University of the People Earns Prestigious WASC Accreditation, Charting a Bold, Future Ready Course in Global Higher Education

Pasadena, CA February 27, 2025 University of the People (UoPeople), the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, American accredited online university, proudly announces its accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. This distinguished honor places UoPeople alongside elite institutions such as UC Berkeley, Stanford, and UCLA, further cementing its status as a trailblazer in accessible, innovative higher education.

The WASC accreditation is more than a mark of quality it is a launchpad for UoPeople’s ambitious vision for the future. As education continues to evolve in our digital age, UoPeople is already integrating groundbreaking initiatives that promise to redefine learning worldwide. Among these forward looking advancements are:

• AI-Driven Personalized Learning: Leveraging artificial intelligence to tailor educational experiences to each student’s unique needs, ensuring a more effective and engaging learning journey.
• Immersive Virtual & Augmented Reality: Introducing cutting edge VR and AR modules that simulate real world environments and lab experiences, bringing dynamic, hands on learning directly to students’ screens.
• Blockchain Credentialing: Utilizing blockchain technology to secure and verify academic records, providing students with a lifelong digital portfolio that is both tamper proof and globally recognized.
• Expansion into Emerging Fields: Launching new programs in sustainable technology, digital entrepreneurship, and advanced data analytics to prepare students for tomorrow’s workforce challenges.

“Receiving WASC accreditation is a historic milestone that validates our rigorous academic standards and reaffirms our commitment to transforming higher education,” said UoPeople President Shai Reshef. “This achievement opens new doors for our students by enhancing global recognition for their degrees and positioning them at the forefront of the future job market. With our innovative approach, we are not only meeting today’s needs but also anticipating the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.”

WASC accreditation signals that UoPeople meets stringent criteria for academic quality, assuring students, parents, and employers alike of the institution’s credibility. The endorsement also emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement, with periodic evaluations ensuring that UoPeople remains agile and responsive to emerging educational trends.

Since its inception, UoPeople has shattered conventional barriers by offering tuition free degree programs in business administration, computer science, health science, and education. Serving a diverse body of over 153,000 students from 209 countries and territories, including more than 18,000 refugees, the university stands as a global beacon of accessible, high quality education.

In addition to its new WASC status, UoPeople is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), further solidifying its reputation as a leader in distance learning. With strategic partnerships spanning institutions such as NYU Abu Dhabi, McGill University, and the University of Edinburgh and with support from foundations like the Gates, Ford, and Hewlett Foundations, UoPeople is uniquely positioned to pioneer the future of education.

About University of the People
University of the People (UoPeople) is the Education Revolution. As the first non profit, tuition free, American accredited online university, UoPeople is dedicated to breaking down financial, geographic, and political barriers to higher education. Offering certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and advanced degree programs across multiple disciplines, UoPeople empowers qualified students worldwide to pursue their academic and professional dreams. To learn more, visit www.uopeople.edu.