Student review [#97061] for BS Computer Science
at University of the People - UoPeople

Positive Aspects (Pros)
Accessibility and Mission: Many students view UoPeople as a life-changing opportunity, providing a second chance at higher education for those who couldn’t afford it or were in difficult circumstances in their home countries. Its tuition-free model (students pay only assessment fees) makes it highly accessible.
Accreditation: UoPeople has recently secured regional accreditation (from WASC Senior College and University Commission – WSCUC), a major milestone that makes degrees more widely recognized and potentially easier for credits to transfer to other institutions.
Flexibility and Community: The online, asynchronous learning style allows students to balance work, family, and studies, connecting them with a diverse global community of peers and supportive instructors.
Learning Value: Many students feel the courses are challenging and well-structured, particularly the computer science program, and that they are gaining valuable, applicable knowledge.
Negative Aspects (Cons)
Administrative Issues: Some students report difficulties with administration, such as unresponsive personal advisors, generic email responses, and no human contact via phone, which can cause frustration with processes like transcript submission.
Peer-Grading System: The peer-grading system is a frequent point of criticism. Students worry about the fairness and reliability of having other students grade their work, with limited feedback from the actual instructors.
Perception and Recognition: Despite accreditation, some employers or individuals in academia may be unfamiliar with the university, leading to initial skepticism about the degree’s value.
“Not Fully Free”: While tuition is free, students still pay assessment fees per course (around $100-$200 USD per course), which adds up over a degree program.
In conclusion, UoPeople is a legitimate and accredited non-profit option for highly motivated, self-disciplined individuals seeking affordable higher education. Its success largely depends on the individual’s commitment and ability to navigate the online, sometimes bureaucratic, system.