University of the People Secures Prestigious WASC Accreditation

University of the People, a non-profit, tuition-free, American-accredited, online university based in Pasadena, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission, the institution said on Friday.

This recognition places the online university alongside renowned institutions including Stanford, UC Berkeley, and UCLA.

A statement from the university said UoPeople has been committed to democratizing higher education by making it accessible to qualified students worldwide. The WASC accreditation strengthens the university’s dedication to delivering high-quality, innovative educational programs designed for student success, the statement added.

“Receiving WASC accreditation is a historic moment for University of the People and a validation of our mission to provide affordable, high-quality education to those who need it most around the world,” said UoPeople President Shai Reshef. “This achievement is a testament to our dedication to academic excellence and innovation, and it opens new doors for our students to gain global recognition for their degrees and enhance their career opportunities. Together, we are reshaping the future of higher education.”

WASC, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an institutional accrediting agency, evaluates institutions both within the United States and globally. The accreditation serves as a critical indicator of academic quality and ensures that universities meet rigorous standards in teaching methodology, learning processes, and student outcomes.

Degrees from WASC-accredited institutions carry significant weight with employers and other educational institutions, particularly for students transferring credits or pursuing advanced degrees.

WASC accreditation requires periodic evaluations, ensuring that the university remains accountable and continually enhances its programs and services. This ongoing process maintains high educational standards across the institution.

Since its founding, UoPeople has eliminated barriers to education by offering tuition-free degree programs in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. The university currently serves 153,000 students from 209 countries and territories, including more than 18,500 refugees.

UoPeople offers certificate, associate, and bachelor’s degree programs, as well as MBA, MSIT, and M.Ed. programs. The university also maintains accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, a specialized national educational accreditation agency focused on distance education institutions in the United States.

UoPeople Graduates have secured positions at major corporations including Deloitte, Amazon, Apple, Pfizer, Google, Microsoft, and IBM. UoPeople has established collaborations with prestigious global institutions such as McGill University and the University of Edinburgh.

The online university has received support from major philanthropic organizations including the Gates Foundation, Ford Foundation, and Hewlett Foundation. Recently, UoPeople President Shai Reshef was awarded the Yidan Prize for Educational Development, known as the “Nobel Prize” of higher education.