Choosing between University of the People (UoPeople) and Western Governors University (WGU) means weighing two fundamentally different approaches to affordable online education. Both institutions have built reputations for serving working adults who need flexible, budget-conscious pathways to earning a degree—but they achieve that goal through very different models.

UoPeople pioneered tuition-free online education, charging only minimal assessment fees per course. WGU pioneered competency-based education at scale, using a flat-rate subscription model per six-month term. Both are accredited. Both serve global audiences. But the differences in cost structure, learning model, and support systems create distinct experiences.

This guide breaks down how UoPeople and WGU compare across the factors that matter most: total cost, flexibility, accreditation, support, and program options. Neither is inherently "better"—they're different tools for different situations. Let's help you figure out which one fits your goals.

Quick Overview - UoPeople vs WGU

University of the People (UoPeople)

Founded: 2009
Focus: Tuition-free education serving a global student population
Accreditation: WSCUC (Regional)
Model: Pay-per-course assessment fees (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
Total Enrollment: Students from over 200 countries and territories

Key Differentiator: Tuition-free model with minimal assessment fees, making it one of the most affordable degree options globally.

Western Governors University (WGU)

Founded: 1997
Focus: Comprehensive competency-based university across multiple fields
Accreditation: NWCCU (Regional)
Model: Flat-rate per six-month term
Term Structure: Six-month terms with Program Mentor-guided course scheduling Programs: 80+ undergraduate and graduate programs across business, IT, education, and healthcare
Total Enrollment: Over 400,000 graduates since founding

Key Differentiator: Pioneering competency-based education model with extensive program breadth and established institutional reputation.

Cost Comparison: Assessment Fees vs. Flat-Rate Terms

Let's start with what matters most to many students: total cost.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

UoPeople:

• Application Fee: $60 (one-time) [4]

• Assessment Fee: $160 per course [4]

• Number of Courses: 40 courses for a bachelor's degree [5]

• Total Estimated Cost: $6,460 [5]

• Model: Pay only when you complete each course

WGU:

• Cost per Term: $4,030 per six-month term for undergraduate business programs (effective January 1, 2026.)—this includes $3,830 tuition plus $200 e-books and resources fee [11]

• Average Completion: Students earn their bachelor's degree in two and a half years on average

• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $20,025 (2.5 years × $8,010/year). for average completion time (5 terms) [12]

• Model: Flat-rate per term—complete as many courses as possible

The Difference:

UoPeople's total cost of $6,460 is significantly lower than WGU's approximately $20,025 average [5][12]. However, the models work differently. UoPeople charges per course regardless of how long you take, while WGU's flat-rate model rewards students who can accelerate. If you complete your WGU degree faster than average, you pay less. If you take longer, you pay more.

Graduate Programs (MBA)

UoPeople:

• Application Fee: $60 (one-time) [4]

• Assessment Fee: $450 per course [4]

• Number of Courses: 12 courses [6]

• Total Estimated Cost: $5,460 [6]

• Model: Pay per course assessment

WGU:

• Cost per Term: $5,005 per six-month term for MBA programs (effective January 1, 2026.)—this includes $4,805 tuition plus $200 e-books and resources fee [11]

• Completion: Students can finish in one year (two terms) or take longer

• Total Estimated Cost: Approximately $10,010 per year (2 terms × $5,005) [11]

• Model: Flat-rate per term

The Difference:

UoPeople's MBA at $5,460 is lower than WGU's $10,010 per year (2 terms × $5,005) (for students who complete in one year) [6][11]. The gap widens if WGU students take longer to complete. However, if you qualify for federal financial aid or employer tuition reimbursement, WGU's established infrastructure may reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Why the Cost Structures Differ

UoPeople operates on a tuition-free model, charging only for course assessments. The university relies on donations, partnerships, and volunteer faculty to keep costs minimal. There's no tuition—just fees to cover the cost of grading and university operations.

