University of the People Reviews 2,381

I just starteed the masters program and I think it is absolute trash. Professors don't grade, students do. Discussions are pointless, information is common sense with vocabulary terms assigned to them. You can't get a response from anyone and they grade people who write like robots well and actually thoughtful papers poorly cuz they are lazy and don't want to read them to find the requirements.

I joined the program because I own a small business and wanted to learn business. Everyone in the program clearly just wants the degree, not to learn and it's frustraiting.

UoPeople has 3 major issues: Curriculum, Counseling, and the Ui.

Curriculum is 95% publicly available YouTube videos.
The assignments are recycled every course.
The grading is mainly focused on writing skills: literature / grammar.
(
Example syllabus:
- 40% for discussion forums
- 40% for written assignments (docx only)
- 20% for exams (about 2 per course)
- 0% for quizzes (they are there for decoration)
)

Counseling ignores transfer credits; enrolling me in Algebra despite passing Calculus, which was accepted (and Algebra prior to that).

Additionally, counseling will recommend courses which aren't needed.
During initial enrollment, the required courses for a program were (are) not visible until after the first semester... You are likely to be required to enroll blindly into the course you think you need.

Other students commonly report the same issue.

The Ui has a bunch minor bugs.
UoPeople does not improve the experience for students, ignoring Ui issues.

This school doesn't teach-- it grades you on participation.
Even then, teachers grade inconsistently, possibly marking you down for dumb mistakes.

Great Online university. Friendly and supportive professors. I will definitely recommend them to my friends.

Hi all,
I'm Iancu a former student (can provide registration number) enrolled in Masters degree in Advanced Education. I withdraw from the 3rd course on Sep.27 and then from the university on Oct.24. I should have been refunded 55% of the course fee. Was even issued an invoice (most likely automatically by the system) that I was refunded. Nevertheless nothing happened, no money returned to the bank card. Every time I talk to the program advisors I keep receiving the same vague answer to wait again and again. I'm asking you if it's normal to treat your students like that.It's embarrassing to literally bag for $220 refund as it should be done instantly similar to the fee payment. I'm looking for an urgent an official solution for my situation. Iancu

this university advertising free and says financial aid when i apply and did entrance and fin aid i was still bein&told just for class charging me over 1,500+usd just get started . while their degree plans great this university not free and financial aid etc doesnt cover everything or classes. nothing free as i was also being charged 60 dollar entrance fee and they advertising its free or etc fin aid didnt cover or waive fees!! dont enroll here if u expect free education or etc they like reg university and charge fees and charge dame amount a reg university charges

Studying at the University of the People has been one of the most unique experiences in my academic journey. I really appreciate the fact that it is a tuition-free, fully online university, which makes higher education accessible to students like me who may not have the same opportunities elsewhere. The flexibility of the courses allows me to balance my studies with my personal and professional life, while still maintaining a structured learning environment.

What I like most about UoPeople is the diversity of students. I get to interact with classmates from all over the world, which broadens my perspective and helps me understand different cultures and ideas. The peer-to-peer learning model encourages collaboration, so I’m not just learning from the professors but also from fellow students who bring their own experiences into discussions.

Of course, studying online also requires discipline and self-motivation. Sometimes it can feel challenging to manage deadlines or keep up with readings, but I’ve found that the supportive community and the professors’ guidance make a big difference. I’ve also learned to become more organized and independent as a student, which I know will benefit me in my career later on.

For me, UoPeople is not just about earning a degree; it’s about proving to myself that education can be accessible, affordable, and meaningful. It shows that with determination and the right support, anyone can achieve their academic goals.

I'm currently studying for a Bachelor's in Business Administration at UoPeople, and it's been an amazing experience. The courses are rich in content, the instructors are supportive, and the flexibility allows me to balance studies with my daily schedule. I've gained practical skills and connected with students from all over the world. Thanks to the scholarship program, I’m receiving a quality education without financial stress. Highly recommend UoPeople to anyone seeking accessible and meaningful learning!

They say it is a tuition-free university, but they charge sky-high exam fees. They say scholarships are there but never approve any, and if you apply for one, it will be instantly rejected.

What they will never tell you is that you can’t apply for a scholarship for a certificate program, which costs $600.

Uopeople is a legit tuition-free accredited university, with a pretty good system. The lessons taught are top-notch, and the university is recognized worldwide. I highly recommend enrolling in one of the degree programs today.

“UoPeople is my comeback story. After years of thinking higher education was out of reach, UoPeople gave me a second chance to follow my dreams. The flexibility of online study has helped me balance school with family and work, and the supportive community makes me feel connected even across borders. Today, I’m not only a proud student but also an ambassador of UoPeople, sharing the same hope it gave me with others. What UoPeople is doing well is breaking barriers and making quality education accessible, affordable, and life-changing for people everywhere.”

What made my experience at UoPeople great is the flexibility of the program and the supportive professors. As a full-time employee pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, balancing work and studies is challenging, but UoPeople makes it possible. I also appreciate how understanding my professors are, especially when I faced issues like poor internet and computer breakdowns. Their empathy and guidance keep me motivated to achieve my goals.

Their customer support is non-sense first they took more than 40 days for a tiny issue to get it resolved and now they are taking weeks for a simple refund request to be processed

With 150,000 students globally, being part of this University has given me a purpose in life. It is online, yes; however, one should not take that lightly. Rigorous work and friendly peers and instructors. Most importantly, it is tuition-free. As a health science student, I love the flexibility of studying anywhere, anytime.

