Can You Go to College With a GED in 2024?
July 31, 2024
Many prospective students wonder, do colleges accept the GED? What kind of college can I go to college with a GED? And if you鈥檙e here, you might be one of them. Good news! There are numerous GED colleges that welcome and support students with all kinds of educational backgrounds. Understanding the options and knowing which colleges you can get into with a GED will open doors to your educational and career goals. So let鈥檚 get those doors open and explore what鈥檚 on the other side of them.
First, what is a GED?
A , or General Educational Development, is a certification that serves as an alternative to a high school diploma. It鈥檚 designed for individuals who didn鈥檛 complete a traditional high school education, but want to demonstrate that they have the equivalent level of knowledge and skills. The GED test covers four main subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.
Can you go to college with a GED?
Yes, you can! Passing the GED test can help you gain further education, employment opportunities, and personal growth. Many colleges and universities accept GED holders just as they would high school graduates. The process typically involves:
Application
You’ll need to complete the college application, which often includes submitting your GED scores, transcripts, and other personal information. If you鈥檙e applying to a competitive institution, make sure you鈥檙e a well-rounded applicant. You can do this by also spending time gaining volunteer or paid work experience, pursuing interests and passions, as well as developing relationships that can lead to great recommendation letters.
Testing and placement
Some colleges might require additional placement tests to assess your readiness for college-level coursework. For example, you鈥檒l need to take the and/or .
Financial Aid
As a GED holder, you can apply for financial aid, scholarships, and grants to help cover tuition and other expenses. This means applying to before the deadline.
Program Requirements
Each college has its own admission criteria, so it鈥檚 important to check specific requirements for the programs you鈥檙e interested in.
Overall, earning a GED doesn鈥檛 limit your ability to attend college and many institutions support students with non-traditional educational backgrounds.
Colleges you can get into with a GED
You wanted to know, can you go to college with a GED? And now that you have the answer, you鈥檙e probably wondering, but which colleges could I go to?
Well, if you鈥檙e worried about a GED limiting your options, don鈥檛 be. Most colleges are GED colleges. In fact, in the US accept GED applicants. You鈥檒l have so many options, you won鈥檛 even notice that measly 2%. And beyond the US, you can also apply to thousands of colleges with a GED.
What else can you do with a GED?
There are so many colleges you can get into with a GED. But for individuals with a GED who don’t want to pursue a four-year university degree, or who are simply weighing their options, there are numerous other educational and career pathways available. Let鈥檚 take a look:
Community college
Four-year GED colleges are not your only option for earning a degree. Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees and certificates in a variety of fields. Additionally, these programs can lead directly to employment or serve as a stepping stone to a four-year degree if desired later. Some examples of these programs include nursing, IT, business administration, and criminal justice.
Vocational and technical schools
Vocational and technical schools provide training in specific trades and skills, often leading to certification or licensure. Some examples of these pathways include automotive technology, welding, plumbing, electrician, culinary arts, and HVAC.
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Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn a wage while learning a trade. Some examples of apprenticeships include carpentry, electrical, plumbing, machining, and technology.
Certificate programs
Certificate programs are short-term educational programs that provide specialized skills and knowledge in a specific area. Some examples of certificate programs include medical billing and coding, paralegal studies, and IT certifications (e.g., CompTIA, Cisco).
Military Service
Joining the military can provide education benefits, job training, and a structured career path. The can also fund further education after service. Examples of military branches include the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.
Online Education and MOOCs
Massive Open Online Courses () and online certificate programs offer flexible, often low-cost learning opportunities in a wide range of subjects. Some examples of platforms include Coursera, edX, Udacity, and Khan Academy.
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Entrepreneurship and small business ownership
Starting a business or becoming an entrepreneur allows individuals to apply their skills and ideas independently. Various resources and programs can help develop business acumen. These resources include Small Business Administration (SBA), local business incubators, and online business courses.
Trade schools
Trade schools focus on practical skills for specific careers and can often be completed in less than two years. Some examples of pathways include Cosmetology, Massage Therapy, Graphic Design, and Truck Driving.
Job Corps
is a free education and training program that helps young people learn a trade, earn a high school diploma or GED, and gain employment. Some examples of programs include healthcare, construction, information technology, and hospitality.
Volunteer and service programs
Programs like and offer the chance to gain valuable experience, skills, and education benefits while serving communities. These benefits include living stipends, education awards, and professional development.