WGU uses a subscription-style flat rate. You pay once per six-month term and can complete as many courses as you can during that time. The more you accelerate, the fewer terms you pay for. This model incentivizes self-paced acceleration but requires consistent momentum to maximize value.

Accreditation: Both Regionally Accredited

Both UoPeople and WGU hold regional accreditation—the gold standard in U.S. higher education.

UoPeople: WSCUC (Regional)

University of the People is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). This regional accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and provides broad acceptance for credit transfers and further education.

UoPeople was previously accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) but voluntarily withdrew that accreditation relationship as of December 31, 2025.

WGU: NWCCU (Regional)

WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). WGU is notable for having received regional accreditation from four regional accrediting commissions at the same time—a unique distinction.

Many of WGU's business programs also hold programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

What This Means

For most students, both accreditations provide the legitimacy you need. Credits from either institution should transfer widely, and employers generally recognize both degrees. If your specific career path requires a particular accreditor, verify that the institution meets your requirements.

Learning Model: Structured Terms vs. Competency-Based Acceleration

UoPeople: 9-Week Terms with Weekly Deadlines

UoPeople operates on nine-week terms, with eight weeks of learning units and one week for final exams.

• Each week has specific assignments, discussion forums, quizzes, and peer assessments
• Assignments are due within each learning week (Thursday to Wednesday)
• Classes are small and led by qualified instructors
• Students evaluate peers' work as part of the learning process
• Expect to dedicate 15-20 hours per week per course

The Structure: UoPeople provides clear weekly pacing. You know what's due each week, and the peer assessment model creates external accountability. However, you cannot accelerate faster than the nine-week term allows—you complete courses at the prescribed pace.

WGU: Six-Month Terms with Self-Paced Progression

WGU operates on six-month terms where students work with a Program Mentor to plan their course schedule.

• Students demonstrate competency through assessments (exams, projects, papers)
• Progress as fast as you can prove mastery
• No cap on how many courses you can complete per term
• Minimum progress requirements: 12 competency units per term for undergraduates, 8 for graduates
• Weekly check-ins with your Program Mentor

The Structure: WGU offers flexibility within the term. If you already know the material, you can complete courses quickly. However, you must maintain minimum progress requirements, and the six-month billing cycle means you pay even if life gets in the way.

Which Model Fits You?

Choose UoPeople if: You prefer structured weekly pacing with clear deadlines. You benefit from peer interaction and don't need the ability to accelerate through material you already know.

Choose WGU if: You're self-motivated and want the ability to move quickly through familiar material. You thrive with a mentor relationship and can maintain momentum over six-month periods.

Student Support: Program Advisors vs. Program Mentors

UoPeople: Program Advisor Model

Every UoPeople student is assigned a Program Advisor at the beginning of their studies who stays with them until graduation.

Your Program Advisor:

• Answers questions and offers academic advice
• Discusses course selection
• Provides encouragement and support throughout your studies
• Serves as your personal support system

Additionally, instructors provide feedback through online learning journals, which allow one-on-one communication between students and instructors.

WGU: Program Mentor Model

Every WGU student is assigned a Program Mentor from enrollment through graduation.

Your Program Mentor:

• Collaborates with you to create personalized term plans
• Makes weekly check-in calls
• Provides guidance on programs, policies, and procedures
• Is evaluated on student success metrics

WGU also provides Course Instructors (subject-matter experts) and Evaluators (faculty who assess competency).

The Difference

Both universities prioritize one-on-one support, but the emphasis differs. WGU's Program Mentors actively plan your term with you and maintain weekly contact. UoPeople's Program Advisors provide ongoing support but with less structured check-in requirements.

Choose UoPeople if: You want consistent access to support without mandatory weekly calls.

Choose WGU if: You value structured accountability through regular mentor check-ins and collaborative term planning.

