Is a University of the People Degree Recognized by Employers?
Published: January 10, 2026
For many job seekers, the first step in evaluating a degree program is whether employers perceive it as legitimate. University of the People (UoPeople) holds regional accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) — the same type of accreditation many traditional, renowned American universities share, and a recognized indicator of academic credibility for employers and institutions.
Accreditation matters because most reputable employers give priority to credentials that come from recognized accrediting bodies. UoPeople’s status ensures that its degrees meet defined standards of quality, rigor, and assessment — factors that hiring managers often consider when evaluating applicants with online degrees. Furthermore, UoPeople’s official alumni surveys indicate that many graduates report employment outcomes linked to their degree; according to the 2023 survey, nearly 90% of alumni said their UoPeople education helped them succeed in the workplace, with many holding leadership and executive roles after graduation.
Real‑world feedback further supports this trend. On Trustpilot and Trustindex review platforms — where thousands of students have rated the university — a common theme emerges: students value the accreditation and employer relevance of their degree.
Will a University of the People Degree Help Me Get a Job?
Recognition is one thing; employment impact is another. A degree can be valued by employers, but will earning it actually help you secure a job? UoPeople’s own alumni data suggests that it can. According to the 2022 alumni survey, 78% of UoPeople graduates reported finding employment after graduation, and a significant number said UoPeople equipped them with knowledge and skills to excel in their chosen careers.
These findings are reinforced by alumni stories featured on the UoPeople blog, which highlight real examples of graduates who have transitioned into successful roles after completing their studies. For instance, one MBA graduate secured a role at Amazon where she could apply her skills directly to her work — an outcome that reflects both employability and the practical value of her degree.
Students themselves often describe how UoPeople’s flexible scheduling allowed them to continue working while studying — a significant benefit when pursuing career advancement without interrupting income or professional responsibilities. Across student reviews, this blend of education and career compatibility is frequently cited as valuable in job searches.
Is a UoPeople Degree Accepted by Companies and Organizations Worldwide?
Because UoPeople serves students across more than 200 countries and territories, global acceptance is a natural concern for many learners. The combination of regional U.S. accreditation and a widely accessible online format supports broad recognition by employers and organizations around the world.
Official alumni surveys provide additional perspective on global employability. The 2023 survey notes that many UoPeople graduates work in mid‑ to high‑level positions across global industries, with roles including senior vice president and CEO, suggesting that the degree holds relevance far beyond a single local job market.
Trustpilot and Trustindex reviews also point to global applicability. Students from varied regions — Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia — cite the ability to pursue accredited higher education while balancing work and family commitments, and many report using their qualifications to pursue careers in multinational contexts.
Additionally, UoPeople’s partnerships and alumni pathways with universities around the world further underscore international recognition. While specifics vary by institution and region, students have historically pursued further degrees or professional opportunities through institutional alliances that enhance upward mobility.
How Valuable Is a Degree from University of the People in the Job Market?
A degree’s value in the job market depends not just on acceptance, but on how well it signals current skills and preparedness to employers. UoPeople’s curriculum emphasizes career‑ready skills, combining foundational academic knowledge with work‑oriented competencies such as critical thinking, communication, and digital collaboration — qualities that hiring managers actively seek.
Alumni testimonials consistently reflect how these skills translate to real work environments. Many students highlight that they were able to apply what they learned to real‑life challenges, directly linking academic experience to job performance — a practical signal of market value.
Moreover, the 2023 alumni survey indicates that a strong majority of UoPeople graduates feel their degrees helped them progress professionally, including securing leadership positions and expanding career opportunities.
The presence of diverse peer interactions — with classmates from across the globe — also contributes to the job‑market value of the degree. Employers often value international collaboration skills, and many UoPeople students cite their global network as an asset in developing cross‑cultural communication skills that can enhance employability.
Do Employers Take UoPeople Seriously When Hiring?
Ultimately, whether employers take UoPeople seriously tends to boil down to accreditation, demonstrated skills, and practical outcomes. Being WASC-accredited establishes a credible institutional foundation, and many employers recognize that online degrees — when accredited and properly communicated — represent legitimate qualifications.
The real stories of alumni provide further support. Many graduates report finding employment, advancing in their careers, and gaining roles of responsibility, all of which reflect employer confidence in their credentials and capabilities.
Conclusion
For students wondering whether a University of the People degree is recognized, useful, and respected in the job market, the evidence points firmly toward positive real‑world outcomes. UoPeople’s regional accreditation, strong alumni satisfaction and employment data, and diverse student testimonials and blog success stories collectively demonstrate that a UoPeople degree can be a meaningful step toward job opportunities and career growth. Apply now!