Can You Go to College with a GED?
Some people think that colleges will reject them if they have a GED instead of a high school diploma, but is that true? Can you go to college with a GED? Yes, you can! There are many, many colleges you can apply to. In fact, 98% of colleges accept applicants with a GED. Once you get in, you can earn your degree and progress towards a great career. Use the tips below before you start sending out applications.
Does a GED Affect College Acceptance?
You may be wondering if your application will get overlooked if you have a GED rather than a high school diploma.
Nearly all colleges in the US accept the GED as well as many universities around the world. The GED is widely recognized. In fact, there are over 20 million GED graduates and counting. GED graduates that earn the College Ready score levels may even be eligible to bypass placement testing and earn college credit for classes related to the test subjects.
Tips for Applicants
If you have, or are working towards, your GED and want to apply to college one day, these are a few pointers that might give you an extra boost at the admissions office:
- Volunteer in your community and get references from those you volunteered with
- Work hard for an employer, get valuable experience, and show it on your applications
- Take a college entrance exam like the SAT or ACT and do well on it. (College entrance exams are standardized tests that measure how ready you are for college-level work).
- Get really great letters of recommendation (which means you need to work hard helping others and showing that you’re responsible). These letters highlight your positive personal and academic qualities and why you would be successful in college.
Applying to more than one college increases your chances of being accepted. Make sure you fulfill their application requirements and check if they have an alternate form or method to submit your GED scores. With any college you apply to, be sure you to triple-check that you fill out each application correctly. Finally, show off your other accomplishments besides your GED including any of those mentioned above.
What Types of Colleges Accept GEDs?
There are no shortages of colleges that accept applicants with GEDs. Here are the three major types of colleges and some tips on how to apply to them with a GED:
1. Community, Junior, and Technical Colleges
These colleges may accept applicants who don’t have a high school diploma or GED at all! Attending can give you a great start in college, because you can:
- Get experience taking college-level classes
- Take classes to earn your GED (if you haven’t completed your testing)
- Complete your general education requirements
- Learn job skills
- Earn an associate’s degree or a skill certification
- Build a solid GPA (grade point average) that can help you get into a bachelor’s degree program later
2. Online Colleges
Before applying to an online college, do some research and find out if the college is officially accredited, which means that a major outside organization has reviewed and validated their academic practices. A degree from an accredited college is valuable, but degrees from unaccredited colleges usually are not. You can search this national database to find out if a college is accredited: https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/home
3. Four-Year Traditional Colleges
Can you go to a traditional college with a GED? Most colleges and universities accept GEDs, but a small number do not. Here are some things to look for before applying:
- Check colleges’ websites and materials to see if they mention accepting applicants with GEDs
- Check if accepted GEDs must be from the same state as the college
- If so, earn your GED in the same state as the college(s) you want to attend, or apply only to colleges in your home state
If you have a GED.com account you can see more tips on applying to college, interview help, and salary guides.
So can you go to college with a GED? Yes, you can get in and eventually earn the degree or certificate you want. Use the tips above. Decide on the type of college experience that’s right for you, and plan out the colleges you should apply to.
If you keep going after your dream, you can eventually reach it, just like millions of other GED graduates!
i hardly remember anything of highschool this includes basic math. I dont even remember basic multiplication. how can i even have a chance to get my ged if i cant even remember basic math? would i need to take the course again again from the begining?
Hi Ivan! Classes sound like they could be one of your best options! We offer in-person classes and online classes so you can learn about what works best for you and your schedule.
How do I sign up for online classes?
Hi Adrian! You can purchase online classes here: https://ged.com/study/online-classes/.
Hi Ivan,
There are study tools and resources to help students at all levels prepare for the GED test subjects. You can sign up for a free GED.com account where you can learn more about GED test content, local adult education classes and local testing centers. https://ged.com/
I was one among you , always thought I wasn’t good math, but everything changed when I started studying math from khan academy it is free, you can start from basic math And work your level up and I passed my GED math with college ready, you can do it.
I would assume you would. Sorry.
I’m thinking about getting my GED because I’m having to take care of my mom, aunt, and grandmother. I was actually wanting to go to college to get my teaching degree. I’ve been wanting to teach a private school. Would I be able to get my teaching degree with my GED?
Hi Johnathan! Once you earn your GED you can attend college. Over 98% of colleges in the U.S. accept the GED. From there you should be able to get your teaching degree.
if i pass my ged with 148 or 150 can i still go to college?
Hi Pedro. Yes you can since that is a passing score!
Hi If I take the GED in Spanish it will have any problem with it to go to college? i’ll have to take the prerequisite subjects as English ?
