University of the People vs UMPI - 2026 Comparison

Published on February 27, 2026 | 8 minute read

UoPeople vs UMPI YourPace 2026: Which affordable online university is right for you? We compare programs, flexibility, accreditation, and learning styles to help you choose with confidence.

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University of the People vs UMPI - 2026 Comparison

Nexford Staff

Published on February 27, 2026
8 minute read

Choosing between affordable online universities doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’re comparing University of the People (UoPeople) and the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s YourPace program (UMPI), you’re looking at two institutions that have reimagined higher education for working adults—but with fundamentally different approaches to cost, flexibility, and program delivery.

Both universities offer competency-based education at accessible price points. Both serve students who need flexibility around work and life commitments. But the details matter—and understanding how each model works can help you make the right choice for your situation.

This guide breaks down the key differences between UoPeople and UMPI’s YourPace program across the factors that actually impact your experience: total cost, program options, accreditation, flexibility, and support systems.

Let’s get into it.

Quick Overview - UoPeople vs UMPI

University of the People (UoPeople)

Founded: 2009
Focus: Tuition-free online education for global learners
Accreditation: WSCUC (Regional)
Model: Assessment fees per course (no tuition)
Term Structure: 9-week terms with weekly deadlines
Programs: Associate’s, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, Education, and Information Technology
Global Reach: Students from 200+ countries

Key Differentiator: Tuition-free model with volunteer faculty, making it one of the most affordable options globally for students who need minimal cost barriers.

University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI YourPace)

Founded: 1903 (YourPace program launched later)
Focus: Competency-based education within the University of Maine System
Accreditation: NECHE (Regional)
Model: Flat-rate per 8-week session
Term Structure: 8-week sessions with 6 start dates per year
Programs: 30 undergraduate and graduate programs across business, criminal justice, healthcare administration, psychology, and more
Total Enrollment: Part of the University of Maine System

Key Differentiator: Flat-rate tuition per session allows unlimited course completion within each 8-week period, with the potential to earn a bachelor’s degree for $10,200 or less.

Cost Comparison: The Numbers That Matter

Let’s address what matters most: what you’ll actually pay for your degree.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degree)

University of the People:

Total Cost: up to $6,460 for a Bachelor of Science degree [1]
Model: $60 application fee + $160 assessment fee per course × 40 courses [1]
No Tuition: You pay only when assessments are completed
Transparency: Clear per-course pricing with no hidden fees

UMPI YourPace:

Cost per Session: $1,800 per 8-week session [5]
Potential Total Cost: $10,200 or less for a bachelor’s degree (if completed in approximately 6 sessions) [5]
Model: Flat-rate per session—complete as many competencies as you can
Variables: Total cost depends on how quickly you complete

The Difference:

UoPeople offers lower guaranteed total costs (up to $6,460) [1], but you pay per course regardless of speed. UMPI’s flat-rate model rewards acceleration—the more competencies you complete per session, the lower your total cost.

For highly motivated students who can dedicate significant time to their studies, UMPI’s model may result in lower total costs. For students who need to progress at a steadier pace, UoPeople’s predictable per-course pricing offers certainty.

Graduate Programs (Master’s Degree)

University of the People:

MBA Total Cost: $5,460 ($60 application + $450 × 12 courses) [2]
M.Ed. Total Cost: $5,260 ($60 application + $400 × 13 courses) [2]
MSIT Total Cost: $5,460 ($60 application + $450 × 12 courses) [2]

UMPI YourPace:

Cost per Session: $2,450 per 8-week session for graduate programs (MAOL) [5]
Programs: Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL), Master of Science in Business (MSB) [7]

The Difference:

For graduate programs, UoPeople’s pricing is competitive and predictable. UMPI offers fewer graduate options but provides the same acceleration opportunity—if you can complete your master’s requirements quickly, you may pay less overall.

Program Options: Specialized vs. Comprehensive

University of the People Programs

Undergraduate:
- Business Administration (Associate’s and Bachelor’s)
- Computer Science (Associate’s and Bachelor’s)
- Health Science (Associate’s and Bachelor’s)

Graduate:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Education in Advanced Teaching (M.Ed.)
- Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT)

Certificate Programs:
- IBM SkillsBuild partnership

Philosophy: Focus on high-demand fields with global applicability. Fewer program options but strong depth in business, technology, health, and education.