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Internships and entry-level jobs
Gaining work experience through internships or entry-level positions can provide practical skills and boost resumes. As a result, they can lead to opportunities for career advancement. Common entry-level job fields include retail, hospitality, office administration, and customer service.
Adult education and workforce development programs
Many communities offer adult education and workforce development programs that provide training and support for job seekers. These programs may include GED preparation, job readiness training, computer skills, and language classes.
So go ahead and peruse the four-year colleges you can get into with a GED, and if none of those GED colleges stand out to you, maybe the next step is to explore one of these alternative pathways.
Is getting your GED easy?
Earning a GED can be a manageable task for many, but whether it is “easy” really depends on your background, preparation, and personal circumstances. So here are some points to consider:
Educational background
Those who have retained much of their high school knowledge or have continued to learn since leaving school may find the test easier than those who have been out of school for a long time.
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Study and preparation
Preparation is key! Those who take the test without much studying or preparation may struggle more. So to avoid being surprised by tricky questions, be sure to .
Comfort with test structure
The GED test is divided into : Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. Comfort with each of these subjects can affect how easy or difficult the test feels.
Access to resources
Access to quality study materials and educational support can significantly impact how easy the process is. Those with limited resources may find it harder to prepare effectively. Luckily, there are plenty of free resources that I鈥檒l talk more about below.
Personal circumstances
Balancing study time with work, family, and other responsibilities can make the process more difficult. and the ability to stay motivated also play a role.
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Testing environment
The availability and convenience of testing centers, as well as the option to take the test online in some areas, can affect how accessible and straightforward the process is.
Mindset and motivation
A positive mindset and strong motivation can help overcome difficulties. People who are determined and have clear goals for why they want to earn their GED are often more successful.
While the GED is designed to be accessible to a wide range of individuals, it does require commitment and preparation. For some, it may be relatively straightforward, while others might find it more challenging. But many people find that with the right support and resources, they can successfully earn their GED and move forward with their educational and career goals.
Resources for GED prep
So we鈥檝e talked about GED colleges and alternative pathways. But let鈥檚 forget about which colleges you can get into with a GED and what you want to do next for a moment.
Because now it鈥檚 time to focus on how to earn your GED. And thankfully, there are numerous resources available to help you prepare. Here are some of the most effective and widely-used options:
Official GED website
First, the official offers a range of study materials, including practice tests, sample questions, and study guides.
Local adult education centers
Many communities have adult education centers that offer GED preparation classes. These classes often provide personalized instruction and support.
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Public libraries
Libraries often have GED study guides and practice tests available for free. Some libraries also offer free or low-cost GED preparation classes.
Practice tests
Taking practice tests can help you get familiar with the format and timing of the GED exam. Websites like and the official offer free practice tests.
Prep books
There are many comprehensive GED prep books available for purchase, such as . These books often include review materials, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.
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YouTube channels
Various educational channels offer free instructional videos on GED subjects.
Your local community college
Many community colleges offer GED preparation courses, sometimes for free or at a low cost. These courses can provide structured learning and access to instructors.
Mobile Apps
GED study apps can be very useful for studying on the go, offering practice questions, flashcards, and study tips. So if you鈥檙e struggling to fit GED preparation into your schedule, these might be great tools.
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Tutoring services
Personalized tutoring, either in-person or online, can provide targeted help in specific areas where you may need extra support.
Study groups听
Lastly, joining or forming a study group with others preparing for the GED can provide mutual support and motivation. Additionally, you can share resources and tips within your group.
Using a combination of these resources can provide a comprehensive and effective preparation strategy for the GED test. Try as many as you can to find which strategies work best for you.
Final thoughts – Can I Go to College With a GED?
So, can you go to college with a GED? The answer is a resounding yes. Numerous GED colleges are eager to welcome students who have earned their General Educational Development certificate, offering a wide range of programs and opportunities. From community colleges to prestigious universities, the list of colleges you can get into with a GED is extensive. But that鈥檚 not all! In addition to college, a GED will open numerous other doors for you, leading toward infinite possibilities. With determination and the right resources, this is the first step toward a sparkling future.
Additional Resources
- What is the Accuplacer Test?
- Community Colleges With Dorms
- 20 Best X-Ray Tech Schools
- Is Community College Free?
- What is a Trade School?
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