Hi Lucy! That depends on which college you decide to attend. We suggest contacting them to find out what their prerequisites are.
How do I apply for college after getting my GED
Hi April. You can find out how to apply to college on the college’s website. They should provide you with all the information you need to fill out a successful application. Thanks!
Would I have to take an extra class if I get 159 for my ged papers
Hi Lebone! No a 159 is a passing score and colleges should accept it.
Do I have to go to college or can I complete my college through taking online classes ?
The GED is the high school equivalency diploma. If you want to go to college that is a separate institution from GED Testing Service, however there are online colleges.
I was wondering whether universities in the US accept GED graduates who are under the age of 18, moreover, I was wondering whether universities in Canada Ontario also accept GED graduates under 18.
Hi Yahia! You would need to contact the actual universities to find out this information. Thank you!
Can I drop out of high school and take the ged at 16
Hi MJ. We suggest staying in school and getting your high school diploma. Many states have restrictions for underage testing.
Can you take the GED test online?
Hi Kyle. Yes the GED is offered online if you’re testing in the U.S. Here is more info: https://ged.com/take-the-ged-test-online/.
Do you think I can get bachelor degree on Criminal justice with GED? If I receive my GED at age 16, can I start my bachelor degree at that age, so I can graduate at age between19-20?
Hi Nasir. You’ll need to contact the college or university you wish to attend to see what their application process is. You should be able to get a degree in criminal justice.
Do you think colleges in England would accept GED?
Hi Ameli! You would need to contact the specific colleges you wish to attend in England to see what their requirements are. Thank you!
I’m really behind in school I’m supposed to be senior but credit wise I’m a sophomore I’m thinking about getting my ged and then going to Collin college and getting a degree in dental assistance is that possible? I don’t want to get my ged and then not be able to do that so I just want to make sure it’s possible before I do it also how long do I have to wait to go to to college after getting the ged ?
Hi Sara. We suggest contacting Collin College to make sure that they accept the GED diploma as a form of high school equivalency. 98% of colleges in the U.S. do. If they accept then you can move forward with getting your GED.
Hi if my ged test scores are between 145amd 150 will colleges accept me??cause i read that colleges accept people who score 165 and higher so im confused please answer me
Thank u
Hi Baker. If you pass the GED no matter your score, colleges will accept you. If you score a 165 or higher it means you may be able to bypass college placement exams. Here’s more info: https://ged.com/about_test/scores/.
Hello if you have done GED then can you study science subjects In University?Can you study Computer Science/Pharmacy/Medical Science?
Yes you can! Contact the university you wish to attend to see its requirements before attending!
Hi ged Team,
I drop out of 9th grade, and now i want to get the GED test. After i complete my ged test, can i still be a Licensed vocational nurse ? Do they check if i completed my 4 years in high school?
Thank you, hoping for a positive answer.
Hi Laison. Many of our GED students go on to become nurses. Please be aware of GED’s age requirement. You can see your states’ policies here: https://ged.com/about_test/price_and_state_rules/.
Can I get a photographer degree with a GED??
Hi Natalee,
You are eligible to earn a GED credential if you do not have a high school diploma.
Is GED accepted in Germany to get jobs and into universities?
Hi Asma. You’ll need to contact the institutions you want to attend or the companies you want to work for to see if they accept it.
How can we get teacher recommendation letters if we take GED?
Hi,
If you participated in a GED preparation program, you may have the option to ask your instructor for a recommendation letter.
Can I attend Pharmacy university if I only get my score between 150-160 in my GED test? And which university that accepted GED for the pharmacy university? And please give me some link to the university
thank I am apply SAT .
This is not an endorsement; it is encouragement. I didn’t get along with HS people; students or teachers. I quit HS at 17, and got my GED. After a short hitch in the Navy, I found it difficult to find work and thought a couple college credits would help my resume look better. I enrolled in Jr College and met with a very different group of people. In a blink of an eye, I was transferring to a four year state school. Blinked again and I was graduating. Having earned my bachelor’s degree, I went to work at a major hospital as a technician. As the years progressed and promotions earned, I thought taking academics to the next level would help my career. I enrolled in graduate school and earned my MPH. In addition to my current position at this world known hospital and university, I also teach at the local community college where I encourage students, everyday, that they can. “Can’t” is a word your enemy uses; don’t listen!
if i pass my ged with 150 can i still go to college?
This is my score on Math-148,Science-150 and RLA -152 one more is there.
Still I can go to college?
Hi,
Can we send the GED to WES.org for equivalency?
Thanks
I got my GED years ago…between 2000-2005…how can I get a copy of it?