University of the People Receives $1.48 Million Grant from Gates Foundation to Advance Student Success

University of the People (UoPeople), the world’s first tuition-free, accredited online university, is pleased to announce it has received a grant of $1.48 million from the Gates Foundation to support our efforts to improve student persistence, progression, and degree completion in the United States. This investment will help us strengthen the support systems our students rely on while continuing to provide high-quality, low-cost education. This support provides a huge boost to our program and will help us to continue our strong momentum in serving learners in the US and around the globe.  

The grant will enable UoPeople to enhance student support systems, invest in data-driven interventions, and expand innovative strategies designed to help students successfully navigate their academic journeys. As higher education institutions nationwide face challenges around retention and completion, UoPeople remains committed to delivering scalable, accessible solutions that meet the needs of diverse and often underserved learners. 

“We are honored to receive this support from the Gates Foundation,” said Shai Reshef, President of UoPeople. “This investment reinforces our mission to make higher education accessible and attainable for all, while ensuring that our students not only enroll, but persist and graduate.” 

UoPeople serves a global student body with a significant and growing presence in the United States, offering degree programs in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. The university’s innovative tuition-free model removes financial barriers while maintaining academic rigor and accreditation. 

For more information, visit www.uopeople.edu.