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

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

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 is possible to attend college without a high school diploma or GED. 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.

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. 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 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.

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 (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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Community colleges, vocational schools, and non-degree courses may all accept students without a GED or high school diploma. In the case of community college credits, you can often transfer them to a four-year college later, helping you earn your degree faster.

Some colleges allow you to enroll while you earn your high school diploma, giving you an alternative path to a degree. Finally, many trade or vocational schools don’t require a diploma or GED to enroll, allowing you to start your career quickly.

Yes, you can get financial aid if you don’t have a GED or diploma. The Ability to Benefit program allows you to qualify for federal financial aid by passing a federally approved test. The test has 65 questions covering reading, writing, and arithmetic.

You can also apply for institutional aid at your college. Many schools offer college- or program-specific scholarships for eligible students. Finally, you can apply for some private scholarships and financial aid without a high school diploma or GED.

You can earn college credits without a high school diploma. Programs that allow you to earn college credit without a diploma include CLEP exams, which allow you to demonstrate your expertise in subject areas through standardized tests.

You can also consider colleges that allow dual enrollment so you can earn your high school diploma and college credits at the same time. Some colleges also offer test-out options to earn credits without taking the corresponding course.

No, the GED isn’t the only alternative to a high school diploma. You can take the High School Equivalency Test, or HiSET, to earn a state-issued credential, or you can enroll in an adult high school program. Some state-specific alternatives are also available, such as the Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC), which is offered in 13 states.

You can pursue trades, apprenticeships, and certification-based careers without a high school diploma or a GED. For example, you could become an agricultural equipment operator, baker, cement mason, landscaper, cook, postal service worker, or tailor without a diploma, and working up in those jobs gives you access to management positions.

Additionally, the list of colleges above and local community colleges can give you a path to earning college credits even while working toward a high school diploma or its equivalent, so no career is out of reach.