My journey at the University of the People (UoPeople) has been transformative, thanks to several key factors that made my academic experience truly exceptional. Below are the elements that contributed most to my positive experience:

1. Flexibility and Accessibility
One of the biggest advantages of UoPeople is its fully online, tuition-free model, which allowed me to pursue higher education without financial stress or geographical limitations. The self-paced, asynchronous learning structure enabled me to balance studies with work and personal commitments, making education accessible despite my busy schedule.

2. Diverse and Supportive Peer Community
UoPeople’s global student body enriched my learning experience by exposing me to diverse perspectives. Through discussion forums and peer assessments, I engaged with classmates from different cultures, broadening my worldview. The collaborative environment fostered meaningful connections and mutual learning.

3. Dedicated Instructors and Quality Curriculum
Despite being an online institution, UoPeople’s qualified instructors provided valuable feedback and guidance. The well-structured courses were rigorous yet practical, ensuring that I gained relevant skills in my field. The emphasis on critical thinking and real-world applications made the learning experience engaging and impactful.

4. Strong Support Systems
UoPeople’s student advisors and academic support teams were always responsive, helping me navigate challenges efficiently. The Writing Center, Career Services, and peer mentorship programs provided additional resources to enhance my academic and professional growth.

5. Opportunities for Personal and Professional Growth
Beyond academics, UoPeople encouraged leadership and networking through student clubs, volunteer opportunities, and LinkedIn groups. The career-focused courses and internship partnerships helped me build a competitive skill set for the job market.

6. Affordability Without Compromising Quality
The tuition-free model (with minimal assessment fees) removed financial barriers, allowing me to earn a degree without debt. The accreditation and recognition of UoPeople’s programs gave me confidence in the value of my education.

Conclusion
My experience at UoPeople was great because of its flexibility, diverse community, strong academic support, and commitment to accessible education. The university not only provided me with a degree but also equipped me with skills, connections, and confidence for future success.

What made your experience great?
My experience was truly outstanding because of the company’s commitment to excellence in both service delivery and customer care. From the moment I engaged with them, I felt valued and respected. Everything was handled professionally, on time, and with attention to detail.

What is this company doing well?
This company excels in communication, reliability, and customer satisfaction. They are transparent, responsive, and genuinely care about their clients' needs. What really stood out was how they went above and beyond to ensure I was happy with the service. Their team is knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about what they do.

Final thoughts:
If you're looking for a company that combines professionalism with a personal touch, look no further. Keep up the great work—your dedication truly makes a difference!

My overall experience with University of the People has been empowering and transformative.

As a working professional with a full schedule, I needed a program that offered flexibility without compromising on quality. UoPeople has delivered on that. The courses are well-structured, the expectations are clear, and the learning is rigorous. I’ve gained not only academic knowledge, but also practical skills like time management, discipline, and cross-cultural communication through peer interactions.

One of the biggest strengths is the flexibility. I can study early in the morning, late at night, or during lunch breaks. The affordability is also a huge factor. Paying only assessment fees per course has made higher education accessible in a way I never thought possible.

That said, there are challenges. Peer grading can be hit or miss, and you have to be proactive about creating your own study strategies and support system. But if you're motivated and willing to engage, the system works.

Overall, UoPeople has made it possible for me to pursue a degree on my terms, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.

they shouldn't be allowed to accept european students. promoting to european residents and working with them means you agree to adheeer to GDPR. sadly they fail to do so. not only keep your data longer than needed, but also refuse to delete your data or even remove you from their newsletter list.

I've been trying for half a year now.

Experience University of the People has been a lifeline in my professional and personal journey. As a working consultant in data science, monitoring & evaluation, and public health, I needed a flexible and affordable option to further my education and UoPeople delivered exactly that. The tuition-free model, global peer network, and asynchronous online learning allowed me to grow academically while continuing to support my clients and family. I especially appreciated the practical curriculum, which I applied directly to my consulting work. While I’d love to see more access to academic databases and advanced specialization tracks, I genuinely believe UoPeople is one of the most inclusive, forward-thinking institutions in higher education today. To anyone considering joining, go for it. This university doesn’t just give you knowledge; it gives you the confidence to lead and impact the world.

University of the People has completely transformed my approach to education. As an associate degree student in Business Administration from Zambia, I’ve been able to balance my studies with work and responsibilities at home and in the field.

The flexibility of the online learning model allows me to study after doing my garden work or running my daily errands. The tuition-free structure and supportive academic environment make it accessible and encouraging for anyone from any background.

I recommend UoPeople to anyone looking for a quality, affordable, and flexible education!

I am Dismas Ombati a Bachelors Degree in computer science student at UoPeople.
As a young Kenyan with a deep desire to pursue an American education, the dream often felt distant due to financial and resource limitations. Traditional university pathways were simply out of reach. Discovering the University of the People changed everything for me. Through the scholarship I received, I’ve been able to access quality, accredited education that’s opening doors I once thought were permanently closed.

I’m especially grateful to President Shai Reshef for his visionary leadership. His belief that education is a right and not a privilege has made it possible for students like me — from low income parts of Kenya — to learn, grow, and build a better future. UoPeople isn’t just a university; it’s a movement that’s giving hope to thousands across the world. Thank you for making what once seemed impossible, possible. It's the best place to be. It provides equal opportunities to all irregardless of the race and financial capabilities.
The education system is world class and thought provoking. As I progress with my semester I am getting to understand how to be respectful as I interact with my peers online and give credit to other people's work. Through the discussion forum I get to interact with my classmates from all over the world. The internet has bridged the gap and made this possible. The curriculum is so intense that it triggers habit formation that lead to success in the online set up. The university also teaches us hacks on how to be successful.
What are you waiting for ?