How Valuable is a Degree From University of the People?

In this guide, we will discuss University of the People degree value — examining its cost, accreditation, outcomes, and overall value.

What Is University of the People?

If you’ve ever Googled “affordable college degrees” or “tuition-free universities,” chances are you’ve stumbled across the University of the People. You’ll probably think, “Wait, is this real?”

You’re not alone.

With all the buzzwords like tuition-free, online, and nonprofit, it sounds almost too good to be true. But guess what? It’s real. And it’s growing fast.

The University of the People started in 2009 when education entrepreneur Shai Reshef saw just how powerful online learning could be—but also how ridiculously expensive college still was for most people. So he decided to shake things up and launched the University of the People (aka UoPeople): the first-ever tuition-free, nonprofit, online university based in the U.S.

One of the best things about the University of the People? You can enroll from literally anywhere in the world. Whether you’re in a big city, a rural village, or somewhere in between, all you need is an internet connection.

In fact, UoPeople students were already used to online learning long before the world shifted during the pandemic. Over 126,000 students from more than 200 countries are enrolled (and growing).

That’s a big deal, especially for people who don’t have access to traditional education. Many UoPeople students are working full-time, raising kids, living in unstable situations, or dealing with immigration or refugee status. For them, this isn’t just one option—it’s the only way to get a college degree.

Yet, it’s always smart to double-check how degrees from U.S. schools are viewed in your specific country, just to be sure.

Is University of the People Degree Accredited?

When asked, “Is University of the People worth it?” our usual answer is yes, since the university has earned proper accreditation.

It is Distance Education Accrediting Commission-accredited. DEAC is recognized officially by the. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). That means UoPeople meets national standards for quality in higher education. It’s not a diploma mill—it’s a real, legitimate university.

But here’s something important to understand: DEAC is a national accreditor, not a regional one. What does that mean?

In the U.S., there are two main types of accreditation: regional and national.

• Regional accreditation is, in general, considered the gold standard. Most big-name public and private universities (like UCLA, Harvard, or your local state school) are regionally accredited.
• National accreditation, like DEAC, is more common for online, career-focused, or specialized schools.

Both are legitimate, but they can be treated differently. For example, some regionally accredited schools may not accept transfer credits from nationally accredited ones. If you plan on transferring to another college or applying for a master’s or PhD program later on, it’s a good idea to check that school’s policy first.

That said, the University of the People accreditation has allowed several graduates to study at schools like NYU, UC Berkeley, and the University of Edinburgh. Others have gotten jobs at big companies like Amazon, IBM, and Google.

So yes, a University of the People degree value is respected and recognized—but how it’s viewed can depend on where you take it next.

Always double-check with future schools or employers if you’re unsure.

How Much Does It Really Cost?

The University of the People tuition-free program is its biggest selling point. And that’s true—sort of. You don’t pay for classes, books, or course access. But there are a few fees you should know about.

Here’s how the costs break down:

• Application Fee: $60 (one-time)
• Assessment Fee: $120 per undergraduate course exam, $300 for graduate-level exams

Most bachelor’s degrees require around 40 courses, so:

• Bachelor’s Degree Total: ~$4,800
• Master’s Degree Total (MBA or M.Ed): ~$3,600

Still way cheaper than traditional universities, where a single semester could cost you that much.

And yes, there are scholarships for students who can’t afford the exam fees. Donors, foundations, and corporate partners fund the scholarships.

Bottom line:

• It’s not 100% free—but very affordable.
• Total costs are just a few thousand dollars.
• Scholarships exist to help you if needed.

What Can You Do With a University of the People Degree?

One of the most important things to consider before starting any degree program is what kind of opportunities it will lead to. Let’s discuss the University of the People career outcomes.

Career Opportunities

Believe it or not, UoPeople grads have ended up at some pretty impressive places. We’re talking Google, Amazon, Microsoft, IBM, and even the United Nations.

Now, to keep it real, not every graduate is walking into a six-figure job at a tech giant the day after they finish. Like any degree, your results depend on your resume, experience, skills, networking, and a bit of luck. The point is this: the degree can open doors if you put in the work.

What Do Employers Think?

Some employers might not have heard of UoPeople yet, especially smaller companies or people who are unfamiliar with online education. But here’s the good news: most companies today care more about what you can do than where you went to school.

If you can show you’ve got the skills and drive, that’s what matters. UoPeople focuses on real-world, career-ready skills—especially in fields like business, computer science, education, and health science—so you’re not just learning theory; you’re learning stuff you can use.

Thinking About Grad School?

Yep, that’s an option too. Some UoPeople students have gotten into programs at places like NYU (which even has a partnership with UoPeople), UC Berkeley, and the University of Edinburgh.

