There are students who want to go to college but do not have a high school diploma or GED. They may feel like their options are limited. However, there may be unique and innovative options available to them. There are many community colleges that accept students without a high school diploma or GED. There also some universities that accept these students. This is the information that you need to know about colleges that don’t require high school diploma or GED.Additionally, you may also be interested in trade schools that don’t require a high school diploma or GED.
Find an Online Degree Program
Can You Go to College Online Without a GED or High School Diploma?
The average college or university requires students to have a high school diploma or GED. However, there may be alternative options available. Students without a GED or high school diploma may be able to enroll in online classes. They also may be able to enroll at traditional colleges. Some community colleges and online schools have options for students without a GED or high school diploma. Students who want to attend college but do not have a GED or high school diploma should evaluate the options available to them.
If I Don’t Have a GED or High School Diploma, What Are College Admission Requirements?
The admission requirements will vary based on the school. These may include:
- Meeting a minimum age requirement. Students typically have to be at least 18 years old. Some may be able to enroll at 16 years old if they also work toward earning their GED.
- Ability to enroll in remedial courses. These classes help students catch up on missed information.
- Providing proof of academic accomplishments. Students may submit reading lists or alternative education program results.
- Submitting a personal statement. This essay allows students to provide more information about their background and experience.
- Submitting standardized test scores. Adult students without a GED or high school diploma can take the SAT or ACT tests.
What Are My Options If I Don’t Have a GED or High School Diploma?
There may be options for you if you do not have a GED or high school diploma. These may be some of the most common options:
- Applying as a non-traditional student. This option may be available at colleges that accept students without a GED or high school diploma. A non-traditional student is considered any adult who has not been enrolled in high school for more than 6 years. If you apply as a non-traditional student, you may have to submit other materials. This may include recommendation letters, test scores and a personal statement.
- Enroll in a community college. Some community colleges across the country accept students without a high school diploma or GED. After completing courses at community college, you may be able to transfer. You could use your academic records to transfer to a four-year college or university. You also may be able to complete your degree program at the community college. Many community colleges offer online classes.
- Enroll as a lifelong student. A lifelong student is defined as a person who takes an individual class during a semester. You could complete coursework that is relevant to your career goals. This might help you build skills, and help you gain knowledge.
- Consider finishing high school while taking college classes online. There are some colleges that allow students to earn their diploma while beginning their college career. It is important to verify that this option is available. If you are interested, you should check with the college you are considering.
Am I Eligible for Financial Aid If I Don’t Have a GED or High School Diploma?
Many federal student loans are only available to students with a high school diploma or GED. However, the Ability to Benefit program was changed in 2015. Now, some students without a GED or high school diploma may be able to receive financial aid. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.
The eligibility requirements typically include:
- Being enrolled in a program that receives Title IV funding. These are typically career pathways programs.
- Passing the Ability to Benefit exam.
- Completing six credits that could be applied toward a degree program.
Students without a diploma or GED may also have additional options for financial aid. If you do not have a GED or high school diploma, you may want to reach out to local non-profit organizations and private companies. Some of them may offer scholarships to qualifying applicants.
What is Ability to Benefit?
According to theU.S. Department of Education, Ability to Benefit is an educational law. This law was amended in 2015. Now, it allows for qualifying students without a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for Title IV funding. The law was amended in order to help more students enroll in college. The hope is that students without a diploma or GED will feel that college is within their reach. Those who amended the law believe that it will help thousands of students nationwide.
Colleges That Don’t Require a GED or High School Diploma
There are colleges and universities across the country that do not require a GED or high school diploma. Herearea list of some colleges that do not require a GED or high school diploma:
1University of California
Visit UOC
The University of California is a four-year university that may accept students without a high school diploma or GED. This school has several campuses in the state. Students without a GED or high school diploma must pass the California High School Proficiency Examination. In addition, students must meet all other admission requirements.
2 Southern Technical College
Visit School
Southern Technical College offers a career pathways program. This school is located in Florida. Students without a high school diploma or GED may be eligible for it. Students must pass the Ability to Benefit exam, enroll in a GED preparation course and enroll in career training classes.
Tuition & Fees
Undergrad: $18,000
Financial Aid
Grants & Awards
85% Get, Avg. Amt. $4,500
Grad Rate
61%
3 Columbia-Green Community College
Visit School
Columbia-Greene Community College is based out of Hudson, New York. It may accept students without a high school diploma or GED. There are several admission requirements. Students must be at least 17 years old. They also must take a placement exam. They may have to work with a counselor to learn more about additional requirements.
