How BYU-Pathway Worldwide Is Making Education Affordable Globally

by | Aug 29, 2025 | Outcomes and Accountability, Underserved Communities, Working Learners

Why it matters:

BYU-Pathway Worldwide has reduced degree costs to as little as $300 in Africa, making higher education accessible to 80,000+ students globally, with 40% in Africa.

The big picture:

Traditional higher education models aren’t serving adult learners who need immediate career relevance and can’t afford high tuition.

How they did it:

  • Certificate-first model: Three certificates + general education = degree
  • Three-year degrees: Eliminated unnecessary elective credits
  • Peer mentoring: Hiring international students as mentors at locally appropriate wages

The bottom line:

BYU-Pathway shows that radical affordability in higher education is possible through structural innovation, even without the church subsidy that supports their lowest price points.