How to get academic letters of recommendation?

[perrik]

Makes it a bit tough, doesn't it?

If you're applying to a master's-level program, LORs from employers and other professional references are usually accepted in lieu of academic LORs. It's hardly rare for someone to return for grad school a decade or more after earning the undergrad degree.

If you absolutely must have academic LORs, take some grad-level courses as a non-enrolled student or pursue a graduate certificate that doesn't require references for enrollment. Lo and behold, fresh references!