Higher education is in a strange place. Tuition costs are soaring, student debt is crippling, and debates rage about the value of traditional university degrees. Enter Peterson Academy, a new online learning platform spearheaded by Dr. Jordan Peterson. Designed as an alternative to mainstream universities, the Academy offers a low-cost, lecture-based education model, aiming to provide high-quality learning without the bureaucratic constraints of traditional academia.
But does it deliver? After several weeks of exploring the platform, I’m diving into the pros, cons, and key takeaways from my experience.
What is the Peterson Academy?
The Peterson Academy exists entirely online and is not currently accredited. The annual subscription currently costs $599, and enrolment is open to anyone—no applications, no prerequisites. The Academy launched with 18 courses and has since expanded, with new courses being launched every month.
The courses currently available cover philosophy, history, theology, psychology, leadership, and self-improvement. The courses I have completed and taken detailed lecture notes on—available on my sister site, Questions for Learners—are:
📖 Introduction to Nietzsche – Jordan Peterson
📖 The Sermon on the Mount – Jordan Peterson
📖 The Greatest Leaders in History – Lord Andrew Roberts
📖 On Narcissism – Keith Campbell
Each course consists of 6-9 pre-recorded lectures, totaling 5 to 10 hours, with quizzes at the end of each lecture. Unlike traditional universities, there are no mandatory readings, essays, or formal assignments—though final exams and written assessments are gradually being introduced, with plans to expand these across more courses in the future.
The Learning Experience: Strengths & Areas for Development
1. Engaging Presentation & High Production Value
One of the Academy’s biggest strengths is its high-quality production. Lectures are filmed in visually striking settings—a step up from the traditional classroom or PowerPoint-heavy university lectures. The use of Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) backgrounds, interactive visuals, and cinematic filming makes the content more engaging and easier to absorb.
2. Accessibility & Cost
At $599 per year, Peterson Academy is far cheaper than traditional universities, making it an affordable alternative for lifelong learners. This model will also appeal to those who feel priced out of higher education but still want structured learning from respected instructors.
3. Course Quality
The breadth of content at Peterson Academy is impressive. Among the courses I’ve completed—The Sermon on the Mount, Introduction to Nietzsche, On Narcissism and Greatest Leaders in History—each has been thought-provoking and well-structured.
Critics may argue that some courses, like Introduction to Nietzsche, rely heavily on the instructor’s personal interpretations. However, as with all subjects in the Humanities and Social Sciences, interpretation is inherent to the discipline. There is no single “correct” way to teach Nietzsche, for instance—scholars throughout history have analysed his works from diverse and often conflicting perspectives. This applies to all courses in the Academy, which are taught by credentialed academics with expertise in their respective fields.
For example, Jordan Peterson, who teaches Introduction to Nietzsche, has a strong academic background in psychology and its intersections with philosophy. Having lectured on thinkers like Nietzsche for decades, his interpretations are rooted in extensive study and engagement with Nietzschean thought. Additionally, each course includes recommended reading lists, allowing students to explore other scholarly perspectives and further develop a well-rounded understanding.
That said, while students gain exposure to big ideas, some critics will rightly point out that the learning experience lacks the structured rigour of traditional academia. Without the requirement for critical writing, structured discussions, or peer feedback, deeper engagement can sometimes be limited. However, assessments on the platform are evolving, with final exams being introduced for each course to enhance academic rigour.
I would also personally appreciate a more explicit integration of Bloom’s Taxonomy within the courses, particularly in the quizzes and instructional design. For example, incorporating reflection questions—either within the lectures or as separate videos—would provide a structured way to assess and deepen my knowledge and understanding across different cognitive levels. This approach would further enhance engagement and ensure a more comprehensive learning experience.
One feature I’ve particularly appreciated is the ability to pause lectures at any time and participate in forum discussions—whether to share insights or ask questions. This interactive element helps bridge the gap between passive consumption and active learning, making the experience more engaging and dynamic.
4. No Accreditation—Yet
One of the biggest concerns for many students is the lack of accreditation. While Peterson has stated that discussions are underway with institutions, for now, the courses do not count toward a recognised degree. However, Peterson has also suggested a possible direct-to-employer model, where companies may recognise Peterson Academy coursework as legitimate training.
For learners looking to gain knowledge rather than a credential, this shouldn’t be a dealbreaker. It certainly wasn’t something that concerned me, for example. But for those hoping to use their education for career advancement, accreditation will be a crucial factor in the Academy’s long-term success.
Social Features & Community
One of the more unique aspects of the Academy is its built-in social platform, which allows students to:
✅ Engage in course-specific discussions
✅ Participate in a global learning community
✅ Share their learning experiences
Upcoming features include:
📱 A mobile app
📩 Direct messaging & study groups
🔗 Tagging & social post recommendations
So far, community engagement has been overwhelmingly positive, with many thoughtful, well-articulated discussions rather than social media-style debates. I’ve personally appreciated the opportunity to connect with other students online, and I believe that as the student body grows, the discussions will become an increasingly valuable aspect of the Academy’s learning experience.
Peterson Academy vs. Traditional Universities
| Feature | Peterson Academy | Traditional University |
| Cost | $599 per year | $10,000+ per year |
| Accreditation | ❌ Not accredited (yet) | ✅ Fully accredited |
| Course Format | Pre-recorded lectures | In-person/online classes |
| Assignments & Exams | Quizzes, final exams | Essays, exams, research papers |
| Social Engagement | Online discussion forums | In-person campus experience |
| Professors | Experts, authors, public intellectuals | Professors with academic credentials |
Peterson Academy offers an alternative model that trades traditional university structure for affordability, flexibility, and accessibility. However, without accreditation or rigorous assignments, it’s difficult to compare directly with a degree-granting institution.
Final Verdict: Is Peterson Academy Worth It?
So, after a month, who is Peterson Academy best for?
✅ Great for:
✔️ Lifelong learners seeking affordable, engaging courses
✔️ Those interested in philosophy, history, psychology, and self-improvement
✔️ People who prefer lecture-based learning over written assignments
❌ Not ideal for:
❌ Those looking for accredited degrees or career-focused credentials
❌ Learners who thrive on structured coursework, exams, and feedback
❌ Students seeking a STEM-heavy curriculum (though STEM courses are coming soon)
The Peterson Academy is a bold experiment in rethinking education. While it may not replace traditional universities, it offers a compelling supplement for self-directed learners. If accreditation materialises and more structured assessments are introduced, it could become a serious contender in the alternative education space.
For now, it’s an engaging, cost-effective way to explore intellectual topics—but not a replacement for a full degree.
