University of the People Becomes Largest US University, Aims for 1 Million Students
University of the People (UoPeople), an online academic institution founded by Israeli entrepreneur Shai Reshef, has become the largest university in the United States by student enrollment, with approximately 271,000 students from 216 countries and territories. Reshef, who previously had two successful exits in the education sector, founded UoPeople 18 years ago with the goal of making higher education accessible to everyone, regardless of financial, geographical, or political circumstances. The university's stated objective is to reach one million students.
UoPeople operates in a global higher education landscape marked by declining enrollment in developed nations due to cost and other factors, and a surge in demand in developing countries where educational opportunities are scarce. The institution offers degrees with very low tuition fees, and even free tuition for those unable to pay, with exam fees costing around $180 per course. Approximately one-third of students pay these fees, while the rest receive scholarships. The university serves a diverse student body, including 15% from the US, 40,000 from Arab nations, and nearly a quarter who are refugees or displaced persons.
Reshef emphasizes the university's use of technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance learning and efficiency. He views AI not as a threat but as a tool to assist students in research and critical thinking, stating that prohibiting its use is a losing battle. UoPeople offers degrees in business administration, computer science, and health sciences, along with professional certificates. The university's operational model relies heavily on volunteerism, with over 2,000 volunteer instructors and a minimal budget, supported by donations from major organizations.
Reshef, who was born and raised in Israel but considers himself a global citizen, has received significant recognition for his work, including the Yidan Prize and the prestigious MacGraw Prize in Education. Despite his Israeli roots, he emphasizes that UoPeople is an American university and distances himself from political affiliations, stating his work is for the entire world and not on behalf of Israel, which he believes would hinder his efforts due to its perceived insularity. He highlights his commitment to providing education to students in conflict zones, including Gaza, believing education is a pathway to peace.
