Can You Go To College Without A High School Diploma Or GED?

Many people think it’s impossible to attend college without a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. But this isn’t always the case. Students without these traditional credentials can still get a college education.

Some colleges allow you to work toward the credentials required for college admissions while earning college credits. Others give you the option to pass courses for credit before you apply for admission. This article walks you through the options to begin higher education without a GED or high school diploma, including trades and alternative admissions pathways.

Yes, it’s possible to attend college without a high school diploma or GED, but your options may be limited since most schools require one or the other for admission.

Colleges that do accept students without these credentials will still ask you to demonstrate academic readiness. This may include taking placement or assessment tests or working toward a high school diploma or high school equivalency, such as the GED, while enrolled.

Some colleges may also allow you to take individual classes without these credentials, but they don’t count toward a degree.

There are several pathways to help students without a high school diploma or GED continue their education. Each option has different requirements, academic opportunities and financial aid availability, so it’s important to research programs and contact admissions offices directly.

Community and vocational colleges often have more flexible admissions policies and may offer remedial courses or GED preparation programs to help students continue their education.

Some colleges even participate in Ability to Benefit (ATB) programs, which allow eligible students to receive financial aid while working toward a high school credential and a college degree at the same time.

Additionally, you may also be able to transfer to a four-year college after completing certain coursework, depending on the school’s transfer agreements.

Some colleges permit non-degree enrollment, which means you can take classes without committing to a full degree.

This is a flexible option for career development, personal enrichment, or GED preparation, and it’s a good fit if you want to build specific skills or explore a subject before deciding on a career path.

The main trade-offs are that you won’t earn a degree, credits may not transfer later, and access to student resources can be more limited. Additionally, financial aid is often limited.

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.

You may be able to qualify for financial aid without a GED or high school diploma. To do this, you typically need to enroll through an Ability to Benefit (ATB) program, which allows eligible students without these credentials to receive federal student aid.

However, note that ATB programs are only available at participating colleges — usually community colleges and technical schools — and only within approved career pathway programs. This means you’ll have a limited number of programs to choose from, and these typically lead to certificates or associate degrees.

To qualify for ATB, you typically must:

No, the GED is not your only option.

You may be able to re-enroll in high school (depending on your age and school district policies) or complete your diploma through an adult education program, which offers flexible classes for students who didn’t finish high school.

If you’re interested in earning a high school equivalency credential, the GED is the most widely available exam. However, some states don’t offer the GED and instead use the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test), so your options depend on where you live.

Having a GED or high school diploma is important for both education and career opportunities.

Most colleges and universities require one of these credentials for admission, since they demonstrate that you have the basic academic knowledge and skills needed for college-level work.

Outside of college, having a diploma or GED helps you qualify for more jobs, as many employers require this for entry-level positions. It is also often a requirement for military service and certain government roles.

If you’re looking to complete your high school education or prepare for college, the following resources can help:

Graduation Alliance partners with state education agencies, community colleges, school districts, and mentorship programs to offer diploma-completion programs. Students can enroll online, in person, or in hybrid formats, with additional support like career guidance and internships also available.

Local adult education centers offer services like GED or HiSET preparation, high school diploma programs, and English language support. Availability varies by location, so check with your state or city for nearby programs.

The official GED Testing Service website provides free online practice tests and study resources to help you prep for the exam.

Job Corps is a federal program that offers free education and career training, including the opportunity to earn a high school diploma or equivalency credential. Some programs may also offer college credit upon completion.

FinishYourDiploma.org is a national directory of adult education programs that helps you find local options to complete a high school diploma or prepare for a GED or HiSET.