University of the People

What is the accreditation of University of the People?

University of the People is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, commonly called WSCUC. It has also held accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, or DEAC. Students checking a particular enrollment date should use the accreditors' current institution directories to confirm each listing and its scope.

Institutional accreditation evaluates a university as a whole; it is different from specialized accreditation of an individual business, education, health, or other program. Applicants who need a degree for a regulated profession should separately verify the requirements of the relevant licensing authority.

Accreditation does not guarantee that another college will accept transfer credits or that an employer or licensing board will accept a particular credential. Those decisions rest with the receiving organization. It also should not be taken as proof of eligibility for federal student aid: aid participation has separate federal requirements.

What are the admission requirements at University of the People?

University of the People uses an open-admission approach, but applicants still must meet the eligibility requirements for their intended program. Undergraduate applicants generally complete an online application, establish that they have finished secondary school or its equivalent, and demonstrate English proficiency when required.

The university does not generally use SAT or ACT scores as a standard undergraduate admission requirement. Applicants whose prior education was not in English should review the university's accepted ways to establish proficiency. Admission to a degree program may also involve completing required foundation coursework; being allowed to begin that coursework is not the same as having completed every step toward degree-seeking status.

Graduate applicants need an eligible prior degree and must follow their program's documentation rules. Because requirements can differ between undergraduate and graduate study, applicants should check the current admissions instructions for their specific degree and starting term rather than assuming one checklist applies to all programs.

What are the application fees and waivers at University of the People?

University of the People charges a $60 application fee. This is separate from the assessment fees charged for courses and should not be mistaken for the full cost of starting or completing a degree.

The university offers financial assistance that can include help with fees for eligible students. Applicants who cannot pay the application fee should ask about the current waiver or assistance process before submitting payment, since eligibility, documentation, and the point at which a request must be made can matter. Graduate applicants should also check the fee schedule for their program before applying.

What types of ROTC programs are available at University of the People?

University of the People does not operate a conventional campus-based Army, Navy, or Air Force ROTC unit. Its online format also does not, by itself, establish an ROTC cross-enrollment arrangement with a nearby college.

ROTC normally combines enrollment at an eligible institution with in-person military training through a host unit or an approved partner school. An applicant interested in commissioning should confirm eligibility directly with the ROTC branch and host institution before assuming a University of the People degree plan can be combined with ROTC participation. Scholarships and eventual service obligations depend on the specific ROTC program and contract.

What are the requirements for transfer students at University of the People?

University of the People evaluates eligible prior college coursework for transfer credit, but admission and credit acceptance are separate decisions. A student can qualify to enter the university without receiving credit for every previously completed course.

Transfer applicants should be prepared to submit the records required for a course-by-course evaluation. Credit decisions depend on factors such as the prior institution, course content, grades, and how a course fits the new degree. The university permits a substantial share of some degree requirements to be met through accepted transfer credit, but students must still satisfy its own degree and residency rules.

Before enrolling on the assumption that previous study will shorten a program, request an official evaluation and compare the result with the intended degree plan. This is particularly important for students transferring major courses, international coursework, or credit earned through alternative providers. Advanced Placement credit may be considered under the university's applicable policy; it should not be confused with automatic credit for work or life experience.

What types of study abroad programs are available at University of the People?

University of the People's degree programs are already delivered online to students in different countries. International enrollment is therefore not the same thing as a university-run study-abroad semester, exchange, or faculty-led trip.

Students planning to travel while enrolled should check whether they can meet course deadlines and access required technology from their destination. Anyone hoping to earn credits through another institution while abroad should seek approval of those courses in advance; overseas study does not automatically translate into transferable credit.