Can You Go to College Without a GED or High School Diploma?

While you don't usually need a high school or GED diploma to attend non-degree classes or community colleges, you'll need one for four-year schools.
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Updated March 27, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Many people think it's impossible to attend college without a high school diploma or its alternative, the General Education Development (GED) certificate. But this isn't always true. Students without these traditional credentials can still receive a college education.

This article will explore the alternatives and show you how to begin your higher education journey without a GED certificate or high school diploma. It will also explain how to work toward traditional credentials required for college admissions and certain trades and roles.

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Can You Go to College Without a GED?

Yes, it is possible to attend college without a GED or high school diploma. While most colleges require these credentials for admission, there are other options.

Some institutions allow you to demonstrate your academic capabilities through assessment or placement tests. Others may admit you if you plan to work toward your high school diploma or a high school equivalency (HSE) while enrolled. Some colleges accept nontraditional students into individual courses or programs that are not degree-seeking.

While most colleges require these credentials for admission, there are other options.

In some states, students without a high school diploma or GED certificate can earn an associate degree through community college. Other states require a high school or GED diploma. A bachelor's degree from a four-year school also requires these credentials.

Options for Students Without a GED or High School Diploma

Schools that don't require a diploma may use one or more enrollment pathways. These options include becoming a nontraditional student, or one who does not seek a degree. Dual enrollment is another pathway that does not require a GED certificate or diploma. Some schools offer a test-out option to earn college credit.

Each path provides different opportunities and resources to help students continue their education. The specific requirements, academic opportunities and financial aid may vary, however. It's important to research and contact admissions offices to understand your options.

Community and Vocational Colleges

Community colleges and vocational colleges can be viable choices for students without a GED certificate or high school diploma. These schools have flexible admissions policies that often cater to nontraditional students. Some also offer specialized programs, such as remedial and GEDpreparation classes, to help you continue your education.

Admission requirements may be dependent on the trade. For example, an emergency medical technician (EMT) program may require a GED certificate or high school diploma. Others, such as event planning, may not.

Students Not Seeking Degrees

Some students take classes for personal enrichment or professional development. Others take classes to pass the GED test or build academic skills. Federal financial aid programs help nontraditional learners in a GED-preparation course and those earning a certificate. Some schools also offer these students institutional financial aid.

Ability to Benefit

Ability to Benefit (ATB) is a federal student aid program. Students without a high school credential can earn both a college credential and a high school diploma or GED certificate simultaneously.

The Ability to Benefit program can assist students who completed high school in another country. Eligibility includes being 18 years or older and demonstrating "college readiness" college-level coursework or passing a placement test.

Test Out

Some schools allow nontraditional students to test out of classes and earn college credit. For example, the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers an exam that allows students to receive college credit from 2,900 colleges.

Taking a test typically involves paying a fee and meeting with an academic advisor. Learners who pass an exam receive credit. Some colleges offer other ways to earn credit, such as a portfolio. However, the types of tests available may vary by school, since individual departments develop them.

Returning Student

Returning students include military veterans, parents, married students, and learners who left college in the past. Many schools allow returning students to re-enroll, even after several years. Some schools also don't require returning students to reapply. Admissions departments may ask for transcripts from all previous schools attended.

Is the GED Exam Your Only Option If You Drop Out of High School?

People under the age of 18 should check if their public school district offers reenrollment. District policies vary, so prospective students should contact their district office for more information.

Other options include exploring adult high school programs. Many school districts offer them to residents at little or no cost.

People not interested in the GED exam should consider the High School Equivalency Diploma, also known as the HiSET test. The HiSET is a state-issued high school equivalency credential for career advancement, training programs, military eligibility and continuing education.

Why Does Having a GED or High School Diploma Matter?

A GED certificate or high school diploma is crucial for college admissions for several reasons. High school diplomas are standard for admission at all colleges and universities. Most colleges admit students with a GED certificate because it shows you've achieved the same knowledge and education as a high school graduate.

Having a GED certificate or high school diploma opens doors to more job opportunities because it fulfills a basic requirement for many entry-level positions in various fields. It can be a stepping stone for further education and career advancement. A high school or GED diploma is also a prerequisite for joining the military or exploring civil service.

