SoCal School Offers Tuition-Free College

PASADENA, Calif. -- A new online university based in Pasadena is offering students a free ride.

The University of the People, a non-profit venture, "promises to revolutionize higher education by providing universal access to college studies -- even in the poorest parts of the world," according to its website.

Oh ya, and there's no tuition.

Instead, the school will charge application and examination fees ranging from $10 to $100. It's an idea that would make Bartleby Gaines proud.

UoP will use open-source technology, social networking features and free course material from other universities, the Los Angeles Times reported. UoP will offer two undergraduate degrees: a BA in Business Administration and a BSc in Computer Science.

"Education, just like democracy, should be a right, not a privilege," said the institution's founder, Shai Reshef. "With a few keystrokes, UoP takes the concept of social networking and applies it to academia, providing a global chalkboard for all students."

Reshef told the Times that he's already been contacted by hundreds of potential students and professors wanting to volunteer.

"UoP intends to apply for accreditation from recognized authorities as soon as the waiting process for eligibility is met," according to Uopeople.org.

Oct. 22, 2012: Updated URL to http://www.uopeople.org.

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