The State of the Indian Higher Ed and Possible Solutions

Determining whether higher education is a good fit for you and choosing what college or university to attend can be challenging, but searching for a program that was designed with your unique needs in mind is often a better option than going with what seems like the most obvious choice. Here is an overview of what earning a degree typically looks like in India, as well as why choosing University of the People may be an affordable online fit for you! 

What Does Higher Education Look Like in India?  

Here are some of the most important things to know about the structure and quality of India’s higher education system! 

Structure  

The Indian higher education system consists of three main path options that students may choose from. Universities, colleges, and courses provide a similar general structure to the options American students have to choose from, but the goals and funding of various types of colleges and universities further impact how each school is set up and run. One key difference in this structure is that this level of higher education is generally not started until students have completed two additional years of schooling beyond the typical American high school.  

India’s higher education system includes five main categories of universities, which include:  

• Central universities (Union Government-funded universities that are started and managed using an Act in Parliament)  
• State universities (State Government-funded universities that are started and managed using an Act in the State Legislature) 
• Private universities (multidisciplinary research universities that are started and managed using an Act in the State Legislature) 
• Deemed universities (a select group of high-performing universities) 
• Institutes of National Importance (a very select group of Government of India-funded top-tier schools that are known for producing some of the country’s highest-achieving graduates  

Students may also choose to attend private colleges or take individual STEM or non-STEM courses.  

Quality  

Many Indian universities are capable of providing a quality education, but they generally do not rank among the world’s top universities. Many government-funded programs can also include interference from political figures, and even schools with the strongest academic programs often have poor infrastructure. These factors have contributed to an overall low enrollment (approximately 15% of Indian adults have earned a degree), and they mean that students who are interested in pursuing the highest-quality education possible may find that choosing an online program from an American university or another top-ranking country may be a good alternative for them. 

Benefits of Choosing University of the People  

University of the People’s unique design makes our programs a strong option for students who otherwise may not be able to earn a higher education degree for a wide range of reasons. Here are some of the most significant benefits of choosing us!  

Tuition-Free Alternative to Traditional University Options  

While many Indian universities are considered to be relatively affordable for students with average financial resources and prioritize providing scholarships to make them even more attainable, most of these educational opportunities are not within reach for every student. India’s significant wealth distribution inequalities mean that it is home to many families that can easily afford to attend the country’s most expensive universities without assistance and many that are living below the poverty line and are unlikely to be able to attend any university unless they earn a full scholarship. 

UoPeople’s commitment to placing learning above profit means that our tuition-free programs can help to fill this gap for students who do not have the means to attend another university or would have a tough time doing so.  

Flexibility of Online Learning  

Choosing an online education is a flexible option that makes fitting learning into a busy schedule easier than ever. With this option, you can study and complete assignments at the most convenient times for you, rather than having to attempt to rearrange your work schedule and other commitments around attending in-person classes.  

Accredited Education  

Making sure the program you choose is fully accredited within your field is an important step in ensuring that you can maximize the use of your degree, and not all programs measure up to the standards of leading organizations in various professional fields. Some accomplishments also may be difficult or impossible to transfer between countries, which means that completing a degree in your home country may not mean that you meet all the requirements to qualify for a similar position in another country. Our programs have full American accreditation, which means that you will find your resume sufficiently boosted after finishing your education with us. 

High Student Satisfaction  

Our unique approach to making higher education accessible has resulted in high satisfaction among our past students. We know that enjoying your learning experience while you are earning your degree can be nearly as important as using it when you graduate, and our commitment to creating a unique experience that can suit nearly every student makes higher education an option for students that traditional classes may not be a good fit for.  

Choose University of the People for Quality Higher Education  

At University of the People, we are here to help make higher education an option no matter what your circumstances are. Our business administration, information technology, computer science, health science, and education programs can be an excellent fit for earning an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree to help you start or advance your career. Browse our website to learn more about the benefits of choosing our programs. Start your application NOW!