University of the People Review 2026: Is This Tuition-Free Online University Legit?
An honest review of University of the People — the tuition-free, accredited online American university. How it works, degree programs, accreditation, pros, cons, and who it's best for.
One of the most common questions I get from international students is: "How can I get an American degree if I can't afford tuition?" My answer is always the same — look at University of the People (UoPeople).
Yes, a tuition-free, accredited American university exists. And no, it's not a scam. Let me break it all down.
What Is University of the People?#
University of the People is an accredited, nonprofit, online American university. Founded in 2009, it offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs with zero tuition fees.
You read that right. Tuition is free. There are small assessment fees per course (more on that below), but compared to the $20,000–$60,000/year you'd pay at a traditional US university, UoPeople is in a completely different category.
Apply to University of the People
Is University of the People Accredited?#
This is the first question everyone asks, and the answer is yes.
UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the US Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
This means:
- Your degree is recognized in the United States
- Credits can potentially transfer to other accredited institutions
- Employers recognize DEAC-accredited degrees
- You can use UoPeople as a stepping stone to graduate programs at other universities
Degree Programs Available#
Associate's Degrees#
- Computer Science
- Health Science
- Business Administration
Bachelor's Degrees#
- Computer Science
- Health Science
- Business Administration
Master's Degrees#
- Business Administration (MBA)
- Education (M.Ed.)
- Information Technology (MSIT)
How Much Does It Actually Cost?#
While tuition is free, there are assessment fees for each course:
| Degree Level | Fee Per Course | Total Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Associate's | $120 | ~$2,460 |
| Bachelor's | $120 | ~$4,860 |
| Master's (MBA) | $200 | ~$2,460 |
| Master's (M.Ed.) | $200 | ~$2,460 |
Compare that to $100,000+ for a traditional American bachelor's degree as an international student. UoPeople is genuinely affordable.
Scholarships are also available to cover the assessment fees for students who can't afford them.
Who Is University of the People Best For?#
International Students Who Can't Afford Traditional US Tuition#
This is the most obvious use case. If the cost of studying in America is your main barrier, UoPeople removes it.
Working Professionals#
Since it's fully online and self-paced, you can earn your degree while working full-time. Many students balance UoPeople with a job.
Students Who Need a Stepping Stone#
Some students use UoPeople to earn credits or an associate's degree, then transfer to a traditional university for the rest of their education.
Career Changers#
Want to move into computer science, business, or health science? UoPeople lets you do it without the massive financial risk.
What I Like About UoPeople (Pros)#
Truly Affordable#
An American degree for under $5,000 total. For international students, this is life-changing. There is no other option like this. If you want to compare with in-person options, check out my list of 60 universities offering full scholarships to international students.
Fully Online, Study From Anywhere#
You don't need a visa. You don't need to move countries. You can earn an American degree from your living room in any country.
Accredited and Recognized#
DEAC accreditation means your degree has legitimate standing in the US and increasingly worldwide.
Open Admissions#
UoPeople has an open admissions policy for undergraduate programs. If you have a high school diploma, you can get in.
Flexible Schedule#
Courses are asynchronous — no live lectures. You study on your own schedule, which is perfect if you're in a different time zone or working.
Transfer Partnerships#
UoPeople has partnerships with universities like UC Berkeley, NYU, and University of Edinburgh for transfer pathways.
What to Keep in Mind (Cons)#
Not a Traditional Campus Experience#
If you want the full American campus experience — dorms, campus life, in-person networking — UoPeople won't give you that. It's fully online.
Limited Program Selection#
They offer programs in computer science, business, health science, and education. If you want to study engineering, arts, or other fields, you'll need to look elsewhere.
DEAC vs Regional Accreditation#
While DEAC is recognized by the US Department of Education, some employers and graduate schools prefer regionally accredited institutions. This is becoming less of an issue, but it's worth knowing.
No F-1 Visa#
Since UoPeople is online, it doesn't sponsor F-1 student visas. If your goal is to physically move to the US, you'll need a different path -- my complete guide to studying in America covers the full F-1 visa process. However, the degree itself is fully American.
Self-Discipline Required#
Online learning requires strong self-motivation. There's no professor checking if you showed up. You need to be disciplined.
UoPeople vs Traditional US Universities#
| Factor | UoPeople | Traditional US University |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | Free ($120/course fee) | $20,000–$60,000/year |
| Format | Fully online | In-person |
| Visa | No F-1 visa | F-1 visa available |
| Campus life | None | Full experience |
| Accreditation | DEAC (national) | Regional (varies) |
| Programs | 4 fields | Hundreds of fields |
| Flexibility | Study from anywhere | Must relocate |
My Recommendation#
I highly recommend University of the People for international students who:
- Can't afford traditional US tuition but want an American degree
- Want to study while working or managing other responsibilities
- Need a stepping stone to a more traditional university later
- Want a career in CS, business, or health science without the debt
It's not for everyone -- if you want campus life, a specific niche major, or an F-1 visa, look at traditional universities. If cost is still a concern for in-person schools, MPOWER Financing offers loans to international students without a cosigner. But for pure value and accessibility, nothing else comes close.
Apply to University of the People
How to Apply#
- Visit the UoPeople website
- Choose your program
- Submit your application (free)
- Provide your high school or college transcripts
- Get accepted and start studying
The process is straightforward and there's no application fee.
Have questions about UoPeople or whether it's right for you? Join my free community -- I help students make these decisions every day.
More Guides#
- How to Study for Free in the USA -- the complete free education strategy
- Full Scholarship for Your Bachelor's Degree -- step-by-step application guide for in-person schools
- Best Student Loans for International Students -- if you need funding beyond scholarships
- Top Scholarships for International Students in 2026 -- 15 scholarships with deadlines
Get More Help#
Join my free community -- thousands of international students figuring it out together.
Book a 1-on-1 Call With Me -- 60 minutes of focused guidance on your specific situation.
Need more help?
I share advice like this every day in my free community. Join thousands of international students who are figuring it out together.