Best Colleges That Do Not Require High School Diploma Or GED In 2022
Most people think that leaving high school is the end of the road to their educational career. But fortunately, some colleges accept students without a high school diploma.
If you’re ready to give academics a second chance, you can start looking into programs that don’t have high school admission requirements. Entering college without a high school diploma may seem very complicated, but it is not impossible.
You can finish up your academic career just with the right approach and move step by step toward achieving your goal.
Attending Colleges That Do Not Require High School Diploma Or GED
As stated above, you can attend college even if you did not graduate high school. This is possible because there are colleges that accept students like that. A good place to start searching for your programs is the community college.
They often have more flexible entry requirements than four-year universities. A community college can set you up with placement tests so you can be placed in classes that match your academic level.
Some community colleges even allow you to work simultaneously toward your GED and college degree.
After taking courses at a community college, it may be easier for you to get into a 4-year college than before. Additionally, your college credits always count toward a bachelor’s degree program.
Another good option for you is the business schools. There are business schools that do not require a diploma or GED, just Like the community colleges, business schools often have fewer admissions requirements than universities.
You can get specific training at a business school for a practical field, such as welding or healthcare. You will also receive a certificate at the end of your program.
In most cases, other college options might be available for you. For instance, some universities are more flexible with non-traditional students who are at least six years out of high school. Building a portfolio of work that demonstrates your potential can help you with this approach.
Taking College Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests can even help you earn college credits before you even step foot in a college classroom.
How To Attend College Without A Diploma From High School
Finding the right program is the very first step to finding a college that accepts students without a high school diploma. Below are ways to find the best program that suits you.
- Think About Your Goals
The first step is determining your career goal. Once you are certain about this, you can now decide on the college or institution to place your search.
- Look For Schools With Flexible Admissions Requirements.
As stated above, the community colleges in your area can be an excellent start for you. However, you can also check out online courses in other communities as they can also be good options.
You can also check with four-year schools. Keep your eyes open for the word “unconventional” in the admissions requirements.
- Take Placement Tests
Colleges that accept students without a GED want you to succeed in your educational career. Getting started in the right classes is one step in this process. In addition, placement tests are a tool some colleges use to determine if you would benefit from remedial courses.
- Think About Getting Your High School Diplomas
Some business or community schools offer programs that allow you to earn high school and college credits at the same time. So you can as well put this into consideration.
- Consider Further Education
Going to a community college may only be your first step. After graduation, you may be able to transfer to a four-year college for a bachelor’s degree. Once you’ve found a potential college, you can contact the admissions office.
You are not the first to be in this situation, and an admissions counselor has the best counsel and experience to guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
Admission Requirements
If you do not have your GED, what documentation can help you get into college? You may be asked to submit materials that include the following:
- Placement tests that will help colleges know what your first classes should be.
- Proof of date of birth that shows that you are over 18 to get into college without a degree.
- Standardized test scores that can provide clues to your potential.
- A work portfolio, including Essays, reading lists, or project examples, can demonstrate your knowledge or ability.
These requirements may differ with respect to the chosen school. For example, not all colleges require SAT or ACT scores.
Accreditation
If you don’t have a diploma or GED, you may be tempted to apply to a college with no admission requirements. However, these types of programs may not produce workforce-ready graduates.
Even if you haven’t graduated from high school, you shouldn’t settle for a program that doesn’t meet quality standards.
How do you know a school is doing things right? First, you can search for institutions with regional accreditation. Holding regional accreditation gives the school a good reputation.
Reputable college credits can transfer to other colleges, and a degree from an accredited college is more respected by potential employers.
Financial Aid And Scholarships
Your financial aid options may be limited without your high school diploma or GED. But this does not mean you will have to pay the entire tuition fee out of your pocket.
You may be lucky enough to get qualified for the federal government’s Ability to Benefit (ATB) program, which makes you eligible for grants.
