Considering University of the People? Here are Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions

Thinking about studying at the University of the People? You’re not alone! With students from over 200 countries and territories, UoPeople is the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited online university. We know that starting something new–especially something as important as your education–comes with a lot of questions. That’s why we’ve put together these FAQs to help you understand how UoPeople works and what makes it unique.

Whether you’re curious about online learning, accreditation, career outcomes, or who your classmates and instructors will be, you’ll find clear, honest answers here. UoPeople is built for flexibility, affordability, and quality, so you can pursue your degree no matter where you are in life or the world.

Is it true that UoPeople is all virtual, with no physical campus? How does that work?

Yes, that’s true! UoPeople is completely online, and there’s no physical campus. All of the classes are held virtually and don’t include live lectures. This setup gives students the freedom to learn in a way that works best for them.

With online learning at UoPeople, you can read course materials, join discussions with classmates and instructors, and submit assignments all from your computer, tablet, or even a smartphone. You get to decide when to do your coursework so it can easily fit into your schedule, whether you’re working, parenting, or living in a different time zone.

This flexibility also means that you can study from anywhere in the world. UoPeople students come from six continents and more than 200 countries and territories!

Who teaches UoPeople’s classes?

UoPeople’s classes are taught by dedicated instructors who are experts in their fields. They represent some of the most well-known and respected universities in the world.

UoPeople’s academic leadership includes professionals with experience at top institutions like Oxford University, Harvard University, Columbia University, NYU, UC Berkeley, Princeton University, and INSEAD, just to name a few.

In addition, UoPeople is guided by a President’s Council made up of current and former leaders from top universities around the globe. Their knowledge and leadership help ensure that UoPeople offers a high-quality and trusted education.

Is UoPeople accredited? What does that mean for me?

Yes, the University of the People is accredited! That means it’s been reviewed and approved by official organizations that make sure schools meet high standards.

UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which is a regional accreditor, and also by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a national accreditor. These respected agencies confirm that UoPeople offers a strong and reliable education.

For you as a student, this means:

• You can trust that your education meets quality academic standards.
• Employers will recognize and respect your degree.
• You may qualify for financial aid or be able to transfer credits to other universities.

Accreditation is an important sign that UoPeople is a serious and credible university, committed to helping students succeed.

Will my degree from UoPeople be relevant in my home country?

There’s no single, worldwide system for recognizing degrees—each country has its own rules. But here’s what you should know:

UoPeople is an accredited university in the United States. In most cases, if your degree comes from an accredited university, it will be recognized by employers and other universities in your home country.

Many UoPeople graduates have successfully continued their education or advanced their careers all around the world. They’ve gone on to study at well-known universities like NYU, MIT, UC Berkeley, the University of Auckland (New Zealand), the University of Nairobi (Kenya), Carnegie Mellon University (Australia), Sapienza University of Rome (Italy), and more.

It’s always a good idea to check with local institutions or employers for specific recognition policies in your country, but know that a UoPeople degree has already opened doors for students worldwide.

Can I transfer into or out of UoPeople?

Yes, you can! UoPeople accepts transfer credits from both accredited U.S. and international institutions. Whether you’re a new applicant or a current student, you can apply to have your previous coursework reviewed. If accepted, transfer credits can help you graduate faster — some students even earn their degree in under a year!

You can also transfer credits earned at UoPeople to other universities if you decide to continue your education elsewhere. However, it’s important to know that UoPeople can’t guarantee that every school or employer will accept its credits or degrees. Each institution has its own policies.

That said, UoPeople’s accreditation and academic partnerships with institutions like NYU and the University of Edinburgh, plus the involvement of academic leaders from universities such as Oxford, Columbia, and others, show the strength and credibility of a UoPeople degree.

Are You Really Tuition-Free?

Yes! At UoPeople, our mission is to provide affordable, high-quality, online degree programs to any qualified student. Even U.S.-based students are eligible to study tuition-free, with no FAFSA or financial aid required.

We believe education should be accessible to all, so we do not charge for instruction, books, or traditional campus expenses. However, to help cover our operating costs and continue providing excellent support and services, we do charge:

• A one-time application fee
• Low assessment fees per course

Even with these minimal fees, the cost of a UoPeople degree is a fraction of traditional college expenses. For comparison, the average annual cost for out-of-state students at U.S. public colleges is $24,513 (2024–25).

If you’re unable to afford the fees, scholarships are available to help you stay on track.

Will a degree from UoPeople advance my career?

Absolutely! UoPeople offers high-quality, accredited degree programs designed to help you move forward in your career. And our graduates say it’s working.

In a recent survey of UoPeople alumni:

• 93% said they were satisfied with their education.
• 93% reported that their degree had a positive impact on their employment.
• 60% are now working in mid- to top-level corporate positions.

UoPeople students and graduates are building careers at top international companies and organizations like Google, IBM, Apple, Dell, Microsoft, Amazon, and even the United Nations.

Want to hear directly from students? Check out their stories here: Ask a Student

What does flexible online learning mean?

At UoPeople, flexible online learning means you can study when and where it works best for you. There are no set class times or live lectures, so you don’t have to rearrange your life to attend school. You can do your coursework in the morning, at night, or on weekends–whatever fits your schedule.

You can access everything you need online, on any device, including readings, assignments, and discussions with classmates and instructors. Whether you’re working a job, caring for family, or living in a different time zone, UoPeople’s flexible model is designed to make higher education possible for everyone.

What kind of peer group will I have at UoPeople?

At UoPeople, your peers come from all over the world. Our student community includes people from over 200 countries and territories across six continents. You’ll be learning alongside classmates with different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences, many of whom are working professionals, parents, or first-time college students just like you.

This global, diverse peer group brings fresh perspectives to every course discussion. You’ll connect with students who are passionate, motivated, and committed to improving their lives through education. Even though classes are online, many students say they’ve made real connections and lasting friendships.

Who are the university’s leadership?

UoPeople is led by a distinguished group of professionals and academics dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education. The team includes the following leaders:

President Shai Reshef, M.A., is the founder of University of the People and an education entrepreneur with decades of experience. He has led the way in creating accessible, tuition-free online higher education for students around the world.

Provost Dr. Marie Cini is a higher education leader with over 25 years of experience. She is known for advancing access to education for adult and working learners through roles in nonprofit and online university leadership.

Provost Emeritus and Special Advisor to the President David H. Cohen, Ph.D. has led a distinguished career in neuroscience and academic administration, including roles at Columbia University and Northwestern University.  

Academic Deans

• Dr. John A. Quelch, Dean of Business Administration, brings extensive expertise from leadership positions at Harvard Business School and the University of Miami. ​ 
• Dr. Alexander Tuzhilin, Dean of Computer Science, has a background in data mining and business intelligence and previously served at NYU’s Stern School of Business. ​
• Dr. Dalton Conley, Dean of Health Science, is a sociologist with research interests in social and genetic determinants of economic outcomes. He is affiliated with Princeton University. ​ 
• Dr. Audra M. Watson, Dean of Education, focuses on teacher preparation and educational leadership. She has a wealth of experience in various educational organizations. ​

This leadership team, comprising experienced professionals from renowned institutions, ensures that UoPeople maintains high academic standards and provides quality education to its global student body. They are guided by a distinguished President’s Council, Board of Trustees, and Advisory Councils.