History, Affiliations and Rankings
Shai Reshef, an educational entrepreneur, founded University of the People in January 2009. The first UoPeople students began classes in September 2009, studying business administration and computer science for associate and bachelor's degrees. The institution had no accreditation at the time and did not charge any fees or tuition. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded the University of the People a $613,282 grant in February 2012 to assist the university in achieving national accreditation. The university was approved for degree-granting programs by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission two years later (DEAC).
Infrastructure, Campuses and Courses
Despite the fact that the university has no physical location due to its online distance learning orientation, it operates an admissions office out of a shared office in California. The university has brought together some of the world's best academic brains to produce high-quality, low-cost programs that will prepare students for success in the labor market. Business administration, health science, computer science, and education are among of the university's most popular programs.
Accomplishments and Alumni
UoPeople is a community created by and for the people, based on a democratic, meritocratic philosophy that encourages each student to achieve their full potential. The promise of a better future is made achievable for individuals and communities everywhere by opening the doors to higher education to everyone who qualifies, regardless of financial, geographic, political, cultural, or personal barriers.
Student Diversity and Visiting Companies
Students at UoPeople come from almost 200 countries and territories, ranging from the United States to the United Arab Emirates, Zambia to Vietnam, and Brunei to Bangladesh. Among them are refugees in camps, survivors of the Haitian earthquake and other disasters, Rwandan genocide survivors, and people living in great poverty—as well as those merely looking for a good education at a reasonable cost. Over 100,000 students are already participating in the global education revolution! During and after the completion of a UoPeople degree, the Career Service Centre provides career coaching and consulting for professional exploration and achievement. Amazon, IBM, Microsoft, Accenture, and Deloitte are among the top employers of university graduates.
