10 Career Advancement Programs That Grow Your Paycheck

Finding a training program that actually helps you move into a better job shouldn’t feel confusing. The Career Value Index (CVI) makes things clearer by showing where people gain the most: higher incomes, new roles, and steady career advancement.

In this post, we’re taking a closer look at SkillUp partners whose programs help learners learn new job skills, grow their income, and take steps forward through affordable career training. These schools offer flexible paths, short timelines, and plenty of support for people without degrees.

Community Colleges That Lead to Higher Pay

Community colleges offer flexible scheduling, approachable pricing, and plenty of options for learners starting fresh or returning to school after time away. These partners help people build practical skills that lead to stable, better-paying jobs.

1. Wentworth Institute of Technology

Average wage gain: $5,500

New job placement: 21%

Career advancement: 8%

Learners without a bachelor’s degree: 26%

Wentworth focuses on hands-on learning across tech and engineering. Many learners choose it because they want to get comfortable with real tools and real projects.

Explore Wentworth programs on SkillUp →

2. College of Central Florida

Average wage gain: $4,600

New job placement: 3%

Career advancement: 2%

Learners without a bachelor’s degree: 23%

This college offers flexible, easy-to-start programs in healthcare, trades, and business. Learners often appreciate the community feel and the chance to take classes around their schedule.

Explore College of Central Florida programs on SkillUp →

3. Columbus State Community College

Average wage gain: $4,400

New job placement: 15%

Career advancement: 17%

Learners without a bachelor’s degree: 30%

Columbus State offers a wide mix of programs and strong opportunities for upward movement. It’s a helpful place to start if you’re still choosing your direction.

Explore Columbus State programs on SkillUp →

Universities and Colleges with Strong Early-Career Growth

These schools offer shorter programs and flexible options alongside full degrees. They’re a good match for learners who want steady progress and stackable growth.

1. Maryville University of St. Louis

Average wage gain: $9,600

New job placement: 9%

Career advancement: 18%

Learners without a bachelor’s degree: 3%

Maryville offers accessible training in business, tech, and healthcare. Learners often choose it for programs that translate directly into entry-level roles.

Explore Maryville programs on SkillUp →

2. University of Illinois – Springfield

Average wage gain: $6,400

New job placement: 16%

Career advancement: 14%

Learners without a bachelor’s degree: 1%

UIS creates pathways into public service, operations, and technology. It’s a supportive option for career changers and for people exploring new industries.

Explore UIS programs on SkillUp →

3. Franklin University

Average wage gain: $5,200

New job placement: 9%

Career advancement: 9%

Learners without a bachelor’s degree: 1%

Franklin is known for online programs built for working adults. It’s a comfortable place to start if you need flexibility.

Explore Franklin programs on SkillUp →

4. University of Houston – Clear Lake

Average wage gain: $4,900

New job placement: 3%

Career advancement: 3%

Learners without a bachelor’s degree: 0%

UHCL offers introductory pathways into business, education, and tech. Students choose it for its approachable coursework and steady pace.

Explore UHCL programs on SkillUp →

Short-Term Training Providers with the Best Salary Increases

Short-term training works well for learners who want to move fast and step into a new role without a long commitment. These programs help you learn new job skills quickly and break into growing fields.

1. Year Up

Average wage gain: $14,500

New job placement: 20%

Career advancement: 7%

Learners without a bachelor’s degree: 69%

Year Up blends technical training with coaching and hands-on experience. It’s a great match for people who want structure and support while building toward better-paying roles.

Explore Year Up programs on SkillUp →

2. Per Scholas

Average wage gain: $5,400

New job placement: 34%

Career advancement: 4%

Learners without a bachelor's degree: 56%

Per Scholas helps people grow into roles in IT support, cybersecurity, and software testing. Programs are designed with employers and focus on the skills needed right now.

Explore Per Scholas programs on SkillUp →

3. General Assembly

Average wage gain: $4,400

New job placement: 17%

Career advancement: 9%

Learners without a bachelor’s degree: 10%

General Assembly offers project-based programs in UX, data, and coding. Students walk away with a portfolio they can use to show employers what they can do.

Explore General Assembly programs on SkillUp →

At a Glance: Partner Outcomes

How to Choose a Training Path

It’s normal to feel unsure about where to start. Here are a few things to consider:

• Want something fast? Short-term training helps you build skills quickly.
• Need flexibility? Community colleges often offer online, evening, and part-time options.
• Thinking long-term? University programs can help you keep growing as your goals evolve.
• Not sure yet? SkillUp can help you compare programs, save favorites, and take the next steps at your own pace.

Why These Schools Are Our Top Picks

All of these institutions have several perks that we love:

• Programs are accessible to people without degrees.
• Training options span many industries, from IT to healthcare to business.
• Wage gains show real economic movement, even early in someone’s career.
• Learners build skills that employers actively look for.

These institutions are trusted SkillUp partners, which means their programs meet our standards:

• Can be completed in less than 12 months
• Leads to careers with a livable wage
• Are free or low-cost

If you’re ready to explore these partners and browse their training options, SkillUp’s platform brings everything together in one place.

Create your free SkillUp profile and start exploring these programs today!