Student review [#101276] for Bachelor of Business Administration
at University of the People - UoPeople

My Opinion on the University of the People
I hold a favorable opinion of the University of the People (UoPeople). According to the university’s official documentation, it is a legitimate, non-profit, and accredited institution that fulfills a unique and crucial role in global higher education (University of the People, 2022). Its mission to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible education to students worldwide is deeply embedded in its operational model, making it a revolutionary option for many learners (University of the People, 2025a).

What I Like About the University
Accreditation and Legitimacy: UoPeople is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the same body that accredits prestigious universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley (University of the People, 2022). This accreditation, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that its degrees meet defined standards of quality and rigor (University of the People, 2020).

Unprecedented Affordability: True to its mission, the university is tuition-free. Students pay only small assessment fees per course, making a bachelor’s degree cost approximately $6,460 total and an MBA approximately $5,460 (Nexford University, 2026a). This dramatically lowers the single biggest barrier to higher education for countless individuals worldwide.

Exceptional Flexibility and Global Community: The 100% online, asynchronous learning model allows students to structure their studies around work, family, and other commitments (University of the People, 2025b). Furthermore, the student body represents over 200 countries and territories, creating a diverse learning environment where students gain global perspectives from their peers (University of the People, 2025a).

Positive Student Outcomes: According to the 2023 Alumni Survey, nearly 90% of alumni reported that their UoPeople education helped them succeed in the workplace, and 78% reported finding employment after graduation (University of the People, 2025c). Graduates have secured positions at companies including Apple, Google, and Amazon (University of the People, 2026).

What I Dislike or See as a Challenge
The Unconventional Learning Model is Not for Everyone: The pedagogy relies heavily on peer assessment and discussion forums rather than live lectures and direct professor interaction (University of the People, 2025b). Students who thrive on real-time feedback or a more structured environment might find this model challenging.

Lack of Traditional Campus Life: There is no physical campus, meaning students miss out on face-to-face networking, in-person extracurricular activities, and the traditional college experience (Nexford University, 2026b).

Volunteer Faculty: Many instructors are volunteers, including retired professors and industry professionals, who receive only modest expense reimbursements ($450-$650 per course) (AcademicJobs.com, 2025). This could lead to variability in the teaching experience compared to institutions where faculty research and teaching are their primary compensated roles.

Limited Program Scope: The university focuses on high-demand fields including Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, Education, and Information Technology (University of the People, 2025a). It does not offer specialized programs found at traditional universities.

Would I Recommend It?
Yes, but with specific conditions.

I would strongly recommend UoPeople to self-motivated, disciplined learners who can manage their time effectively in an asynchronous environment (University of the People, 2025b). It is ideal for those whose primary barrier is cost, as the tuition-free model is life-changing for millions globally (Nexford University, 2026a). Working professionals, parents, and anyone needing to fit education into an already full life will find the flexibility invaluable (University of the People, 2025a). Additionally, because its regional accreditation is recognized, a bachelor’s degree from UoPeople can serve as a legitimate stepping stone to graduate programs at other universities (University of the People, 2020).

I would not recommend it to students who want a traditional on-campus experience with live lectures and extensive faculty interaction, those seeking highly specialized degrees not offered in its limited program catalog, or students who lack self-discipline and require a highly structured, externally-imposed schedule to succeed (Nexford University, 2026b).

Conclusion
The University of the People is not a replacement for a traditional university, but a brilliant innovation for a specific and large segment of the global population. It excels at what it was designed to do: provide a high-quality, accredited, and accessible education to those who would otherwise be left behind (University of the People, 2025a).

References
AcademicJobs.com. (2025, September 26). Volunteer instructor – Computer Science at University of the People. https://www.academicjobs.com/university-jobs/volunteer-instructor-computer-science-pasadena-california/406879

Nexford University. (2026a, April 5). University of the People vs WGU: 2026 comparison. https://www.nexford.edu/insights/university-of-the-people-vs-wgu

Nexford University. (2026b, March 4). University of the People vs Open University: Which online university is right for you in 2026? https://www.nexford.edu/insights/university-of-the-people-vs-open-university

University of the People. (2020). Accreditation, regulatory and other notes. UoPeople Graduate Catalog. https://catalog.uopeople.edu/graduate-catalog-t1/about-uopeople/accreditation-regulatory-and-other-notes

University of the People. (2022, April 13). Online accreditation – University of the People recognition. https://www.uopeople.edu/student-experience/quality/accreditation/

University of the People. (2025a, January 13). UoPeople’s study process. UoPeople Graduate Catalog. https://catalog.uopeople.edu/graduate-catalog-t1/uopeoples-study-process

University of the People. (2025b, February 27). Why does WASC accreditation matter? https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/what-is-wasc-accreditation/

University of the People. (2025c, January 13). UoPeople alumni survey 2023. https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/uopeople-alumni-survey-2023/

University of the People. (2026, January 10). Is a University of the People degree recognized by employers? https://www.uopeople.edu/blog/is-a-university-of-the-people-degree-recognized-by-employers/