accredited?
Yes, UoPeople is accredited by the DEAC and the WASC Senior College and University Commission, which ensures their recognition for both employment and further studies. However, as with any institution, it's advisable to confirm specific requirements with employers or advanced degree programs.
How many degree programs are offered?
Ten degree programs are listed across associate, bachelor’s, master’s levels (3 at each level) and certificates on UoPeople’s programs pages.
Is the University of the People really tuition-free?
Yes, UoPeople does not charge tuition. Students are responsible for a one-time application fee and pay assessment fees upon completion of each course. Scholarship opportunities exist for those who cannot afford even these minimal fees.
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