What Is It Like to Study at University of the People? A Guide for Prospective Students

University of the People (UoPeople) has emerged as a pioneering force in global higher education, offering accredited, tuition-free, fully online degree programs. In February 2025, the university achieved accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education — the same body that accredits many well-known American universities. This accreditation affirms that UoPeople meets rigorous standards for teaching quality, educational effectiveness, and academic outcomes, providing learners worldwide with trusted credentials.

As the first non-profit, tuition-free American online university, UoPeople’s mission is to make quality education accessible regardless of financial, geographic, or personal barriers. The institution provides structured academic programs that include associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in areas such as Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, Information Technology, and Education.

What is the Learning Environment Like at UoPeople?

At UoPeople, every academic program is delivered 100% online and asynchronously, which means students can access lectures, readings, and assignments on their own schedules. This flexible structure allows learners to work around professional responsibilities, family commitments, and time zone differences, making it especially suitable for working adults, international students, and learners with busy lives.

The university’s online platform is designed around weekly course modules. Each module provides learning objectives, readings, discussion prompts, and assessments that students complete at their convenience within flexible deadlines. This model encourages self-paced progress while still ensuring a structured academic journey from enrollment to graduation.

UoPeople also supports students with program advisors who guide them from the moment students apply until they graduate. These advisors help learners navigate course selection, academic milestones, and degree completion plans — a feature that many students cite as essential to maintaining momentum throughout the program.

Who Studies at UoPeople? What Makes Them Choose It?

University of the People’s student body reflects its mission of global inclusivity. According to official figures, students represent more than 200 countries and territories, creating a richly diverse learner population. This global reach brings together individuals from a wide range of cultural, socioeconomic, and professional backgrounds.

Students at UoPeople include recent graduates seeking affordable pathways to a degree, working professionals balancing employment with education, and learners living in regions where traditional university access is limited or cost-prohibitive. Many students enroll while continuing full-time work, caring for families, or managing other life responsibilities — a reality made possible by the flexible online format.

Testimonials shared by learners and graduates highlight how this model enables them to pursue long-held educational goals without the financial burden and rigid scheduling of traditional institutions. For many, UoPeople represents a chance to earn an accredited American degree that aligns with their personal and professional ambitions.

What Do Students Say About Studying at UoPeople?

Across review platforms, students commonly describe their experiences at University of the People in terms of flexibility, accessibility, and community. Learners frequently highlight the ability to study at their own pace while juggling other commitments such as jobs and family life. This capacity to maintain balance is often cited as one of the most transformative aspects of the UoPeople experience.

Reviewers also emphasize the tuition-free format, noting that the absence of traditional tuition dramatically reduces financial barriers to higher education. Students point out that while modest assessment fees are required, the overall cost remains significantly lower than that of typical university programs, enabling individuals who might otherwise be unable to attend college to earn a degree.

The online structure — including weekly units, discussion forums, and peer-to-peer interactions — is praised for fostering critical thinking and encouraging learners to engage with course material on a deeper level. Many students appreciate how discussions with peers from around the world enrich their academic experience with diverse perspectives.

How Does UoPeople Build a Supportive Online Learning Community?

Despite being fully virtual, University of the People fosters a sense of community by encouraging collaboration and connection among students from around the globe. Discussion boards are integral to UoPeople’s academic model and enable learners to share insights, ask questions, and engage in reflective dialogue each week. These conversations help students build professional communication skills while gaining different cultural viewpoints.

In addition to academic engagement, UoPeople’s support system includes academic advising and personalized assistance throughout the student journey. Students have access to tutors, peers, and community networks that provide encouragement and guidance during their studies. Many learners reference the supportive environment created by instructors and fellow students, highlighting how a virtual community can still feel collaborative and empowering.

The global nature of UoPeople’s student population also creates opportunities for cross-cultural learning. Learners exchange ideas not only about coursework but also about real-world challenges and career aspirations, contributing to a broad, interconnected community of professionals and future leaders.

Why Do Students Recommend University of the People to Others?

The combination of an accredited curriculum, flexible online delivery, and commitment to accessibility has made University of the People a recommended option for many students around the world. Graduates and current learners alike commend the university for creating opportunities where barriers once stood too high.

Many students underscore the value of gaining a recognized American degree while maintaining full involvement in their personal and professional lives. The tuition-free model, with minimal fees, ensures that financial constraints do not prevent motivated learners from accessing college-level education.

Learners also frequently highlight the personal growth they experience — from improved discipline and time management to enhanced critical thinking and communication skills — which carry over into their workplaces and communities. Such benefits illustrate how UoPeople’s mission expands beyond academic achievement to encompass holistic personal development.

Final Thoughts: How is University of the People Redefining Access to Higher Education?

University of the People stands out as a transformative institution that reimagines what higher education can look like in the digital age. Through WASC accreditation, it offers globally credible academic credentials. Through its tuition-free model, it removes financial barriers that have traditionally excluded millions from college access. Through its online and flexible design, it allows learners to balance education with life’s demands.

The diverse student body, supportive learning community, and real-world applicability of degree programs combine to create an academic experience that resonates with learners worldwide. For students seeking a flexible, affordable, and highly accessible pathway to a quality degree, University of the People represents an innovative model with the potential to expand opportunity on a global scale. Apply Now!