---
title: "GED Pass Rates in 2027: What the Latest Data Shows"
description: How hard is the GED? Explore GED pass rates, scores, subject difficulty, completion rates, and how studying can improve your chances of passing.
image: https://blog.essentialed.com/hubfs/Marketing/Indie%20Student/Blog/GED%20Pass%20Rates%20in%202027/image-01.webp
---

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 November 5, 2026

# GED Pass Rates in 2027: What the Latest Data Shows

![Picture of Dannielle Doyle, CEO](https://blog.essentialed.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketing/General/Headshots_512/Dannielle-headshot.png?width=50&name=Dannielle-headshot.png)    Dannielle Doyle, CEO  ·   8 minute read

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people decide it's time to finish what they started and work toward their GED. And one of the first questions many of them ask is probably one you've wondered about too.

![Young adult studying online for the GED test](https://blog.essentialed.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketing/Indie%20Student/Blog/GED%20Pass%20Rates%20in%202027/image-04.webp?width=600&height=400&name=image-04.webp)

## What GED Statistics Tell Us About Passing the Test?

In 2025 alone, more than 1 million GED subject tests were taken, and 154,839 people earned their GED diplomas. More than 21 million people have earned a GED credential since the program began in 1942. [GED](https://www.ged.com/educators-admins/in-session/ged--a-year-in-review--building-bridges-to-opportunity-.html)

But there's more to those numbers. Which GED subject has the highest pass rate? Which one gives test takers the most trouble? How many people who start testing finish all four subjects? And how much can studying improve your results?

We looked at the latest GED statistics, along with results from our own efficacy research with GED Testing Service, to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.

## Is the GED Hard?

The GED can be challenging, but the pass rates may be more encouraging than you expect.

The GED includes four subject tests: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. You can prepare for and take each subject separately.

National pass rates for the individual subjects range from 75% to 88%, based on the latest available national data. You need a score of at least 145 on each subject to earn your GED. [GED](https://www.ged.com/about-test/scores.html)

Some subjects may take more work than others, and that's where preparation comes in. Thousands of people are passing these tests and earning their GED every year. You can too.

### GED by the Numbers

- **154,839** people earned their GED in 2025
- **1 million+** GED subject tests were taken in 2025
- **145** is the minimum passing score for each subject
- **4** subject tests make up the GED
- **21 million+** people have earned a GED since 1942 [GED](https://www.ged.com/educators-admins/in-session/ged--a-year-in-review--building-bridges-to-opportunity-.html)

## What Is the GED Pass Rate?

If you've searched for the GED pass rate, you may have found several different answers. That's because a GED pass rate can be calculated in different ways.

Some sources report how many people pass an individual subject. Others look at people who completed all four subjects. You may also see the number of GED graduates compared with everyone who took at least one test.

National data gives us a good example.

302,527 people took at least one GED subject test in the United States. Of those test takers, 181,749 completed all four subjects, and 154,839 earned their GED credential during the year.

Among people who completed all four subjects, about 75% earned their GED. If you compare GED graduates with everyone who took at least one subject that year, about 45% earned their credential within the same calendar year.

### From Taking Your First Test to Earning Your GED

| **Stage** | **People** |
| --- | --- |
| Took at least one GED subject | 302,527 |
| Completed all four subjects | 181,749 |
| Earned their GED | 154,839 |

There's an important detail to understand about these numbers. GED testing can carry over from one calendar year to the next.

Someone could pass two subjects late in one year and finish the remaining two the following year. That person would start testing in one year and earn the credential in another. So the 45% figure is not a lifetime GED success rate.

### This is where the right support can make a difference.

### [Enroll in Online GED Classes](https://www.essentialed.com/pricing) and start this week.

The data also shows why finishing all four subjects is so important. If you've already passed one, two, or three, you're not starting over when you begin studying again. Pick up where you left off and keep working toward the subjects you have left.

## Which GED Subject Is the Hardest?

Based on national pass rates, Math gives test takers the most trouble.

In the latest available national data, Mathematical Reasoning had a 75% pass rate. Science had the highest pass rate at 88%.

| **GED Subject** | **Pass Rate** |
| --- | --- |
| Science | 88% |
| Social Studies | 84% |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts | 82% |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 75% |

Of course, national averages can't tell you which subject will be hardest for you.

You may need extra time with algebra but already have strong reading and reasoning skills. Or math may come naturally to you while another subject takes more work.

The best way to know is to see how you do in each subject before deciding where to spend most of your study time.