Program Options: Focused vs. Comprehensive

UoPeople Programs

Undergraduate:

• Associate of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Associate of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Associate of Science in Health Science
• Bachelor of Science in Health Science

Graduate:

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

Certificates:

• IBM SkillsBuild programs in Cybersecurity and Data Analytics

WGU Programs

WGU offers 80+ programs across four colleges: [9]

Business:

• B.S. Accounting, B.S. Business Management, B.S. Marketing, B.S. Human Resource Management
• MBA (traditional, Healthcare Management, IT Management)
• M.S. Accounting, M.S. Management and Leadership, and more

Information Technology:

• B.S. Computer Science, B.S. Cybersecurity, B.S. Software Engineering
• M.S. Cybersecurity, M.S. Data Analytics, and more

Education:

• B.A. degrees in various teaching fields
• M.A. in Teaching, M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction, and more

Health Professions:

• B.S. Nursing (for RNs), B.S. Health Information Management
• M.S. Nursing, MBA Healthcare Management, and more

The Difference

UoPeople focuses on a smaller set of programs executed well. WGU offers significantly broader program options, including specialized fields like nursing, teaching licensure, and healthcare management that UoPeople does not offer.

Choose UoPeople if: You're pursuing business administration, computer science, health science, or education—and you don't need specialized programs beyond these areas.

Choose WGU if: You're pursuing specialized fields like nursing, specific teaching credentials, IT certifications, or healthcare management. WGU's breadth is unmatched.

Global Accessibility: Both Serve International Students

UoPeople

UoPeople was designed with global accessibility as a core mission. Students from over 200 countries and territories attend UoPeople. The assessment fee model keeps costs consistent regardless of location, making it genuinely accessible for international students without the premium pricing that some U.S. universities charge.

WGU

WGU serves students globally but uses U.S. pricing for all students regardless of location. While the institution is accessible internationally, the cost structure doesn't adjust for local economic factors. WGU does not participate in federal financial aid programs for international students.

The Difference

For international students, UoPeople's low, fixed assessment fees often represent better value. WGU's higher overall cost may be more challenging for students in countries with lower purchasing power.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

UoPeople

Because UoPeople does not charge tuition, it does not participate in federal or state financial aid programs. However, the university offers scholarships and partners with organizations to provide grants for students who need financial support.

WGU

WGU participates in federal financial aid programs (for eligible U.S. students), including Pell Grants and federal student loans. The university also offers WGU-funded scholarships and accepts employer tuition reimbursement.

The Difference

If you're a U.S. student who qualifies for federal financial aid, WGU's infrastructure may significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. If you don't qualify for aid—or you're an international student—UoPeople's lower base cost often provides better value.

Quick Decision Guide - WGU vs UoPeople

Choose UoPeople If:

✅ You need the lowest possible total cost
✅ You prefer paying per course rather than per term
✅ You're comfortable with structured 9-week terms and weekly deadlines
✅ You're an international student seeking affordable U.S.-accredited education
✅ You're pursuing Business Administration, Computer Science, Health Science, or Education
✅ You don't need federal financial aid
✅ You value peer assessment as part of your learning experience

Best For: Cost-conscious students, international learners, those who prefer structured pacing without term-based pressure

Choose WGU If:

✅ You want to accelerate through material you already know
✅ You prefer the flat-rate subscription model
✅ You qualify for federal financial aid or employer tuition reimbursement
✅ You're pursuing specialized programs in nursing, teaching, IT, or healthcare
✅ You thrive with weekly mentor check-ins and structured term planning
✅ You want competency-based assessments rather than weekly coursework
✅ You need the flexibility to complete courses as fast as you can prove mastery

Best For: Self-motivated accelerators, students with prior knowledge to test out of, those with financial aid eligibility, anyone needing specialized programs

Where Nexford Fits In

If you're comparing UoPeople and WGU, you're prioritizing affordability and flexibility—and you should know there's another option worth considering.