Earning a GED Certificate

To obtain a GED certificate, students take a seven-hour test covering core academic subjects emphasized by high schools in the U.S. The internet features many free resources to prepare for the test.

The GED test covers four subjects: language arts, math, science, and social studies. These sections last 70-150 minutes and assess test-takers' reasoning, analytical, and comprehension skills.

Test-takers who fail a section may retake it for an extra fee. People who pass a section but want a higher score may also retake it. All GED sections cost the same, though prices may vary by state. Some states require other high school culminating exams, which exempts test takers from certain sections of the GED.

Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 Minutes)

Reasoning through language arts assesses many skills, such as grammar and language basics. Test-takers analyze the meaning of certain texts and identify arguments. Questions use a multiple-choice or drag-and-drop format. The section also includes a timed written essay portion lasting 45 minutes. Test-takers receive a 10-minute break between sections two and three.

Students preparing for the essay section should ask another person to grade their practice test. Graded practice tests provide valuable feedback and highlight areas for improvement.

Mathematical Reasoning (115 Minutes)

The mathematical reasoning section includes two parts broken up by a three-minute break . Topics cover basic math, geometry, basic algebra, graphs, and functions. Questions use different formats, including multiple choice, fill in the blank, and drop down. Many questions and question sets use real-life examples.

The section of the test provides helpful resources, such as an on-screen calculator and a formula sheet. Test-takers may also bring an approved calculator to the testing center.

Science (90 minutes)

The science section is a single part that uses different question types. Earning a passing score does not require memorizing scientific concepts or theories. Instead, test-takers analyze scientific data, charts, and graphs.

Some questions ask test-takers to read for meaning and review numbers and graphics. The section features question sets focused on experiments' results. As with the mathematical reasoning section, test-takers may use an on-screen or physical calculator.

Social Studies (70 minutes)

The one-part social studies section does not include a break and uses multiple question types. Like the language arts and science sections, the questions assess test-takers' abilities to read for meaning and analyze texts. Some questions involve comparing a text and its companion charts.

Those preparing for this section do not need to memorize historical dates and figures. Although the social studies section lets test-takers use the on-screen calculator, no question requires its use.

Understanding the GED Score

Test-takers receive their GED results within a few hours of finishing a section or sections. People should contact the GED Testing Service if they do not receive their results within 24 hours.

As of March 2024, test-takers must earn a minimum 145 score on each section to pass the GED test. A 165-174 indicates college readiness. Some online colleges accepting GED certificates let students with scores in this range skip some first-year classes. Learners with scores in the 175-200 range may qualify for up to 10 undergraduate credits.

How and Where to Take the GED Test

The official GED website helps visitors search for local test centers and preparation programs. The programs run at adult education schools and community colleges. The age requirement for the GED exam varies by state. As of February 2024, most states use a 16 or 18 year age requirement. Many states allow test-takers to take the GED exam online with a virtual proctor.

Test-takers may attempt the GED test in one or multiple sessions. Students scheduling their test session or sessions should give themselves enough time to study. Doing so helps them pass the test on their first attempt and save money.

Programs and Organizations for College Students

NACAC features a nationwide directory of college success and access programs. This resource helps prospective nontraditional students research colleges that don't require a diploma. The advanced search feature allows visitors to filter results by service. Gateway to College helps young people graduate from high school and earn college credit. The program targets high school students with poor grades and people who recently dropped out. NDPC trains high school teachers on the latest high school retention best practices. Resources include in-person and virtual professional development programs, newsletters, and research papers. NDPC offers educators an affordable membership fee. The Job Corps helps young people receive career training. The process involves making a plan for career development, mastering industry skills, and starting a job search. Participants receive personalized mentoring services throughout the program. Learners unsure where to start with the GED test should use Finish Your Diploma. Visitors enter their ZIP code to find a local test-preparation center. Other resources help learners create a success plan. Test Prep Toolkit offers resources covering many standardized tests, including the GED exam. Visitors receive a free study guide and practice questions. Test Prep Toolkit also helps users find a local GED-preparation class.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed February 21, 2024.

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AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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