4 Community College of Baltimore County
Visit CCBC
The Community College of Baltimore County may accept students without a high school diploma or GED. It is located in Baltimore, Maryland. Students must pass an entrance exam or commit to completing their GED while enrolled.
5 St. Charles Community College
Visit School
St. Charles Community College is a school in Missouri that may accept students without a high school diploma or GED. Students could be admitted if they are eligible for Ability to Benefit. They have to complete an application. They also have to take an academic skills assessment.
6 University of Hawaii Community Colleges
Visit School
The University of Hawaii Community Colleges does not require students to have a high school diploma or GED. Students who wish to enroll have to be at least 18 years old.
7 Wayne County Community College District
Visit WCCCD
Wayne County Community College is a community college located in Detroit, Michigan. This community college has an adult education program. Students who do not have a high school diploma or GED are eligible to apply. Students must be at least 18 years old to qualify for the program.
8 Union County College
Visit UCC
Union County College is a community college based out of Cranford, New Jersey. This community college may accept students who do not have a high school diploma or GED. However, students who pass an Ability to Benefit test may not be eligible for financial aid at this school. Students without a GED or high school diploma must be 18 years old to enroll in classes at this community college.
9 Central Community College
Visit School
Central Community College is a Nebraska community college that may accept students who do not have a high school diploma or GED. Students who do not have a diploma or GED are eligible to apply as long as they are 18 years old. Students who are 16 years old may apply and work toward their GED at the same time. However, students without a diploma or GED may not be eligible for financial aid.
10 Lawson State Community College
Visit School
Lawson State Community College is located in Alabama. This community college allow students without a high school diploma or GED to apply. Students without a high school diploma or GED must take the Ability to Benefit assessment. Once the student passes the assessment, they work with a school counselor to continue the application process.
11 Community College of Denver
Visit CCD
Community of College of Denver may accept students without a high school diploma or GED. This community college is located in Denver, Colorado. Students without a high school diploma or GED could apply if they qualify for Ability to Benefit. Students who pass the assessment also may be eligible for financial aid.
12 Westchester Community College
Visit School
Westchester Community College is an extension of the State University of New York. This community college is located in Valhalla, New York. Students who do not have a high school diploma or GED may apply to this school. The admission requirements include passing the Ability to Benefit assessment.
These are just a few of the colleges that don’t require high school diploma or GED. There may be other community colleges and universities across the country that accept these students. Students without a high school diploma or GED do have options available to them.If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, you could begin exploring your options. You may be eligible for Ability to Benefit. You also may meet other admission requirements. There is a chance that you could attend a college program. You could pursue your career of choice.
The next step that you should take is to find the perfect community college or university for you. You may have the choice of traditional school or online programming. You should consider your current lifestyle and responsibilities. An online program may be the most flexible option. However, the traditional classroom experience may be available to you. There arecolleges that don’t require high school diploma or GED. Take the next step toward getting an education. This could be the perfect step toward pursuing your career. To learn more about these colleges and universities, contact us today.
FAQs
Colleges That Don't Require a High School Diploma or GED - EducationConnection? ›
The College of Central Florida offers special admission to students without a high school diploma or the equivalent. Students must pass the Test of Adult Basic Education along with other program requirements to graduate. There are remediation options available for students who receive unsatisfactory scores on the test.
What college courses can you take without a high school diploma? ›- Skilled trades. While many skilled trades require apprenticeships and hands-on training, you rarely need a high school diploma. ...
- Beauty and cosmetology. ...
- Massage therapy. ...
- Certified nursing assistant (CNA) ...
- Community college.
The College of Central Florida offers special admission to students without a high school diploma or the equivalent. Students must pass the Test of Adult Basic Education along with other program requirements to graduate. There are remediation options available for students who receive unsatisfactory scores on the test.
Do you need a diploma to join the army? ›To join the United States Armed Forces, you must meet these minimum requirements: Be at least 17 years old. Be a citizen OR a legal resident of the United States. Hold a high school diploma or GED.
Do colleges accept Penn Foster high school diploma? ›Recognition of a Penn Foster High School diploma is solely at the discretion of the receiving institution. However, Penn Foster High School is both a nationally and regionally accredited institution. Many Penn Foster graduates continue their studies toward a post-secondary career diploma and/or degree.
