Affordable and Recognized Degree from the University of the People

Earning a college degree can be a game-changer in anyone's career.

However, for many, high costs and lack of flexibility remain significant barriers.

A University of the People (UoPeople) was created to break down these obstacles, offering an affordable, reliable, online alternative for those seeking quality training.

Accredited, nonprofit, and with a modern pedagogical focus, UoPeople enables students from around the world to begin or complete an undergraduate or graduate degree without unpayable debt or complicated logistical requirements.

What is the University of the People?

Founded in 2009, UoPeople is the The world's first fully online, non-profit university, focused on democratizing access to higher education.

Its mission is clear: to make high-quality university education accessible to everyone, regardless of their geographic, economic or social status.

The university already has hundreds of thousands of students from over 200 countries.

Its methodology combines asynchronous teaching (without fixed schedules) with peer assessment, individualized academic mentoring and the use of Open Educational Resources (OER).

This reduces costs and offers maximum flexibility.

Programs Offered: From Undergraduate to Postgraduate

UoPeople offers a variety of study paths. The main programs graduation they are:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science
  • Focus on programming, software engineering, databases, networks and artificial intelligence.
  • Load and Structure: 120 credits (40 subjects), with an average duration of 4 years.
  • Possible Careers: Software developer, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist.
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • It covers finance, marketing, human resources, operations and entrepreneurship.
  • Load and Structure: 120 credits, with customizable pace.
  • Career Opportunities: Project manager, financial analyst, administrative coordinator.
• Bachelor's Degree in Health Sciences
  • Explores public health, health policy, human biology, and epidemiology.
  • Load and Structure: 120 credits.
  • Areas of Activity: Community health, prevention campaigns, international NGOs.

In addition to the 4-year courses, the university also offers the Associate Degree in the same areas.

These are 60-credit programs, lasting an average of 2 years, which serve as a first step towards obtaining a full diploma.

Postgraduate Studies and Certifications

UoPeople also offers advanced programs:

• MBA (Master in Business Administration): 12 subjects, lasting 12 to 15 months, focused on leadership, strategic management and innovation.
• M.Ed. (Master's Degree in Education): Aimed at teachers and educators who wish to improve their pedagogical practices.
• MSIT (Master of Science in Information Technology): Recently released, it covers topics such as data security and cloud computing.

The university also offers short-term certificates, which can be taken alongside undergraduate studies. Options include IT, administration, and public health.

How Much Does It Cost to Study at UoPeople?

The university's proposal is to offer education no monthly fees or costs for books and registration. However, there are two mandatory fees:

• Registration Fee: US$ 60, pay once.
• Assessment Rate by Subject:
  • Undergraduate: US$ 160 per course
  • MBA: US$ 300 to US$ 450
  • M.Ed. and MSIT: US$ 200 to US$ 300

As the degree has 40 subjects, the estimated total cost is approximately US$ 6,460.

This amount is significantly lower than that charged by public universities in the US, which can exceed US$1,000.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

Even with reduced costs, the UoPeople offers a variety of scholarship options.

They cover registration and assessment fees and are targeted at students with financial difficulties, refugees, or historically marginalized groups.

Some of the main initiatives:

• Simone Biles Legacy Scholarship Fund: For young people who grew up in foster homes.
• Refugee Emergency Assistance Fund: Emergency support for refugees.
• Catalyst Scholarship: Grants for refugees displaced by global crises.
• Scholarship for Afghan Women: Exclusive program for Afghan women.
• General Scholarships: Available to all candidates who demonstrate need.

Scholarships are renewable per semester and must be requested via an online form.

Accreditation and International Partnerships

UoPeople is:

• Accredited by DEAC (Distance Education Accrediting Commission) since 2014.
• Accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) from 2025.

AND recognized by institutions such as Harvard, NYU, Berkeley and the University of Edinburgh, with agreements that allow the transfer or completion of studies.

Additionally, alumni work at companies such as Amazon, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, HP, the World Bank, among others.

Real Advantages of Studying at UoPeople

• Total flexibility: No fixed hours. Ideal for those who work or care for a family.
• Study 100% online: You just need a device with internet.
• Individualized monitoring: Each student has a tutor from the beginning to the end of the course.
• Peer review and collaboration forums: Develops critical and communication skills.
• Smaller classes: Average of 20 to 30 students per subject.
• Global network of contacts: Students from more than 200 countries expand the exchange of experiences.
• Career Services: Support with resumes, interviews and employability strategies.
• Credit Transfer: Reduces time and costs. Cost of US$$ 17 per accepted course.

Free courses with certificate: how does it work?

It's common to find platforms that offer courses that promise to be "free," but it's important to understand how this applies to certification.

In most cases, what is free is the access to course content: video lessons, reading materials, and exercises. You can study all the material free of charge.

However, to obtain the official certificate, which validates your knowledge and can be used on your CV, you must pay a issuance rate.

This fee covers the costs of evaluating your performance, maintaining the platform, and issuing the document.

Advantages of this model:

• Access to knowledge: You can learn and develop new skills without any upfront cost.
• Flexibility: Pay only if you really need the certificate for formal proof.
• Low investment: The issuance fee is generally much lower than the cost of traditional courses.

In the case of University of the People, for example, the model is zero monthly fee, but the assessment fees per subject are mandatory for you to receive academic credit and, therefore, the diploma or certificate.

How the Registration Process Works

1. Online registration: Visit the university's official website.
2. Filling out the form: With personal and academic data and a letter of motivation.
3. Submission of documentation: High school diploma and proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
4. Payment of registration fee: (US$ 60, with the possibility of an exemption grant).
5. Participation in mandatory introductory courses: They assess their adaptation to the teaching model.
6. Official inscription: After passing the initial subjects.

To be eligible, you must have minimum age of 16 years, high school completion and access to a computer or smartphone with internet.

The 100% process is online and can be started from anywhere in the world. A basic level of English is required.

Conclusion: Higher Education is Possible and Accessible

The University of the People offers much more than a degree.

It represents a concrete alternative for those who want to study with quality, flexibility and international recognition, without having to accumulate university debt.

If you are looking for practical, up-to-date and financially viable training, UoPeople may be the right path for you.

Access UoPeople and start your application process today.

Your future can start now. Just take the first step.