Additional requirements may include passing the ability-to-benefit test or earning at least 6 college credit scores. You will have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to learn of your eligibility status.
You can also look into non-governmental sources of student aid. Some business owners will also help their team members pay for college, and finally, you can try applying for a scholarship.
The Professional Organization For High School Graduates
The moment you have made up your mind to go back to high school, it is always advisable you have as much support as possible to help you through the process.
Fortunately, there are organizations that have taken it upon themselves to help people like you, and they are listed below;
- Gateway to the College
- Job Corps
- National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
These organizations can talk you through the steps to take and also connect you with programs to complete high school, get job training, or earn college credits.
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Universities That Do Not Require A High School Diploma Or GED
1. Central Community College
This college offers admission to students without high school diplomas or GEDs. Applicants should be from 16 years of age and above to be allowed to enroll in the GED program.
Adult education classes offer free math, reading, and writing tutoring but do not offer financial aid.
2. The College of Central Florida
This college offers special admission for students without a high school diploma or its equivalent. For students to graduate, they must pass the Basic Adult Education Test and other program requirements. Remedial options are available for students who receive unsatisfactory test scores.
3. Colorado College
Again, this college does not require a high school diploma or GED for admission. Candidates are to provide information on what they have studied and their competence levels in these fields.
A statement of achievement of extracurricular achievements, letters of recommendation from people that are not members of the family, and SAT scores should be submitted. The Higher Learning Commission accredits it.
4. Colorado State University
This university offers admission to interested candidates without high school diplomas. Applicants must have completed a test equivalent such as GED, HiSet, or TASC.
In addition, test scores, ACT or SAT scores, a personal statement, recommendations, and academic explanation must be compiled and submitted when applying for a program here.
5. Columbia Greene Community College
This college offers admission to candidates who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent. Interested candidates must be over 17 years of age and must present proof of withdrawal from high school.
They must also pass a placement test. Before applying, applicants should contact an admissions counselor to give them some of the application processes.
6. The Community College of Baltimore County
This is another college on our list that offers an external degree program for adult students interested in earning a GED. Instead, it does not require students to take courses in classrooms but is self-paced.
Applicants must be over 18 and are required to complete before the break to demonstrate maths and reading skills at level 9.
7. El Camino College
On our list is El Camino College, which offers free GED and High School Equivalency programs to help high school dropouts that have made up their minds to earn a diploma.
They offer rolling admission and accept applications throughout the year. Interested applicants must submit their official transcripts from their previous high school. The Accrediting Commission accredits the college for Community and Junior Colleges.
8. Gateway Community and Technical College
This college offers admission to applicants without high school diplomas. These applicants must have plans to obtain a GED, and ACT scores must be submitted before applicants can be enrolled.
9. Hinds Community College
They offer admission to interested candidates who do not have high school diplomas through the MIBEST program or professional admissions.
The MIBEST program enables students to acquire essential skills for a career. The professional admissions process allows applicants to be accepted into the program after interviewing with a counselor.
10. Houston Community College
They offer the Ability to Benefit program, which accepts students without high school diplomas or GEDs.
Applicants must either pass an approved benefits eligibility test or enroll in an approved career path program. Those interested in the program can complete an online application to be eligible.
11. Lamar Institute of Technology
These institutions offer admission to applicants who do not have high school diplomas or GEDs. Applicants are accepted individually. Applicants interested in the degree must submit TSI assessment scores during the process of application.
12. Lawson State Community College
On our list is Lawson State Community College, which offers admission to applicants who have not completed high school.
Students can enroll in courses under the Ability to Benefit program but cannot earn an associate degree. Interested candidates must apply for admission and then attend an aptitude assessment held by the school.
13. Niagara County Community College
This college offers a high school equivalency program that allows students to earn 24 credits toward an equivalency diploma.
Students in the program do not have the opportunity to be eligible for financial aid. Interested candidates must meet a minimum placement assessment score to be eligible for the program.