UMPI YourPace Programs

Undergraduate Programs (30):
- Accounting (BA, BBA)
- Business Administration (BBA)
- Criminal Justice (AA, BA, BAS, BLS)
- Healthcare Administration (BS)
- Psychology (BA)
- English (BA)
- History & Political Science (BA)
- Liberal Studies (AA, BLS)
- Marketing (BBA)
- Management (BBA)
- Supply Chain Management (BBA)
- And more…

Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL)
- Master of Science in Business (MSB)
- And more…

Certificates:
- Mental Health Rehabilitation Technician (MHRT/C)
- Human Services Assistant
- Gerontology
- AI in Education (UMF partnership)

Philosophy: Comprehensive program breadth within the University of Maine System. Strong selection across business, liberal arts, criminal justice, and human services.

The Difference

Choose UoPeople if: You’re pursuing business, technology, health science, or education and want a globally recognized tuition-free option.

Choose UMPI if: You need specialized programs like criminal justice, psychology, healthcare administration, or liberal studies—or want access to the broader University of Maine System.

Accreditation: Both Regionally Accredited

This is straightforward—both universities hold regional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

University of the People

UoPeople is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Type: Regional accreditation
Recognition: U.S. Department of Education recognized
Note: UoPeople previously held DEAC accreditation but voluntarily withdrew this relationship as of December 31, 2025

UMPI YourPace

UMPI is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Type: Regional accreditation
Recognition: U.S. Department of Education recognized
Additional: Member of the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN)

What This Means

Both accreditations signal legitimate, quality education. Credits from either institution should transfer readily to other regionally accredited universities. Employers recognize both as valid credentials.

For most students, this distinction won’t significantly impact your decision—focus on program fit, cost, and learning model instead.

Flexibility: Term Structure and Pacing

University of the People

Learning Model:
- 9-week terms with weekly deadlines
- Asynchronous learning—no live lectures or set class times
- Small class sizes with instructor support
- Personal Program Advisor assigned from enrollment through graduation

Pacing:
- Structured progression through weekly assignments
- Clear deadlines provide accountability
- Students who need external structure may benefit from this model

Start Dates: - Five terms per year with multiple start opportunities

UMPI YourPace

Learning Model:
- 8-week sessions with 6 start dates per year
- Competency-based—advance by demonstrating mastery, not seat time
- Self-paced within each session
- Academic success coaches and professional advisors

Pacing:
- Complete competencies as quickly as you can prove mastery
- Flat-rate per session means faster completion = lower cost
- Students with relevant work experience may accelerate significantly

Start Dates:
- 6 session starts per year (approximately every 8 weeks)

The Difference

UoPeople provides structured asynchronous learning with weekly deadlines. This works well for students who benefit from regular accountability and clear expectations.

UMPI YourPace offers true competency-based acceleration. If you already have relevant knowledge from work experience or prior learning, you can prove mastery and move faster—potentially completing a bachelor’s degree in as few as 12 months.

Choose UoPeople if: You prefer structured weekly pacing with clear deadlines.

Choose UMPI if: You want the flexibility to accelerate based on what you already know and can demonstrate.

Student Support: Coaching and Advising

University of the People

Support Model:
- Personal Program Advisor from enrollment through graduation
- Qualified instructors available in small class settings
- Peer-to-peer learning community
- Career development services

Faculty:
- Volunteer instructors donate their time to keep costs minimal
- Academic experts provide instruction and feedback

UMPI YourPace

Support Model:
- Dedicated faculty and academic success coaches
- Professional academic advisors
- Enrollment specialists for new students

Faculty:
- Professional faculty within the University of Maine System
- Subject-matter experts guide competency assessments

The Difference

Both universities prioritize student support, but UMPI’s model includes dedicated academic success coaches focused on keeping you on track through competency completion. UoPeople’s volunteer faculty model keeps costs exceptionally low while still providing instructor access.

Global Accessibility

University of the People

Global Model:
- Students from 200+ countries and territories
- Designed specifically for global accessibility
- No residency requirements
- Tuition-free model removes cost barriers worldwide

UMPI YourPace

Global Model:
- 100% online, accessible anywhere with internet
- Affordable tuition with no out-of-state or international fees
- Welcomes international students

The Difference

Both universities serve international students, but UoPeople was specifically designed as a global institution from inception. UMPI’s YourPace program welcomes international students with consistent pricing regardless of location.