Can I apply to Harvard without high school diploma? ›The answer to the question of whether Harvard accepts GED graduates is simply YES. Harvard accepts GED graduates. The fact of the matter is that Harvard does not require any high school or GED diploma for admittance.
Can you skip college and go to law school? ›Many people are surprised that a Bachelor's Degree is NOT required by the State of California to apply for admission to law school.
Does Harvard accept GED? ›Most U.S. colleges, including Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale, accept an applicant's GED certificate, just as they do a high school diploma. GED diploma-holders can apply as first-year applicants or transfer students if they've already earned some college credits.
Is it hard to pass the GED test? ›Depending on which test you're taking, you only need to answer 40-50% of the questions correctly to get a passing score. Passing the test can be fast and easy, with a little preparation. If you don't study for the test, it might be too hard. Very few people can pass the test without preparing for it first.
Can you just take the GED test in Florida? ›You don't have to be a resident of Florida to earn your GED here. You simply need to prepare for the test. If you want to take the test at one of Florida's in-person testing centers, you do not need to take a GED prep course or the GED Ready practice test, though we strongly recommend both.
What military branch does not require a high school diploma? ›
Education Requirements
Currently, all branches of the military require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some do accept a G.E.D. but it comes with added requirements such as 15 units of college credits or a higher score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.
The service on June 23 began allowing people to enlist in the regular Army without a high school diploma or GED, as long as they scored 50 or higher on the military's entrance test, called the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, and met all the other standard enlistment criteria, said a spokesman for ...
Can I join the Army with no GED? ›The Army expects recruits to have a high school diploma or its equivalent. Also, the equivalent is the GED or 15 credit hours of college courses. To join the Army, you also need a minimum score of 31 on the AFQT portion of the ASVAB test. Like the Air Force, the Army requires an AFQT score of 50 to join with a GED.
Does Harvard accept online high school diplomas? ›The short answer to this question is — yes, colleges and universities accept online high school diplomas. By all means, that diploma has to be issued by the accredited online school. EduWW is a certified provider of online education on an international level.
How fast can you get your high school diploma with Penn Foster? ›Once you have passed all your courses, you will receive your diploma from Penn Foster High School. You can graduate in as little as three years. Or, if you qualify for credit from previous schooling, you can finish in as little as nine months for each year of high school you need.
Is Penn Foster like a GED? ›Penn Foster does not offer a GED. We offer a regionally and nationally accredited high school diploma.
Does Yale require high school diploma? ›No. There are no specific high school courses required for admission.
What is the lowest high school GPA to get into Harvard? ›You should also have a 4.18 GPA or higher. If your GPA is lower than this, you need to compensate with a higher SAT/ACT score. For a school as selective as Harvard, you'll also need to impress them with the rest of your application. We'll cover those details next.
Does Ivy Tech require high school diploma? ›High school transcripts are not required for admission to the College, but may be required for selective admission programs such as Nursing, international students seek- ing admission, and for certain financial aid programs.
Which state has the hardest bar exam? ›Yes, the California bar exam is widely considered to be the most difficult of all state bar exams in the US. The California bar exam has a pass rate of 34%.
What states can you skip law school? ›
Before you can practice law, you will need to choose a state that will allow you to take the bar exam without completing law school. Currently, Washington, Vermont, California and Virginia are the only four states that allow this process.
Is it OK to quit law school? ›There is no shame in dropping out of law school, and as long as you've made an effort to speak with professors, advisors, career services, and the admissions office in order to fully evaluate your decision, you are able to make a fully informed decision about it.
Is the GED or SAT harder? ›Some people think that the GED is a bit easier than the SAT or ACT, but taking the GED and attaining scores in the college-ready range is very challenging, especially for students that typically made low grades during their high school years and quit school prematurely.
What's the highest GED score possible? ›GED® Test score requirements are: Required minimum standard score of 145 on each test (Max possible: 200) Required total score of 580.
What is a good GPA for GED? ›Usually, a GPA of 3.0 – 3.5 is considered a good score at many high schools, universities, and colleges. Most top academic institutions require students to hold GPAs of 3.5 or higher. When Maria entered her GED test results into the calculator, she was happy to see that her GED results translated into a 3.2 GPA score.
