University of the People Review (The "Tuition-Free" College) | Is It Worth It?

The video introduces a review of the University of the People, an online university claiming to offer tuition-free college degrees. The speaker notes the controversial nature of the university, with strong opinions for and against it, and aims to help viewers determine if it's a good fit for their individual situations.

The University of the People is now regionally accredited by WASC, a significant improvement from its previous status. However, the speaker criticizes the university's marketing strategy of equating its accreditation with Ivy League schools like Harvard and Stanford, arguing it's misleading since regional accreditation is common among 85% of universities.

The university offers a very limited selection of degrees: three associate's, three bachelor's, and three master's programs. Each level only provides options in business administration, computer science, and health science (with IT and education for master's), which is highlighted as a constraint.

Despite advertising as 'tuition-free,' the University of the People charges application and assessment fees, resulting in an estimated cost of $3,260 for an associate's degree and $6,500 for a bachelor's degree. The speaker argues this is not truly free and points out that students cannot use FAFSA (federal government grants) to cover these costs, potentially making it more expensive than claimed.

The university boasts high ratings on platforms like Google (five stars) and Trustpilot (4.6 stars), suggesting student satisfaction with the education provided at a low cost. The speaker attributes this positive reception to effective 'tuition-free' marketing, which he describes as a rebranding of standard tuition fees, but acknowledges the decent quality of education for the programs offered.

The speaker expresses two main problems with the University of the People: dishonest advertising regarding its prestige and 'free' status, and the fact that students are often unaware of better, faster, and cheaper alternatives from other accredited institutions. He suggests that self-paced programs allow students to earn degrees for less money and in a shorter timeframe.

A significant caveat is presented for students in third-world countries and those with no other educational options. For these individuals, the University of the People can be a game-changer, especially through its full-ride scholarships, enabling them to obtain degrees for truly no cost. The speaker shares an anecdote about a student from Africa who benefited from such a scholarship, acknowledging this as a valid and commendable aspect of the university's mission.

For students in the United States and countries with accessible education, the speaker recommends exploring alternative, faster, and more affordable degree paths. However, for individuals in third-world countries with limited options, the University of the People is presented as a valuable institution providing essential educational opportunities. The video concludes by offering resources for those seeking faster college degrees.