![Young adult studying online for the GED test](https://blog.essentialed.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketing/Indie%20Student/Blog/GED%20Pass%20Rates%20in%202027/image-03.webp?width=600&height=400&name=image-03.webp)

## Does Studying for the GED Really Make a Difference?

Yes, and we have the results to prove it.

Essential Education partnered with GED Testing Service to study student performance before and after completing Essential Education coursework.

100% of students in the efficacy study showed improved results after studying with Essential Education.

The study also found a meaningful improvement in official GED Test scores. The average score increased by 5.23 points after students completed Essential Education coursework, moving from 140.14 to 145.37.

Since 145 is the passing score for the GED, the average moved from below passing to above passing. GED Ready scores improved too, increasing by an average of 5.4 points after students completed Essential Education coursework.

For students preparing for the GED, the results show the value of focused preparation. Your first score gives you a starting point. Studying the skills you still need can help you improve from there.

## What Score Do You Need to Pass the GED?

Here's one number you'll want to remember. 145.

GED scores range from 100 to 200. You need at least 145 on each of the four subjects to pass. [GED](http://ged.com/about-test/scores.html?utm_source)

You don't need a perfect score, and your four scores aren't averaged together. You need to earn a passing score on each subject. GED Testing Service also has two higher score levels. Scores from 165 to 174 fall into GED College Ready. Depending on the college, those scores may help you qualify for a placement test or developmental education waivers in that subject.

Scores from 175 to 200 fall into GED College Ready + Credit. Depending on the college's policies, qualifying students may receive recommendations for college credit in Math, Science, Social Studies, and English. [GED](http://ged.com/about-test/scores.html?utm_source)

GED Testing Service also provides a useful comparison for understanding those higher scores. GED College Ready scores from 165 to 174 are equivalent to the top 9% to 27% of graduating high school seniors nationally. GED College Ready + Credit scores from 175 to 200 are equivalent to the top 1% to 8%. [GED](https://www.ged.com/educators-admins/program/college-readiness.html)

The Number to Know. 145.

That's the minimum passing score for each GED subject.

![Studying for the GED test with Essential Education's GED Academy online tools](https://blog.essentialed.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Marketing/Indie%20Student/Blog/GED%20Pass%20Rates%20in%202027/image-02.webp?width=600&height=400&name=image-02.webp)

## Which GED Subject Should You Take First?

There's no testing order that's right for everyone.

Science had the highest national pass rate at 88%, so you may see advice suggesting that you take Science first.

A better way to choose is to look at the subject you're most prepared to pass. If your practice results show you're ready for Science, start there. If you're closer to passing Language Arts, Math, or Social Studies, choose that subject instead.

Getting that first test out of the way can make the rest feel more manageable. Once you've passed one, you only have three left.

## What Can Earning a GED Help You Do?

For many people, earning a GED is the step they need to move forward with their goals. It can help you meet the education requirement for a new job, qualify for a promotion, apply to college or career training, or simply accomplish something you've wanted to finish for a long time.

We can also look at earnings data to see how education relates to pay.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers age 25 and older without a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $770 in 2025. Workers whose highest level of education was a high school diploma had median weekly earnings of $966.

### Median Weekly Earnings and Unemployment by Education

| **Education** | **Median Weekly Earnings** | **Unemployment Rate** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Less than high school | $770 | 6.1% |
| High school diploma | $966 | 4.3% |

That's a difference of $196 per week in median earnings. The unemployment rate was also lower for people with a high school diploma, 4.3% compared with 6.1% for people without one. [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2026/data-on-display/education-pays.htm)

A high school credential is also the typical entry-level education for a large part of the U.S. workforce. In 2025, about 60.3 million jobs, or 35.4% of U.S. employment, were in occupations where a high school diploma or equivalent was the typical education needed for entry.

Those occupations had a median annual wage of $48,050 in 2025, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about 61.5 million jobs in this education category by 2035.

Another way to look at earnings is by year. The 2024 American Community Survey reported median annual earnings of $40,684 for adults age 25 and older whose highest level of education was a high school diploma or equivalent. [2024 American Community Survey](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B20004)

Your paycheck will depend on your job, experience, training, and where you live. Earning your GED can help you meet education requirements for jobs, promotions, college programs, and career training.

That could mean applying for a job you've had your eye on, earning a promotion, starting a certificate or trade program, going to college, or taking the first step toward a new career.

## What Comes After the GED?

For some GED graduates, the next step is more education.

GED Testing Service reports that 35% of GED graduates enroll in a college certificate or degree program within one year of earning their credential. Within three years, that number reaches 45%. [GED](https://www.ged.com/content/dam/websites/ged/uploads/press-release-college-enrollment.pdf)

Many GED graduates who start college also continue. GED Testing Service reports a 90% semester-to-semester reenrollment rate among GED graduates who entered college.