How many times can you fail GED? ›For those testing in-person at a Test Center: If you did not pass one of your GED® test subjects, you are given two subsequent retests, with no restrictions between retakes. If you fail the third or any subsequent retest, you must wait 60 days for your next attempt. Additional state requirements may apply.
What is the lowest passing score for GED? ›GED® Passing Score
The GED® test has a passing score of 145 for each test subject. To earn your high school equivalency, you'll need to score 145 or higher on all four subjects.
The math section will challenge your skills in basic math, geometry, algebra, and graphs and functions. Once you study each of these areas long enough, you'll be confident that you can pass.
How much does a Florida GED cost? ›Online GED Classes – Fast and Easy
Registration for the exam must be done on the official website of GED Testing Service, GED.com. The cost of the GED® test in Florida is $128 for the complete battery of four tests ($32 for each individual test) when taken at an official testing site.
Costs of Dropping Out
Floridians who drop out of school won't be able to get a driver's license before they turn 18, unless they have a high school equivalency diploma, are attending a GED prep course or other approved educational activities, or have received a hardship waiver or exemption certificate (Fla. Stat.
Can you take the Florida GED test at home? ›
In Florida, GED test-takers can take the exam online. First, however, they must attain passing (“green”) scores on the GED Ready official practice test to qualify.
Can dropouts join the military? ›Joining the US Army is possible even if you don't have a high school or college diploma. However, you will be required to meet certain qualifications (medical and otherwise) to be considered eligible.
Can I join the Navy without a highschool diploma? ›What Are the Education Requirements? Enlisted Sailors need to have a high school degree or equivalent to join, while Officers need a college degree by the time they are commissioned. To enlist, you'll also need to meet a minimum score on the Navy placement exam, the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB).
Can you join the Navy without a GED? ›You must have a high school or general equivalency diploma (GED) to enlist in the military. There are fewer spots for GED holders to enter the military. If you have a GED, you will have a better chance of joining if you have: Earned college credits.
Can you join the Marines without a high school diploma or GED? ›To enlist as a Marine, you must obtain your high school diploma and be a legal U.S. resident between 17 and 28. To commission as a Marine Officer, you must be a United States citizen between 20 and 28 and have obtained both a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree.
Can you join the military with ADHD? ›Individuals with ADHD need a medical waiver to be able to enlist if they meet these points, with the branches — Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, and Air Force — typically requiring that applicants be off medication for several months and prove that they can function without it to be considered for a waiver.
Can I join the Army if I fail high school? ›U.S. Army. In addition to being a United States citizen or permanent resident alien, you must have a high school diploma or GED to join the Army as an enlisted member. You must also meet height, weight and overall physical health standards. The minimum score you can get on the ASVAB test is a 31.
Can you join the military with a felony? ›criminal record. 10 U.S.C. 504 prohibits any person who has been convicted of a felony from being enlisted in any of the Military Services; however, 10 U.S.C. 504 authorizes a waiver in meritorious cases. Except as limited by paragraph (b)(8)(iii) of this section, persons.
How much does Army pay a year? ›The average U.S. Army salary ranges from approximately $30,646 per year for Corporal to $92,168 per year for Commander. The average U.S. Army monthly salary ranges from approximately $1,760 per month for Radio and Communications Security Repairer to $5,943 per month for First Sergeant.
Can you finish high school in the military? ›The Army's High School Completion Program (HSCP) is an off-duty program that provides soldiers and adult family members the opportunity to earn a high school diploma or equivalency certificate.
Will a 36 ACT get you into Harvard? ›
Admissions Summary
Students that get into Harvard College have an ACT score of 34–36. Regular applications are due January 1.
In our admissions process, we give careful, individual attention to each applicant. We seek to identify students who will be the best educators of one another and their professors—individuals who will inspire those around them during their College years and beyond.
Will I get a certificate from Harvard online course? ›What do I receive upon completion of the course? Upon successful completion of this program, participants will receive a hard copy of a Certificate of Completion from Harvard Online, as well as a Certified Electronic Credential.
Is a Penn Foster High School diploma worth anything? ›Is Penn Foster High School worth it? Yes! Earning your high school diploma is always worth it. Besides having the opportunity to qualify for more jobs as a high school graduate, you'll also be able to further your education if that's your goal.
What happens if you fail Penn Foster High School? ›For each lesson that has a multiple choice exam, you have the option to retake that test if you get less than a perfect score! So whether you think you can do better or you need to get a passing grade, you'll have the option to go back to your notes and study guides and try again.
