"I was stuck making $32K at a dead-end job with just a high school diploma. Traditional college would have taken 4 years and cost $60K+. Underground Degrees showed me how to use CLEP tests, military experience credits, and online accelerated programs. I finished my Business Administration degree in 20 months for $18,400 total and immediately got promoted to supervisor with a $42K salary."
"After 10 years as a teacher, I needed my Master's for a principal role but couldn't afford to stop working. Traditional programs wanted $35K and 3 years part-time. Underground Degrees found me a competency-based program that accepted my teaching experience for credit. I finished my M.Ed in 14 months for $12,800 and got the principal position with a $15K raise."
"I was 35, divorced, and needed to restart my career fast. Traditional college seemed impossible with two kids. Underground Degrees helped me map out a path using Study.com, Straighterline, and Prior Learning Assessment for my restaurant management experience. I completed my degree in Business Management in 16 months for $14,200 and landed a corporate management role making $48K."
"I dropped out of college 15 years ago and thought I'd never finish. Traditional colleges wanted me to start over completely. Underground Degrees showed me how to get credit for my IT certifications, work experience, and previous college credits. I finished my Computer Science degree in 22 months for $19,600 and got hired as a software developer making $65K."
"I was working as a CNA making $28K but needed my RN to support my kids better. Traditional nursing programs had 2-year waiting lists and required full-time attendance. Underground Degrees helped me find an accelerated BSN program that accepted my healthcare experience for credits. I finished in 28 months while working part-time, spent $21,400 total, and now make $58K as an RN."
"I'd been doing bookkeeping for 8 years but needed a degree for the senior accountant position. My company offered tuition help, but the local university was $40K and 4 years part-time. Underground Degrees found me a school that gave me credit for my QuickBooks certification and work experience. I finished my Accounting degree in 24 months for $16,900 and got the promotion with a $12K raise."
"I was working retail for $24K and wanted to get into healthcare but couldn't afford a 4-year program. Underground Degrees helped me find an accelerated Medical Assistant program that accepted my customer service experience and high school AP credits. I finished my Associate's in 11 months for $8,900 and now work at a clinic making $38K with benefits."
"I dropped out of high school at 17 and got my GED later. At 25, I was still stuck in minimum wage jobs. Underground Degrees showed me how to use my work experience and community college credits to fast-track an Associate's in Business. I finished in 14 months for $7,200 and got promoted to assistant manager with a $8K raise."
"I was a single mom working two part-time jobs just to get by. Traditional college wasn't an option with my schedule. Underground Degrees helped me find an online paralegal program that fit around my work. I used CLEP tests and prior college credits to finish my Associate's in 13 months for $9,400 and now work at a law firm making $35K."
"I had an Associate's degree from 2010 but life got in the way of finishing my Bachelor's. Eight years later, I was stuck in a supervisory role that maxed out at $45K without a 4-year degree. Underground Degrees helped me transfer all my credits and use my management experience for additional credit. I finished my Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership in 18 months for $15,200 and got promoted to department head with a $58K salary."
"I was an EMT for 6 years making $34K but wanted to become a firefighter. Most departments required a Bachelor's degree and the waiting list was 3+ years. Underground Degrees helped me get credit for my EMT training, firefighter academy, and previous college courses. I finished my degree in Emergency Management in 21 months for $17,800 and got hired by the fire department at $52K."
"I was working in retail management for 12 years but kept getting passed over for corporate positions because I didn't have a degree. Traditional programs would take 4+ years while working full-time. Underground Degrees showed me how to get credit for my retail experience, management training, and some old college credits. I finished my Bachelor's in Business Management in 19 months for $16,500 and got the corporate job with a $20K raise."
"I was a truck driver for 15 years making decent money but my back couldn't handle it anymore. At 42, I needed a complete career change but couldn't afford to go back to school full-time. Underground Degrees helped me use my logistics experience and get credit for my CDL training. I finished a degree in Supply Chain Management in 20 months for $18,900 and now work for a logistics company making $55K sitting at a desk."
"I spent 20 years in the military and was retiring with good benefits but needed civilian credentials. Traditional colleges wanted me to start over despite my leadership experience and military training. Underground Degrees helped me get credit for my military service, certifications, and previous college courses. I finished my degree in Human Resources in 17 months for $14,600 and landed a corporate HR position at $62K."
"I was a hairstylist for 18 years but wanted to transition into business. I had clients but no business credentials for the corporate world. Underground Degrees showed me how to get credit for my entrepreneurial experience, cosmetology training, and business workshops I'd taken. I finished my Marketing degree in 22 months for $19,200 and now run marketing for a salon chain making $51K."