When to Consider Nexford Instead

If you’re comparing UoPeople and UMPI, you’re clearly prioritizing affordability and flexibility. But if you’re pursuing business or technology degrees specifically, Nexford University offers a compelling alternative worth considering.

Why Nexford might be right for you:

True Self-Paced Learning: Unlike UoPeople’s 9-week terms with weekly deadlines or UMPI’s 8-week sessions, Nexford offers monthly start dates and complete self-pacing without term constraints. Start on the 1st of any month. No term deadlines. No pressure to complete before a session ends.

Career Success Coach from Day One: Rather than academic advising focused primarily on degree completion, Nexford provides career coaching from enrollment. You’re building your career while earning your degree, not after.

Project-Based Learning: Real case studies from companies like Tesla, Amazon, and Apple. Graduate with tangible work samples to show employers—not just grades on a transcript.

Country-Adjusted Pricing: For international students, Nexford’s pricing adjusts based on local economic factors in 100+ countries, making quality education genuinely accessible worldwide.

Competitive Costs:
- BBA: $4,800-$10,000 total (depending on country)
- MBA: $3,300-$8,100 total (depending on completion speed and country)

Business and Technology Focus with Specializations:
- Artificial Intelligence (BBA and MBA)
- Digital Marketing
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Cybersecurity
- E-Commerce
- Fintech & Blockchain
- Healthcare Management
- International Business
- Sustainability
- MS in Digital Transformation
- MS in Data Analytics
- MS in AI & Technology Management
- MBA in Finance
- MBA in Entrepreneurship

Quick Decision Guide

Choose University of the People If:

✅ You need the absolute lowest possible cost with predictable per-course pricing
✅ You’re pursuing business, computer science, health science, or education
✅ You benefit from structured 9-week terms with weekly deadlines
✅ You’re comfortable with volunteer faculty
✅ Global accessibility is a priority
✅ WSCUC regional accreditation meets your needs

Choose UMPI YourPace If:

✅ You can accelerate and complete multiple competencies per session
✅ You’re pursuing criminal justice, psychology, healthcare administration, or liberal arts
✅ You want flat-rate pricing that rewards faster completion
✅ You prefer competency-based education where you demonstrate mastery
✅ You value NECHE regional accreditation and University of Maine System membership
✅ You benefit from academic success coaching

Choose Nexford If:

✅ You want true self-paced learning without term constraints
✅ You need monthly start dates (not waiting for term schedules)
✅ You value integrated career coaching from enrollment
✅ You’re pursuing business or technology degrees with next-generation specializations
✅ You prefer pay-per-course (undergrad) or monthly (grad) pricing
✅ You want transparent, predictable costs
✅ You’re an international student seeking globally adjusted pricing
✅ You want the option to accelerate and finish your MBA in 9 months

Perfect For: Working professionals, entrepreneurs, career changers, international students, self-motivated learners who refuse to conform to term schedules

Explore Nexford’s Programs →

The Bottom Line - UMPI vs UoPeople

University of the People pioneered tuition-free online education, making higher education accessible to students worldwide who face cost barriers. With regional accreditation (WSCUC), structured 9-week terms, and a global student body from 200+ countries, it’s an excellent option for students pursuing business, computer science, health science, or education at minimal cost.

UMPI YourPace offers competency-based education within the respected University of Maine System. With flat-rate pricing per 8-week session, students who can accelerate may complete a bachelor’s degree for $10,200 or less. It’s ideal for students pursuing broader program options in criminal justice, psychology, healthcare administration, or liberal studies—and those who benefit from the acceleration opportunity of competency-based learning.

Neither is objectively “better”—they’re different tools for different situations. Choose based on your program needs, preferred learning style, ability to accelerate, and total budget considerations.

Ready to Get Started?

Ready to pursue an affordable, flexible business or technology degree? Explore Nexford’s BBA, MBA, or MS programs, or apply to Nexford today—no application fee, monthly start dates, and personalized support from Day One.

Disclaimer

This comparison was fact-checked as of February 2026 using official sources. Tuition rates and program details may change—always verify current information directly with each university before making enrollment decisions.