Independent Research for Working Adults
Degree Sources is an independent educational resource built for one audience: working adults making decisions about going back to school. Every guide, calculator, and comparison on this site is researched from primary sources — federal databases, institutional data, and accreditation records — not rewritten from other content sites.
We launched in 2026 because the existing landscape of education content fails the people who need it most. Working adults over 25 make up more than 40% of undergraduate enrollment, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, yet most "college guides" are written for 18-year-olds with parental support and unlimited time.
Our Editorial Standards
Every article on Degree Sources follows a strict editorial process:
Primary Source Research
We start with government data (StudentAid.gov, NCES, Bureau of Labor Statistics), institutional records, and accreditation databases. We don't cite other content sites as primary sources.
Fact Verification
Every dollar figure, deadline, and eligibility requirement is verified against the issuing organization's official documentation. When data is estimated, we label it as such.
Working Adult Lens
Every piece of content is reviewed through the lens of a working adult: someone balancing a job, family responsibilities, and limited time. If advice doesn't apply to that reality, it doesn't make the final draft.
Regular Updates
Financial aid amounts, deadlines, and program details change annually. We update our content when source data changes, not on an arbitrary editorial calendar.
What We Cover
| Topic Area | What You'll Find | Primary Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Aid | FAFSA guides, grant eligibility, scholarship databases, SAI/EFC explainers | StudentAid.gov, NCAN, NASFAA |
| Online Degrees | Program comparisons, accreditation verification, tuition data, success stories | NCES, institutional registrars, accreditation bodies |
| Student Loans | Federal vs private comparisons, forgiveness program eligibility, repayment strategies | StudentAid.gov, FSA Handbooks, CRS Reports |
| College Planning | Cost calculators, funding source comparisons, ROI analysis | College Board, BLS, NCES IPEDS |
Our Commitment
Degree Sources is not affiliated with any government agency, university, or financial institution. When we link to programs or tools, we clearly identify any commercial relationships. Our recommendations are based on published data — accreditation status, tuition costs, graduation rates, and student outcomes — not advertising revenue.
Contact Us
Questions about our content, methodology, or corrections? Reach us at editorial@degreesources.com. We respond to factual correction requests within 48 hours.