14. Oklahoma City Community College
The college offers admission to students who have not earned high school diplomas or GEDs. Interested candidates who are 21 years of age or older do not need to submit any high school transcripts.
15. St. Charles Community College
They offer admission to students who have not earned GEDs. Interested candidates must apply online and complete an academic skills assessment to determine eligibility.
An appointment with an academic counselor is required to decide whether students should apply to Adult Basic Education or not.
16. Tidewater Community College
This college accepts applicants who have not earned high school diplomas or GEDs. When applying, applicants must take a placement test in reading, writing, and math to determine eligibility for admission. Students without a high school diploma are not licensed for financial aid.
17. Union County College
This college offers admission to candidates in the Ability to Benefit program. They are not eligible for financial aid.
Also, students without GEDs are not eligible to complete an associate degree. After applying, students must take a placement test.
18. The University of California
This university offers admission to students who have not earned a high school diploma if they have a credential or GED.
Even though applicants do not need to have a high school diploma, they must still meet the high school course and other requirements.
19. The University of Hawaii Community College
This college accepts students who do not have a high school diploma or equivalent as long as they are 18 years and older.
Students aged 18 and 21 can still work toward a high school diploma, while those who are older can work toward a GED.
20. Wayne County Community College
This college offers admission to applicants who do not have high school diplomas or GEDs. In addition, they must be 18 years of age or older.
They also offer help with orientation admission and registration. Interested applicants without high school diplomas or GEDs are not eligible for financial aid.
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FAQs
What Is A GED?
GED is an abbreviation for General Educational Development. It is simply a credential or document that tells that you know or have an idea about what high school students should know.
If you didn’t graduate from high school, taking the GED exams can be another way to earn your diploma. Completing your GED can help you enroll in college or look for a job. However, getting your GED requires passing several tests, including math and English.
Is A Ged Equivalent To Diploma?
The GED credential is known as a high school equivalency diploma. A high school does not issue it, but it shows that your knowledge is comparable to that of a 12th-grader.
You can sometimes use your GED credential just like a high school diploma. Many colleges accept a GED instead of a high school diploma, especially if you have good SAT or ACT scores.
Do Colleges Accept High School Dropouts?
The fact that you dropped out of high school does not mean you should give up on college. Most colleges accept students with a GED credential, glowing references, or strong ACT or SAT scores. If you don’t even have a GED, there is always a college opportunity for you.
Can You Enter College Without A High School Diploma?
From all we have stated above, you can denote that you can go to college without a high school diploma.
Although most universities need a high school diploma, this is not always the case, especially at community colleges.
Can You Get Financial Aid Without A Ged?
Financial aid options can help people who have not completed high school, and we have listed them above in this article.
You can get Pell grants from the federal government through the Ability to Benefit (ATB) program. To use ATB, you must first enroll in an eligible school and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
You can also look elsewhere for help. For example, you can find scholarship programs that are designed specifically for people who have not completed high school.
What Is The Ability To Benefit?
This is a federal program that assists students who do not have high school diplomas or GED credentials. Qualified students can receive state financial support through ATB.
You must be involved in an eligible program to participate in this aid. Eligible programs generally must be designed to prepare you for a career.
Other requirements include passing the ATB test or demonstrating your university ability by earning at least 6 credits.
If you think ATBs might be right for you, you can talk to your school’s finance department for more information.
Is College Worth It?
Yes, a college degree is worthwhile for many students. Earning college credits can usually help you earn a higher salary or provide more job stability.
Conclusion
You can see that it is never too late to get a college degree. Moreover, you can plan to enroll in college classes even if you never graduated from high school or completed your GED.
You can start by looking at community colleges, vocational schools, or universities with flexible admissions policies.
Even if you are so busy with your full-time job, it does not mean you do not have the opportunity to go back to school.
Online courses allow you to do your college work whenever you want as long as it fits your schedule. Do well to drop your questions below in the comment section.