University of the People: Overview, Accreditation, Programs, and Costs

University of the People (UoPeople) is a private, non-profit, online university that describes itself as tuition-free and accessible globally. It offers associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in business, computer science, health science, and liberal arts, delivered through an online learning platform. The university operates on a pay-to-assess model, where students pay modest exam and processing fees rather than tuition, while course access and instructional content are offered without per-course charges. UoPeople is accredited by national bodies and accepted for credit or professional recognition in many jurisdictions, though learners should verify status with local education authorities and employers before enrolling. This profile explains how the model works, its academic offerings, costs, outcomes, and practical considerations for prospective students.