Dive Brief:

• A free online institution has announced that it has received accreditation.
• The University of the People, started four years ago, has been accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council, which is recognized by the Department of Education.
• In its first graduating class, the school is expected to graduate seven students in April; in all, 700 students are enrolled.

Dive Insight:

Seven students is a small start, but the university has big plans: Its founder expects 5,000 students by 2016. Students don't pay tuition, although there are fees for applications and testing.