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.
U.S. & World
"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.