Colleges That Don't Require a High School Diploma or GED

There are students who want to go to college but do not have a high school diploma or GED. They may feel like their options are limited. However, there may be unique and innovative options available to them. There are many community colleges that accept students without a high school diploma or GED. There also some universities that accept these students. This is the information that you need to know about colleges that don’t require high school diploma or GED. Additionally, you may also be interested in trade schools that don’t require a high school diploma or GED.  

Can You Go to College Online Without a GED or High School Diploma? 

The average college or university requires students to have a high school diploma or GED. However, there may be alternative options available. Students without a GED or high school diploma may be able to enroll in online classes. They also may be able to enroll at traditional colleges. Some community colleges and online schools have options for students without a GED or high school diploma. Students who want to attend college but do not have a GED or high school diploma should evaluate the options available to them.

If I Don’t Have a GED or High School Diploma, What Are College Admission Requirements? 

The admission requirements will vary based on the school. These may include: 

• Meeting a minimum age requirement. Students typically have to be at least 18 years old. Some may be able to enroll at 16 years old if they also work toward earning their GED.
• Ability to enroll in remedial courses. These classes help students catch up on missed information. 
• Providing proof of academic accomplishments. Students may submit reading lists or alternative education program results. 
• Submitting a personal statement. This essay allows students to provide more information about their background and experience. 
• Submitting standardized test scores. Adult students without a GED or high school diploma can take the SAT or ACT tests. 

What Are My Options If I Don’t Have a GED or High School Diploma?

There may be options for you if you do not have a GED or high school diploma. These may be some of the most common options:

• Applying as a non-traditional student. This option may be available at colleges that accept students without a GED or high school diploma. A non-traditional student is considered any adult who has not been enrolled in high school for more than 6 years. If you apply as a non-traditional student, you may have to submit other materials. This may include recommendation letters, test scores and a personal statement.
• Enroll in a community college. Some community colleges across the country accept students without a high school diploma or GED. After completing courses at community college, you may be able to transfer. You could use your academic records to transfer to a four-year college or university. You also may be able to complete your degree program at the community college. Many community colleges offer online classes.
• Enroll as a lifelong student. A lifelong student is defined as a person who takes an individual class during a semester. You could complete coursework that is relevant to your career goals. This might help you build skills, and help you gain knowledge.
• Consider finishing high school while taking college classes online. There are some colleges that allow students to earn their diploma while beginning their college career. It is important to verify that this option is available. If you are interested, you should check with the college you are considering. 

Am I Eligible for Financial Aid If I Don’t Have a GED or High School Diploma?

Many federal student loans are only available to students with a high school diploma or GED. However, the Ability to Benefit program was changed in 2015. Now, some students without a GED or high school diploma may be able to receive financial aid. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

The eligibility requirements typically include: 

• Being enrolled in a program that receives Title IV funding. These are typically career pathways programs.
• Passing the Ability to Benefit exam.  
• Completing six credits that could be applied toward a degree program. 

Students without a diploma or GED may also have additional options for financial aid. If you do not have a GED or high school diploma, you may want to reach out to local non-profit organizations and private companies. Some of them may offer scholarships to qualifying applicants.

What is Ability to Benefit?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, Ability to Benefit is an educational law. This law was amended in 2015. Now, it allows for qualifying students without a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for Title IV funding. The law was amended in order to help more students enroll in college. The hope is that students without a diploma or GED will feel that college is within their reach. Those who amended the law believe that it will help thousands of students nationwide.

Colleges That Don’t Require a GED or High School Diploma

There are colleges and universities across the country that do not require a GED or high school diploma. Here are a list of some colleges that do not require a GED or high school diploma:  

These are just a few of the colleges that don’t require high school diploma or GED. There may be other community colleges and universities across the country that accept these students. Students without a high school diploma or GED do have options available to them. If you do not have a high school diploma or GED, you could begin exploring your options. You may be eligible for Ability to Benefit. You also may meet other admission requirements. There is a chance that you could attend a college program. You could pursue your career of choice. 

The next step that you should take is to find the perfect community college or university for you. You may have the choice of traditional school or online programming. You should consider your current lifestyle and responsibilities. An online program may be the most flexible option. However, the traditional classroom experience may be available to you. There are colleges that don’t require high school diploma or GED. Take the next step toward getting an education. This could be the perfect step toward pursuing your career. To learn more about these colleges and universities, contact us today.