For people looking to further their educations at a lower cost than that of accredited universities, University of the People thinks it has the answer.
UoPeople, backed by the United Nations’ Global Alliance for Information and Communication Technologies and Development, is a tuition-free online academic institution “dedicated to the global advancement and democratization of higher education,” its website says.
The university offers four programs in the business administration and computer science fields. Students do not earn degrees, but follow courses of study similar to ones at universities that do confer degrees and are accredited, according to the website.
Founder and President Shai Reshef created the university, according to its admissions page, to “marry the opportunities between unprecedented access to the Internet, dropping technology costs, and rising tuitions worldwide.”
The university’s main goal is to provide universal access to higher education. The application process is similar to that of other, more mainstream colleges and universities; students need to fill out forms online and submit a 400-500 word essay on one of the topics provided. The institution does not charge tuition, but application and test fees range from $10 to $100.
Though UoPeople is a more unconventional way of learning,the school seems to be rising in its popularity. According to a Monday USA Today article,the school has received 3,000 applications and admitted 380 students.
Many Boston University students said they like the idea of a free education but question the caliber of an online education.
“I think that’s a really good idea, but since it’s free I think I couldn’t help but question whether the quality of the education would be as high as a typical university,” said College of Communication sophomore Andrew Bungert. “But obviously not everyone can afford college, so I think it’s great that something like that exists.”
Others, like College of Arts and Sciences freshman Ariella Berger, think it is beneficial but not the same as learning in a classroom environment.
When considering online degree programs, prospective students might wonder if the value of an online degree matches the prestige and depth of in-person education.
Despite these concerns, many view online degrees as a practical solution for those unable to afford conventional tuition costs. The ability to pursue a business administration degree through an online platform allows students to access quality education without the financial burden of traditional institutions.
While the debate over educational quality persists, the growing popularity of online programs indicates that they are becoming a viable and appealing option for many, addressing the need for flexible and accessible higher education.
“It’s not as great as being in a classroom setting because you don’t get the attention and help from a professor, but at least it’s something,” she said.
School of Education sophomore Amanda DoAmaral said she thinks the school’s philosophy, at least, is a good one.
“I think everyone deserves an education and I don’t like that money has so much to do with opportunity,” she said. “But I would question the validity of the school.”
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