Can You Go to College With a GED?

A common question for students preparing for the GED is, “Can I go to college with a GED?” The answer is simple. Yes! Passing the GED exam opens doors to many exciting continuing education opportunities.

Whether you are interested in attending a community college, 4-year university, trade school, online program, or even an Ivy League institution, your GED diploma shows admissions officers and enrollment counselors that you are ready to take on college-level academic challenges. It’s helpful for GED graduates to understand the college application process, acceptance, and career readiness. Read on to learn more about how to go to college with a GED.

Can you go to college with a GED?

Yes! 98% of colleges and universities accept a GED certificate in the same way they would a traditional diploma. Local colleges, traditional universities, virtual schools, vocational centers, and even top-tier institutions like Harvard and Yale welcome GED students to pursue admission. Your GED diploma shows you have mastered the basic subject skills required to move on to more challenging material in a field of your choice. Admissions advisors and enrollment counselors may have additional questions about your skills and strengths. But this is true of any college applicant regardless of diploma type. Not only is a GED good enough to apply to your school of choice, but non-traditional students are also eligible to receive special services and orientation opportunities.

With a GED in hand, students can study any field of interest. Once admitted, all students have the same rights and privileges to seek a degree in a career field of their choice. While some students may be looking into jobs that require a 2-year associate's degree, others may be interested in a career that requires a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate. Still, others may be looking to earn a vocational certification or specialty license.

For instance, if you want to become a dental hygienist, occupational therapist, or radiology technician, an associate's degree will prepare you to enter the workforce. If you wish to pursue a career in teaching, finance, or communications, many opportunities require a 4-year degree. If you hope to become a doctor or a lawyer, you will most likely need to obtain a master’s degree and a doctorate. Those seeking trade school opportunities are eligible to pursue a variety of certifications and specialty courses to prepare for very profitable careers in the electrical, plumbing, welding, and automotive industries. The sky’s the limit; it all starts with earning your GED.

What are the college requirements for GED graduates?

Each college and university has a unique set of admissions and enrollment requirements. In addition to reporting your final GED test score, most institutions will request a copy of your GED transcript. This document is a detailed score report indicating your academic strengths and needs. These details are used to make admission and enrollment decisions.

A minimum passing score of 145 on the GED (or 8 on the HiSET) is high enough for application and acceptance to a wide variety of schools. As your score increases, so do your opportunities and benefits. GED scores of 165 or higher (or HiSET scores of 15 or more) are considered college-ready. This classification improves your chances of admission and may even reduce the number of required classes you must take. Students earning a GED score of 175 or higher are considered college-ready plus and can earn up to 10 hours of college credit in GED subject areas. Reducing the number of classes taken and credits required is important because it can save valuable time and money!

Many colleges and universities require applicants to take additional entrance exams or placement tests. These exams are commonly used for course selection in math, language arts, and writing. Advisors want students to feel confident and prepared to succeed. If your placement scores indicate the need to strengthen a particular subject, you may be asked to take additional classes to fill any learning gaps. Knowing what to expect on these entrance exams and taking time to prep will help you avoid extra classes. Remediation courses rarely apply to graduation requirements. If you are required to take these classes, earning your degree will cost more and take longer. Check out our webinar, Life After the GED: College, to learn more about application and college admission requirements.

OK, GED is good enough for college. But is getting into college with a GED harder than a traditional high school diploma?

More than ever, colleges and universities are looking beyond test scores to fully evaluate students seeking admission. The GED diploma is well-recognized and respected with over 200 million GED graduates worldwide. While all institutions have different standards and guidelines, most wise admissions and enrollment professionals look beyond the GED stigma and focus on the student as a whole.

Volunteer activities, work experience, and strong letters of recommendation will go a long way in showing the personal and professional skills that will help you succeed in college. Some students take additional exams like the ACT or SAT to strengthen their application, but the need for these tests varies and will differ from school to school.

Colleges and universities welcome applications from students who have mastered basic high school coursework. Passing the GED is proof of that accomplishment! The traditional education system is changing. How we view continuing education is evolving and becoming more inclusive. Earning your GED diploma unlocks countless opportunities to learn and grow. Exam prep today is the gateway to academic and career success tomorrow!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you get your GED and go to college at the same time?

Most colleges require students to earn a GED diploma before seeking admission. However, a growing number of community colleges offer programs combining career readiness with basic skills training and high school equivalency exam preparation. These are valuable offerings because they allow students to strengthen multiple skills simultaneously. Check your local area for career and technology education programs.

• Can you go to college without a GED?

All institutions of higher learning require proof of high school mastery for admission. Students must show that they are capable of thriving in a college classroom. Traditionally, this is a high school diploma or equivalency credential (GED). Without verification of one of these achievements, a college education is out of reach.

• Can you get into a medical school with a GED?

Of course! GED graduates admitted to accredited colleges and universities, who continue to excel in their coursework, have just as many opportunities for advancement as students with traditional diplomas. Completing a four-year pre-med program sets the stage for advancement and higher education in medicine.

• What is the highest-paying job with a GED?

Statistically, those with proof of a high school education earn $10-$15,000 more yearly than those without. High school completion in any form provides a level playing field for individuals to pursue their passions and work toward personal success and financial stability. Some opportunities require advanced education, while others welcome high school equivalency graduates directly into the workforce. Earning your GED is the starting line. How and to what level you run your race is up to you. The career possibilities upon earning your GED are endless!