Degrees of Freedom
Degrees of Freedom, based in Marlboro, VT, is a nonprofit educational organization offering innovative, low-cost degree programs that blend virtual and traditional learning models. Part of the Y Combinator W21 batch, the institution emphasizes community building and skill learning through both online and in-person sessions.
Company History
Degrees of Freedom, formerly known as Democracy Builders Fund, Democracy Builders & Degrees of Freedom, was launched on March 21, 2021. The company is located in Marlboro, VT, USA, and operates as a nonprofit organization. Part of the Y Combinator W21 batch, Degrees of Freedom serves students through a blend of virtual and traditional college models, aiming to offer high-quality, low-cost degrees in various disciplines.
Programs Offered
Degrees of Freedom offers two primary programs: Freedom Year and Liberation Launch. The Freedom Year program involves synchronous sessions and courses from Monday to Thursday evenings, requiring a commitment of approximately 20 hours per week. The Liberation Launch program combines synchronous and asynchronous courses through partner institutions, also held from Monday to Thursday evenings. Both programs cost $9,000 per year, covering tuition, health services, and up to $250 per rotation in travel expenses.
Student Life and Campus Facilities
During in-person rotations, students stay on the Degrees of Freedom campus, which features an array of facilities including an organic farm & greenhouse, fitness center, gym, soccer field, dance studio, movie theatre, indoor climbing gym, outdoor equipment, art studio, ceramics studio, maker space, woodworking studio, 100,000-volume library, science labs, and miles of hiking trails. Food and accommodation costs are covered while on campus. Rotations are two-week sessions designed for community building and skill learning, with opportunities to travel to Ponce, Puerto Rico. Each student is provided with a single-bed dorm to reduce the COVID-19 spread. Students are also encouraged to form virtual or local clubs with staff sponsorship.
Financial Support and Scholarships
Degrees of Freedom offers both need-based and merit-based scholarships to support students financially. The institution assists students in accessing federal aid and aims to make education accessible at the cost of the Pell Grant. The programs are designed to be inclusive, allowing international students residing abroad to participate in coursework delivered virtually.
Educational Approach
Degrees of Freedom provides a unique educational approach by blending virtual and traditional college models. Students learn in various formats, including on-campus, online, and virtual reality (VR) sessions. The institution partners with colleges to offer courses in diverse disciplines such as Mathematics, Social Science, Natural Science, Computer Science, Business, Education, History, Politics, and Literature. SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission, although students have the option to submit them.