Can you finish Penn Foster High School in 2 months? ›On average, learners can complete their program in as few as 15 months. Faster learners, or those with more time to dedicate to their coursework, can finish in as little as 6 months. If you don't have lots of time to dedicate to your program, that's ok too!
Do all colleges accept Penn Foster high school diploma? ›It is up to the individual college as to whether they will accept your diploma, but Penn Foster graduates have gone on to study at many universities nationwide. No form of accreditation guarantees that any learning institution will accept credits from any school as transfer credits.
How long does it take to get GED through Penn Foster? ›Get Your GED Diploma in 2 Months. A Customized Plan To Help You Get Your Diploma Fast & Easy.
Is it hard to get into Penn Foster? ›We have minimal admissions requirements, so there's no waiting and no anxiety. Enrolling in a Penn Foster program is fast and easy.
How can I be successful without a highschool diploma? ›If you don't have a high school diploma, look for apprenticeships or internships that offer you on the job training. Other jobs to look into include customer service work, delivery jobs, and construction jobs.
Can you go to college with a certificate of completion in Florida? ›
Florida Certificate of Completion (W8A):
These students must sit for a placement test in order to be placed into college credit or remedial courses as appropriate. These students may or may not be eligible for all scholarships or financial aid programs.
the psychology of native speakers of a language. What is the minimum requirement to enroll in an open college? There is no requirement. What is another way to express class rank?
What is the 24 credit GED program in NYC? ›The 24-Credit Hour High School Equivalency (HSE) Program is sponsored by the New York State Department of Education and is designed to assist non-high school grads earn their HSE while, at the same time, earning college credits.
How many college dropouts are successful? ›This research emphasizes that the successful dropout entrepreneur is not a pervasive phenomenon. So, what percentage of college dropouts are successful? Based on these numbers, the college dropout success rate is only at around 6%.
Who was the billionaire with no high school diploma? ›John D. Rockefeller Sr., the billionaire founder of Standard Oil. Dropped out of high school just two months before graduating, though later took some courses at a local business school.
Can you dropout of high school and be successful? ›Do Successful High School Dropouts Really Exist? Yes. In fact, some of the most successful people in the world never graduated from high school. And for every famous dropout, many other dropouts exist who quietly lead prosperous and fulfilling lives.
Do you need a highschool diploma to go to Florida career college? ›Applicants must also be high school graduates or have earned the equivalent of a high school diploma. Applicants who are 18 years of age or older and who do not have a high school diploma or the equivalent may still apply to Florida Career College as an Ability to Benefit.
What's better a diploma or certificate? ›A certificate may be desirable if you're trying to earn a promotion or change careers. A degree may be a requirement for some positions, including accounting or nursing. Depending on the career, employers may have specific degree requirements. A diploma prepares students for hands-on careers.
What is the special diploma option 1 in Florida? ›For special diploma option 1, students must earn the required number of course credits specified by the local school board. The course credits may be earned by taking ESE courses and/or basic education or career education classes. Students must also master the Sunshine State Standards for Special Diploma.
How do I enroll in college in my 30s? ›- Choose a Major. Whether you're looking to change careers or start a whole new chapter of your professional life, the first step is choosing a major that fits your goals.
- Decide Online or on Campus. ...
- Research Schools. ...
- Apply. ...
- Financial Aid. ...
- Set a Schedule.
What is open entry in college? ›
Open admissions (sometimes referred to as open enrollment) is a nonselective admissions policy in which all students who have a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development) Certificate are accepted.
What is the difference between a selective college and an open college? ›In general, selective universities admit students based on criteria related to past academic performance and test scores. Selective universities differ from open-admission institutions, which admit nearly anyone who applies.
What is the fastest I can get my GED? ›On average, it takes 3 months, but it could be faster depending on how prepared you are for the exam. Check out the step-by-step process you will need to follow in order to successfully get your GED.
What is the GED now called in NY? ›NYSED has chosen the GED test as New York's high school equivalency test starting in January 2022. The key difference between the TASC and GED are the number of subject tests included. The TASC test contains 5 subjects: Reading, Writing, Science, Mathematics, and Social Studies.
What is the easiest GED to get? ›Science has the highest pass rate of the four GED subtests, making it the easiest for many students. Since the pass rates for reasoning through Language Arts and Social Studies are similar, it's safe to assume that both sections are in the same difficulty range.