Frequently Asked Questions

No. Divergent U doesn't offer traditional degrees. We offer a complete alternative to traditional college and our teaching model is individualized to each student. Because the customization of our model is designed to change based on the student's vision we don't meet the standardized requirements of a traditional degree program.

If you register for Divergent U and attend all the classes then you should expect to start making more money around your unique ideas. Divergent U students are expected to reach consistent revenue in their own business by the end of the program. Results vary based on student effort and the implementation of strategies to their unique ideas. What every Divergent U graduate can expect is massive self growth in confidence and clarity, a community of life long peers, an established professional brand, and an opportunity to speak on stage to share their message.  

No. We believe all online learning should be free. Google, YouTube, and Chat GPT can teach you everything you want to know online without you investing a dollar. What Divergent U offers is a learning environment unlike any other where students are active participants in the conversations both with peers and with coaches in one on one settings. This type of learning environment cannot be achieved online. If online learning is your preference we recommend investing in a different organization that aligns with your preferences. We believe real relationships and real change happens in person. What we are building at Divergent U is a lasting community in central Florida. To gain access to our program you have to be here physically. 

Yes. We are also strong believers that college is only necessary for those who are extremely clear on what they want and know a traditional degree is a requirement. If you know you want to be a doctor then Divergent U isn't for you. If you're still unsure then the lower risk decision is taking a year of Divergent U to figure it out rather than investing more into traditional college without any direction of what you want. 

Divergent U has graduated over 50 students since opening in 2019. Over 60% of our graduates went on to start small businesses and 98% recommend the program to friends. Top performer gross over $1M in revenue within 3 years. 

No. Anyone can apply for Divergent U's program. After you submit your application you will be asked to attend a video call interview with someone from our team. On this interview you'll be asked a series of questions to see if Divergent U is the right fit for you. 

Yes. We do accept students that fall outside of our recommended age range though our primary audience falls within this range. If you are a high school or home school student looking to accelerate your life path or if you're older than 30 and looking for a reset to find your next chapter then you are welcomed to apply. After you submit your application you'll be interviewed on a video call with someone from our team to clarify if Divergent U is the right fit for you. 

Divergent U is the brain child of our founder and lead instructor, Sam Tarell. Sam started his first business, Hoop Brothers, when he was 18 years old to help high school basketball players receive scholarships for college. Over 10 years he worked with over 10,000 student athletes helping them make decisions about their future and he eventually hired a Divergent U graduate as the CEO of Hoop Brothers and stepped down to focus on Divergent U. Since opening Divergent U, Sam has helped hundreds of students start and grow purpose driven businesses around their passions and has trained a team of instructors on all the original Divergent U material. He gave a TEDx Talk in 2019 to discuss the opening of Divergent U and has been featured on dozens of podcasts, speaking engagements, and media outlets. 

Yes. We don't recommend it because Divergent U will require a commitment of both time and focus but we have had students balance both. 

Divergent U was opened in 2019 offering a 3 month program which has constantly expanded. We transitioned our program online during the pandemic and then returned to in person classes in 2023.