How University of the People Is Breaking Barriers to Higher Education

University of the People (UoPeople) is redefining access to higher education by offering accredited, tuition-free online degrees to students around the world. Built to serve learners who are excluded by cost, geography, or life circumstances, UoPeople removes many of the traditional barriers that prevent people from earning a college degree.

As one of the fastest-growing online universities globally, UoPeople combines affordability, flexibility, and academic credibility to expand access to higher education at scale.

University of the People was founded in 2009 with the mission of making higher education accessible to everyone.

It offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs in high-demand fields alongwith certificate programs, delivered entirely online. Students study from anywhere in the world and complete coursework asynchronously, allowing them to balance education with work and family responsibilities.

How Is University of the People Breaking Down Barriers to Education?

University of the People addresses the most common obstacles to higher education in five key ways:

Eliminating Tuition Costs

UoPeople does not charge tuition. Instead, students pay low assessment fees per course, which are due only after completing coursework. This model removes the largest financial barrier to earning a degree.

For students who cannot afford assessment fees, scholarships are available, ensuring that cost does not prevent qualified learners from continuing their education.

Providing Fully Online, Flexible Learning

All UoPeople programs are delivered online, allowing students to:

• Study from any location with internet access

• Learn at their own pace within structured terms

• Avoid relocation, commuting, or campus housing costs

This flexibility is especially important for working adults, caregivers, and students in regions without access to traditional universities.

Serving a Global Student Population

UoPeople educates students from over 200 countries and territories, making it one of the most globally diverse universities in the world.

Its student body includes:

• Refugees and displaced learners

• First-generation college students

• Learners from conflict-affected regions

• Working professionals seeking career advancement

This global reach allows UoPeople to extend higher education to populations often excluded from traditional systems.

Offering Accredited Degree Programs

University of the People is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), a recognized U.S. accrediting body.

Regional accreditation strengthens:

• Degree recognition

• Credit transfer opportunities

• Eligibility for graduate studies

• Employer confidence in academic quality

This accreditation places UoPeople alongside established U.S. universities in terms of academic legitimacy.

Designing Programs for Career Relevance

UoPeople’s programs focus on practical, in-demand skills aligned with global workforce needs.

Degree programs include:

Associate and Bachelor’s Degrees:

• Business Administration

• Computer Science

• Health Science

Master’s Degrees:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

• Master of Education (M.Ed.)

• Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

Courses emphasize critical thinking, real-world problem-solving, and applied knowledge that students can apply immediately in their careers.

How Much Does University of the People Cost?

While University of the People does not charge tuition, students are responsible for a one-time application fee and assessment fees per course. For the 2025–26 academic year, the current estimated fees are as follows:

• One-time application fee: $60 USD for all degree programs.

• Assessment fees (charged at the end of each completed course):

  • Undergraduate (Associate’s/Bachelor’s): $160 per course

  • Graduate (M.Ed.): $400 per course

  • Graduate (MBA, MSIT): $450 per course

Using these figures, UoPeople’s total estimated degree costs — based on completing all required courses — are approximately:

• Associate’s degree: ~$3,260 USD

• Bachelor’s degree: ~$6,460 USD

• Master’s degree: ~$5,260–$5,460 USD

Even with these assessment fees, the total cost of earning a degree from UoPeople remains significantly lower than traditional universities, often amounting to a fraction of typical higher-education expenses.

How Does UoPeople’s Tuition‑Free Model Affect ROI?

The core difference in UoPeople’s financial model is that students do not pay traditional tuition. Instead, they pay modest assessment fees per course and a one‑time application fee, making the overall cost of earning a degree significantly lower than that of traditional universities.

According to an independent economic impact study by Tripp Umbach, the ROI for a UoPeople bachelor’s degree is approximately 30 times higher than the U.S. average degree return. The study found that UoPeople graduates generate $250 in economic benefit for every $1 invested, compared with $8.20 per $1 invested for the average cost of a traditional U.S. bachelor’s degree.

This dramatic difference reflects how significantly lower costs contribute to long‑term ROI.

Because UoPeople offers higher education tuition-free, students can enter the workforce debt-free, enabling earlier investment in savings, home ownership, or career training rather than years of loan repayment.

What Personal and Social Benefits Does a UoPeople Degree Provide?

UoPeople’s model has implications beyond economics alone. It opens access to learners who would otherwise have no realistic pathway to college due to cost barriers. The university serves students from more than 200 countries and territories, including many in underserved regions.

By reducing financial barriers, UoPeople increases social and economic mobility at a global scale, helping students pursue careers in business, technology, healthcare, education, and more. These opportunities can catalyze economic uplift not just for individuals, but for families and communities.

The broader impact of accessible degrees — particularly in an era when vocational skills and adaptability are highly prized — reinforces long‑term, multidimensional ROI: monetary gains, professional growth, and greater societal opportunity. Apply now!

Frequently Asked Questions About University of the People

Is University of the People completely free?

UoPeople does not charge tuition, but students pay low assessment fees per course. Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who need support.

Is University of the People accredited?

Yes. UoPeople is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Who can study at University of the People?

Anyone who meets the academic requirements and has internet access can apply, regardless of location, age, or financial background.

Are UoPeople degrees recognized by employers?

Yes. Graduates work across industries worldwide, and regional accreditation strengthens employer recognition.

How does University of the People make higher education more accessible?

University of the People removes key barriers by eliminating tuition, delivering programs fully online, and allowing students to study from anywhere with internet access. This model expands opportunity for learners who would otherwise be excluded from higher education.

Why does University of the People matter in global higher education?

Global demand for higher education exceeds the capacity of traditional universities. Millions of qualified learners are unable to enroll due to high costs, geographic limitations, or lack of local infrastructure. University of the People helps close this gap by offering accessible, online degree programs to students worldwide.