University of the People... The "FREE Tuition" University | Is it a SCAM, or Legit?

Summary

The University of the People markets itself as a tuition-free, fully online institution, but the reality is far from free. While students can start classes at no cost, they must pay for credits to earn a degree, often totaling $5,000 to $8,000. The university is nationally accredited, but not regionally, and its graduation rate is a concerning 29%. The script criticizes the school's limited program options, slow graduation pace, and lack of access to traditional scholarships. It advises those seeking legitimate degrees to explore faster, more respected alternatives.

Takeaways

• 😀 University of the People offers 'tuition-free' programs, but the actual cost comes when you want to earn credits for the courses you take.
• 😀 Although you can start classes for free, to earn a degree or get recognized credit, you must pay, with a degree costing $5,000 on the lower end.
• 😀 The average graduation time at University of the People exceeds five years, much longer than the typical four years for most programs.
• 😀 A bachelor's degree at University of the People costs between $5,000 to $8,000, which can be more expensive than traditional degrees from other schools.
• 😀 University of the People does not accept government grants or scholarships due to its lack of regional accreditation.
• 😀 The school offers very few program choices—only a few majors at both the bachelor's and associate levels, including business, health science, and computer science.
• 😀 University of the People holds national accreditation, not regional accreditation, which limits its degree’s recognition in some cases.
• 😀 The school is not currently regionally accredited, which can be a major issue for students seeking credit transfers or further education.
• 😀 University of the People has a low graduation rate of 29%, meaning 71% of students do not complete their degrees.
• 😀 For those just seeking to learn new skills without the goal of obtaining a degree, University of the People can offer valuable educational content for free.
• 😀 The video suggests considering alternative methods, like degree hacking, for faster and more affordable degrees from other accredited institutions.

Q & A

What is the main issue with University of the People's 'tuition-free' program?

The main issue is that while University of the People promotes 'tuition-free' education, students must pay for credits if they want their courses to count toward a degree. So, while the classes are free to start, earning a degree is not actually free.

How much does a degree from University of the People actually cost?

A degree from University of the People typically costs between $5,000 and $8,000, which is quite expensive compared to other options that might be completed in less time for a similar or slightly higher cost.

What is the average graduation time for students at University of the People?

The average graduation time for students at University of the People is over five years, which is longer than the typical four-year timeframe for completing a degree.

What are some limitations of the academic programs at University of the People?

University of the People offers only three bachelor's degree programs: Business Administration, Health Science, and Computer Science. This limited selection may not meet the needs of all students.

What kind of accreditation does University of the People have?

University of the People is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, but it is not regionally accredited, which is generally considered the higher standard of accreditation.

Can students at University of the People receive scholarships or government grants?

Students at University of the People cannot receive government grants or scholarships typically available at regionally accredited schools because the university is not regionally accredited.

Why is University of the People's national accreditation considered problematic?

National accreditation is considered a lower form of accreditation than regional accreditation. It is easier to achieve and may not be as widely recognized by other institutions or employers.

What is the graduation rate at University of the People?

The graduation rate at University of the People is very low, with about 71% of students dropping out before completing their degree, leaving a graduation rate of only 29%.

Is University of the People a good option for obtaining a legitimate degree?

According to the speaker, University of the People is not a good option for obtaining a legitimate degree because it is not accredited, not truly tuition-free, and has a high dropout rate. It's better suited for those who want to take free courses but not necessarily earn an accredited degree.

What alternative does the speaker suggest for earning a degree more quickly and affordably?

The speaker suggests using a 'degree hacking' method to earn a legitimate degree in a much shorter time frame (around nine months) for a few hundred dollars. The speaker also offers a tutorial on how to achieve this in another video.