Earning your GED can be the first step toward college, career training, a certification program, or a new career. You may already know exactly where you want to go next, or you may still be figuring it out.

Think about what earning your GED could make possible for you. What would you like to be able to do once you have it?

## Will Employers and Colleges Accept a GED?

A GED is widely recognized as a high school equivalency credential. GED Testing Service reports that the GED is accepted by 98% of colleges and employers.

It can also help you meet education requirements for college financial aid. Federal Student Aid recognizes a GED certificate as an equivalent of a high school diploma for applicable eligibility requirements. Individual colleges and employers can have their own requirements, so check the requirements for the school, job, or program you're interested in.

## What GED Statistics Can Tell You

National pass rates, completion rates, and scores can help you know what to expect from the GED. What they can't tell you is how ready you are to take it.

That's something you can find out for yourself.

Your practice results can show you what you already know, which skills need more work, and how you're progressing as you study.

An efficacy study conducted with GED Testing Service tracked approximately 2,100 learners over two years and found that 100% of students included in the improvement analysis improved their results after studying with Essential Education. Wherever you're starting today, you can build your skills from there.

## So, What Does it Take to Pass the GED in 2027?

You'll need to pass four subjects with a score of at least 145 on each. Based on the latest available national subject data, Math has the lowest pass rate at 75%, while Science has the highest at 88%. [GED](https://doe.sd.gov/ged/documents/SDHSE-StatisticalReport-0425.pdf)

More than 1 million GED subject tests were taken in 2025, and 154,839 people earned their GED diplomas. And in Essential Education's efficacy study with GED Testing Service, 100% of students in the study who prepared with Essential Education improved their results when they tested. [GED](https://www.ged.com/educators-admins/in-session/ged--a-year-in-review--building-bridges-to-opportunity-.html)

A high school diploma or equivalent is also the typical entry-level education for more than 60 million U.S. jobs, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data. Now that you know what the GED numbers look like nationally, you can find out how close you are to being ready.

## **How Ready Are You for the GED?**

Take our free GED practice test to see what you already know, where you may need more practice, and which skills to work on next.

[![Take the Free GED Practice Test](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/8125094/interactive-224226189192.png)](https://blog.essentialed.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLkdgPaNcxKQAXlFfw7AJoBMxGlP87ocQc0s4Z0xb5tQTkpJnqsDEs4XO6alRK0bYC%2FgaWFsvqlq1w8u%2FWCUq1YVPIhKlVeH9xZHskanq%2BgVG25CDCglCZS2TEuq33zqJAfOM51v%2F2Gd%2BDXbOlxZ7aGJPlZRqqx67%2FvQaerTeytWXj00tCpUcTwDpXAeGKhbQDEBYlIj%2BY%3D&webInteractiveContentId=224226189192&portalId=8125094)

## Sources

- GED Testing Service, 2025 Year in Review. Source for the 2025 subject test total, number of GED graduates, and cumulative number of GED graduates. [Source](https://www.ged.com/educators-admins/in-session/ged--a-year-in-review--building-bridges-to-opportunity-.html)
- GED Testing Service, Understanding GED Test Scores. Source for the 145 passing score and GED College Ready score levels. [Source](http://ged.com/about-test/scores.html?utm_source)
- GED Testing Service, College Readiness. Source for postsecondary enrollment statistics among GED graduates. [Source](https://www.ged.com/educators-admins/program/college-readiness.html)
- GED Testing Service, College Readiness. Source for the national percentile comparisons for GED College Ready and GED College Ready + Credit scores [Source](https://www.ged.com/educators-admins/program/college-readiness.html)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education Pays, 2024. Source for median weekly earnings by educational attainment. [Source](https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2025/data-on-display/education-pays.htm)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Education Pays, 2025. Source for 2025 median weekly earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment. [Source](https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2026/data-on-display/education-pays.htm)
- 2024 American Community Survey, Table B20004. Source for median earnings in the past 12 months. [Source](https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDT1Y2024.B20004)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment, Wages, and Projected Change by Typical Entry Level Education, 2025 to 2035. Source for employment, wages, and projections for occupations typically requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. [Source](https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-summary.htm)
- Essential Education efficacy study conducted in partnership with GED Testing Service. Source for the finding that 100% of participating students who studied with Essential Education showed improved results when they tested. [Source](https://www.ged.com/content/dam/websites/ged/resources/This-One-is-for-You-GED-101-TfT-May-2024-1.pdf)

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