Nexford University was built specifically for working professionals who need genuine flexibility without sacrificing quality. Like UoPeople, we offer affordable pricing. Like WGU, we offer self-paced learning. But we combine the best elements of both with features neither offers:

True Self-Pacing Without Term Constraints: Unlike UoPeople's 9-week terms or WGU's 6-month terms, Nexford offers monthly start dates and complete self-pacing. No term deadlines. No minimum progress requirements. Start when you're ready, accelerate when possible, pause when life demands it.

Career Success Coach from Day One: Every Nexford student receives integrated career coaching from enrollment—not just academic advising. Build your career while you learn, not after.

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

Country-Adjusted Pricing: Pricing adjusted for 100+ countries, making quality education genuinely accessible worldwide.

Programs Include:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with specializations in Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, and Business Analytics - https://www.nexford.edu/bba

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) with specializations in AI, Cybersecurity, E-Commerce, Fintech & Blockchain, Healthcare Management, International Business, Sustainability, and Entrepreneurship - https://www.nexford.edu/mba

• MS in Digital Transformation - https://www.nexford.edu/degrees/ms-digital-transformation

• MS in Data Analytics - https://www.nexford.edu/degrees/ms-data-analytics

• MS in AI & Technology Management - https://www.nexford.edu/ms-ai-and-technology-management

• MBA in Finance - https://www.nexford.edu/mba-in-finance

If you're pursuing business or technology degrees and want maximum flexibility with integrated career support, explore Nexford's programs or start your application today —no application fee, monthly start dates, and personalized support from Day One.

The Bottom Line - WGU vs UoPeople

UoPeople delivers the lowest sticker price with regional accreditation, making it ideal for cost-conscious students who don't need federal financial aid and are comfortable with structured 9-week terms and peer assessment.

WGU delivers competency-based education at scale with extensive program options, making it ideal for self-motivated students who can accelerate, need specialized programs in education, healthcare, or IT, or who qualify for federal financial aid.

Neither is objectively "better." Choose based on your budget, learning style, program needs, and financial aid eligibility.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Still deciding? Explore Nexford's programs to see how we combine affordability, flexibility, and career support—or speak with an advisor to get personalized guidance.

Your future doesn't have to wait for the next term.

References

UoPeople Sources:

[1] UoPeople Accreditation: https://www.uopeople.edu/student-experience/quality/accreditation/
[2] UoPeople Online Learning: https://www.uopeople.edu/student-experience/uopeople-difference/online-learning-uopeople/
[3] UoPeople Programs: https://www.uopeople.edu/programs/
[4] UoPeople Processing Fees: https://www.uopeople.edu/tuition-free/processing-fees/
[5] UoPeople Undergraduate Catalog - Total Estimated Fees: https://catalog.uopeople.edu/ug_term1_item/processing-fees-scholarships-and-financial-assistance/total-estimated-fees
[6] UoPeople Graduate Catalog - Total Estimated Fees: https://catalog.uopeople.edu/graduate-catalog-t1/processing-fees-scholarships-and-financial-assistance/total-estimated-fees

WGU Sources:

[7] WGU Accreditation: https://www.wgu.edu/about/accreditation.html
[8] WGU Term Structure and Course Planning: https://cm.wgu.edu/t5/Registration-Student-Records/Term-Registration-and-Enrollment/ta-p/200
[9] WGU Online Degree Programs: https://www.wgu.edu/newsroom/press-release/2024/08/changing-lives-scale-50000-degrees-record-wgu.html
[10] WGU Alumni: https://www.wgu.edu/alumni.html
[11] WGU Tuition Rates (effective January 1, 2026.): https://www.wgu.edu/financial-aid-tuition/tuition-business-degrees.html
[12] WGU Average Completion Time and Affordability:
https://www.wgu.edu/about/affordability
[13] WGU Financial Aid: https://www.wgu.edu/financial-aid-tuition.html

Disclaimer

Last updated: January 2026

This article was written and fact-checked as of January 2026. We've made every effort to ensure accuracy by verifying all pricing, program details, and accreditation information directly from official university sources. However, tuition rates, program offerings, and policies can change. For the most current and accurate information, always consult official university websites and admission advisors directly.