That said, remember the whole national vs. regional accreditation thing? Since UoPeople is nationally accredited, not every grad program will automatically accept your degree, so always check with the schools you’re eyeing before applying.

The bottom line? As one of the top, most accredited, and affordable online colleges, a UoPeople degree can take you far, but like any school, what you do with it is what really makes the difference.

Pros and Cons of the University of the People

Like any school, the University of the People (UoPeople) has its strengths and limitations. Here’s a breakdown of the University of the People pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros

• Affordability: This is the biggest selling point. UoPeople is tuition-free, meaning you don’t pay for classes or materials. You only pay small exam fees—around $100 per course. A full bachelor’s degree costs roughly $4,800, which is a fraction of what traditional universities charge.
• Flexibility: Everything is 100% online and self-paced, making it ideal for people with full-time jobs, families, or other commitments. You can study from anywhere in the world, as long as you have internet access.
• Accessibility: No SATs, no complicated admissions process, and no visa requirements. UoPeople opens doors for students who might not otherwise be able to attend college—especially those in underserved or remote areas.
• Global Community: With students from over 200 countries, you’ll be learning alongside a diverse and international group, gaining global perspectives along the way.
• Scholarships Available: If you can’t afford the exam fees, scholarships are available—though they can be competitive.

Cons

• Limited Degree Options: Currently, UoPeople offers degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, and Education. If you’re looking for something like engineering, law, or fine arts, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
• National (Not Regional) Accreditation: Some schools or employers might view national accreditation differently. It could affect your ability to transfer credits or get into certain graduate programs.
• Less Name Recognition: UoPeople is growing, but it doesn’t carry the same prestige as traditional universities—something to consider depending on your career goals.
• Requires Self-Motivation: No professors checking in or in-person classes—so you need to stay on track and hold yourself accountable.

All in all, UoPeople is a strong choice if you’re looking for a low-cost, high-impact online degree return on investment.

Is the University of the People Worth It?

Let’s cut to the chase: is getting a degree from the University of the People (UoPeople) actually worth it?

Well, that depends on what you’re looking for.

UoPeople is not your traditional university. There’s no campus, no sports teams, no lecture halls. But what it does offer is something many people around the world are looking for—an affordable, flexible, and accredited path to a college degree.

So, is it the right choice for you? Let’s break it down.

UoPeople might be a great fit if:

• You need an affordable degree. Tuition at traditional colleges can be tens of thousands of dollars per year. At UoPeople, a full bachelor’s degree will not cost more than $10,000. That makes it one of the most budget-friendly degrees out there, with an excellent ROI.
• You can’t attend a traditional university. Whether it’s because of your location, financial situation, family responsibilities, or job, UoPeople makes education accessible to people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend college.
• You’re self-motivated and independent. Since UoPeople is fully online and doesn’t include live classes, staying on track is totally up to you. If you’re organized and good at managing your time, you’ll probably do well.
• You’re looking to upskill or change careers. UoPeople offers practical, job-ready degrees in several fields. If you’re trying to break into a new field or get a promotion, this can be a smart step.
• You want a degree that opens doors. UoPeople graduates have landed jobs at top companies and have even gone on to graduate programs. While it might not be a household name (yet), the degree can lead to real opportunities.

But it might not be for you if:

• You want the full college experience. UoPeople offers free online college degree programs, which means if you’re looking for campus life, dorms, football games, or in-person clubs, it won’t give you that. It’s 100% online and pretty no-frills.
• You plan to transfer credits to a regionally accredited school. UoPeople is nationally accredited, not regionally. While this is totally valid, some regionally accredited schools may not accept transfer credits or may look at the degree differently. Always check with the school you’re interested in transferring to before you start.
• You need a very specialized major. UoPeople offers a limited number of programs. If you’re dreaming of becoming an engineer, biologist, or graphic designer, you won’t find those degrees here—at least not yet.

Final Thoughts: Is This the Degree for You?

If you’re looking for a low-cost accredited online degree that’s flexible, globally accessible, and built for real-world success, the University of the People might be exactly what you need. It’s helped thousands of students who couldn’t access traditional education—whether due to cost, geography, or life circumstances—earn a degree and move forward in their careers or education.

But like we’ve said, it’s not for everyone.

If you’re looking for a traditional campus experience with clubs, sports, dorms, and a wide range of majors like engineering or the arts, UoPeople might not be the best fit. It’s also self-paced and requires strong self-motivation. There’s no set schedule or in-person support—so if you need more structure, it could be a challenge.

So, is it worth it?

If you’re aiming to earn a degree without drowning in debt, want to learn practical skills that apply directly to the job market, and are ready to take ownership of your learning, then yes, a University of the People degree is absolutely worth considering.

It may not come with ivy-covered buildings or fancy dorms, but what it can give you is opportunity. And for many people, that’s the most valuable part of all.