University of the People

United States

Overview

University of the People is an accredited, nonprofit online university based in the United States that offers tuition-free degree programs. Founded over 15 years ago, it has grown to serve more than 271,095 students from over 200 countries and territories around the world. The institution is designed to remove financial barriers to higher education by eliminating tuition charges, course materials fees, and annual enrollment costs, while maintaining academic quality through partnerships with prominent academics and industry leaders.

Programs & Offerings

University of the People offers multiple levels of accredited degrees, all delivered 100% online. At the bachelor's level, students can pursue degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, and General Studies. Master's programs are available in Business Administration, Information Technology, and Education. Associate's degrees are offered in Business Administration, Computer Science, and Health Science. The university also provides certificate programs including IBM SkillsBuild and Game Design. All programs are designed in collaboration with industry leaders and academic experts to prepare students for employment in fields such as education, technology, healthcare, and finance.

How to Join

The university has an undergraduate admission process and a separate graduate admission process. Prospective students can apply online through the official UoPeople website. The homepage mentions an 'Early Admissions Deadline' of October 1, 2026, though students should verify current application deadlines and procedures directly on the admissions pages, as these may change. UoPeople offers foundation courses and preparation materials to help students prepare, including content on the American education system and English proficiency support. The university also accepts transfer credits from other institutions, which can help students complete their degree faster and with lower overall cost. Each admitted student is assigned a Program Advisor from their first day of classes through graduation.

Scholarships & Financial Aid

The homepage states that UoPeople is 'tuition-free' and does not charge for online college courses, course materials, or annual enrollment. However, students do pay 'minimal fees as you go.' The page does not provide specific scholarship amounts or details about additional financial aid programs beyond the tuition-free model. For current information about any scholarships, fee structures, or financial assistance options, prospective students should consult the official admissions and cost pages on the UoPeople website.

Careers & Jobs

University of the People provides a Career Service Center to support student employment outcomes. According to the homepage, more than 85% of UoPeople graduates are employed, with most finding positions in the education, technology, healthcare, and finance industries. The university emphasizes that its programs are designed 'to prepare you for success in the job market' through collaboration with industry leaders. For detailed information about career services offerings, alumni outcomes by program, and job placement support, students should check the official Career Service Center page.

Tuition fees, deadlines and exact admission requirements change often - always confirm current details on the university's official website before applying.