Earning a GED offers an alternative path to higher education. According to the GED Testing Service, approximately 150,000 individuals earn their GED annually. If you’re one of them, and you’ve been thinking about continuing your education, then you’ve probably wondered: Can you go to college with a GED?
The good news is that nearly 98% of U.S. colleges accept the GED certificate, according to the GED Testing Service. This includes community colleges, vocational schools, private universities, and public universities. College students can study online or in person after earning a GED certificate.
However, admission requirements vary between institutions. Some may require additional placement tests or supplemental materials alongside your GED diploma. It’s crucial for applicants to research each school’s specific requirements before applying.
Moreover, an increasing number of schools recognize and accept GED College-Ready and College-Ready Plus Credit scores. These scores (ranging from 165-200) indicate readiness for college-level coursework and may exempt you from further standardized testing requirements like the SAT or ACT.
If you want to acquire your GED, we can help you start your GED prep journey with comprehensive GED test prep materials and practice tests.
Two-Year Colleges that Accept GED Across the US
Community colleges and technical schools across the United States are generally very welcoming of GED holders. Many have open admissions policies that allow GED graduates to enroll without additional requirements.
Admission Requirements for Two-Year Colleges
When it comes to enrolling in a two-year community college or technical school, there are a few key requirements prospective students should be aware of:
Age Requirements
Most two-year colleges have a minimum age requirement of 16 years old for admission. However, students who are between the ages of 16 and 18 may need to provide a recommendation from their high school principal in order to be considered for acceptance.
Placement Testing
Two-year colleges typically require all incoming students to take placement tests. These assessments help the institution determine the appropriate level of coursework for each student.
Standardized Test Scores
Students who have taken the ACT or SAT exams can submit their test scores to the two-year college. If the scores meet the institution’s standards, the student may be exempt from having to take the college’s placement tests.
Selective Service Registration
For male students between the ages of 18 and 26, proof of Selective Service registration may be required as part of the admissions process. This federal requirement applies to all able-bodied men in this age group, regardless of their immigration status.
Meeting these basic requirements helps facilitate a smooth transition into a community college or technical school program.
Community Colleges that Accept GED Across the US
Community colleges are often the most accessible option for students with a GED credential. These two-year institutions typically have open enrollment and accept applicants regardless of their prior educational background.
Some examples of community colleges that accept GED students include:
Alabama: Shelton State Community College, Lawson State Community College, Wallace Community College.
Alaska: University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Alaska Southeast.
Arizona: Maricopa Community Colleges, Pima Community College.
Arkansas: Arkansas State University, Pulaski Technical College.
California: Coastline Community College, Fresno City College, Los Angeles City College.
Colorado: Arapahoe Community College, Front Range Community College, Pikes Peak Community College.
Connecticut: Asnuntuck Community College, Capital Community College, Naugatuck Valley Community College.
Delaware: Delaware Technical Community College.
Florida: Broward College, Miami Dade College, Tallahassee Community College.
Georgia: Atlanta Technical College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Savannah Technical College.
Hawaii: Honolulu Community College, Kapi’olani Community College, Leeward Community College.
Idaho: College of Southern Idaho, North Idaho College.
Illinois: City Colleges of Chicago, Illinois Central College, Joliet Junior College.
Indiana: Ivy Tech Community College, Vincennes University.
Iowa: Des Moines Area Community College, Hawkeye Community College.
Kansas: Butler Community College, Johnson County Community College.
Kentucky: Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Jefferson Community and Technical College.
Louisiana: Baton Rouge Community College, Delgado Community College.
Maine: Central Maine Community College, Southern Maine Community College.
Maryland: Anne Arundel Community College, Community College of Baltimore County.
Massachusetts: Bunker Hill Community College, Massasoit Community College.
Michigan: Henry Ford College, Macomb Community College.
Minnesota: Century College, Minnesota State Community and Technical College.
Mississippi: Hinds Community College, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.
Missouri: Metropolitan Community College, St. Louis Community College.
Montana: Flathead Valley Community College, Great Falls College Montana State University.
Nebraska: Central Community College, Metropolitan Community College.
Nevada: College of Southern Nevada, Truckee Meadows Community College.
New Hampshire: Manchester Community College, River Valley Community College.
New Jersey: Bergen Community College, Rowan College of South Jersey.
New Mexico: Central New Mexico Community College, San Juan College.
New York: Bronx Community College, Mohawk Valley Community College, Suffolk County Community College.
North Carolina: Central Piedmont Community College, Wake Technical Community College.
North Dakota: Bismarck State College, North Dakota State College of Science.
Ohio: Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, Cuyahoga Community College.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma City Community College, Tulsa Community College.
Oregon: Chemeketa Community College, Portland Community College.
Pennsylvania: Community College of Allegheny County, Community College of Philadelphia.
Rhode Island: Community College of Rhode Island.
South Carolina: Greenville Technical College, Midlands Technical College.
South Dakota: Lake Area Technical College, Southeast Technical Institute.
Tennessee: Chattanooga State Community College, Tennessee College of Applied Technology.
Texas: Alamo Colleges District, Houston Community College, Lone Star College.
Utah: Salt Lake Community College, Utah Valley University.
Vermont: Community College of Vermont.
Virginia: J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Northern Virginia Community College.
Washington: Bellevue College, Tacoma Community College.
West Virginia: BridgeValley Community and Technical College, Mountwest Community and Technical College.
Wisconsin: Madison Area Technical College, Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Wyoming: Casper College, Laramie County Community College.
Technical Colleges that Accept the GED
Technical colleges and vocational schools also tend to be very welcoming of GED applicants. These institutions focus on career-oriented programs and workforce training, making them a great option for GED graduates looking to gain specific job skills.
Examples of technical colleges that accept the GED include:
- Associated Technical College
- Florida Technical College
- Middle Georgia Technical College
- Minnesota State Community and Technical College
- Ohio Technical College
- Oregon Institute of Technology
- Tennessee College of Applied Technology
- Texas State Technical College
Read More: GED in Texas
Four-Year Universities that Accept GED Across the United States
While four-year colleges and universities often have more competitive admissions processes compared to two-year schools, there are still many prestigious institutions across the country that accept students with a GED credential. Some key points about four-year universities that accept GED:
- GED applicants may need to submit standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT, depending on the school’s requirements
- Some universities may have minimum GED score thresholds, often 165 or higher for “GED College Ready” designation
- Four-year schools may require additional materials like essays, letters of recommendation, or interviews
Examples of four-year universities that accept GED include:
Alabama: Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Normal; Athens State University, Athens; University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham; University of Montevallo, Montevallo.
Alaska: University of Alaska Anchorage; University of Alaska Fairbanks; University of Alaska Southeast.
Arizona: Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff; University of Arizona, Tucson.
Arkansas: Arkansas State University, Jonesboro; University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Little Rock.
California: California State University, Long Beach, Long Beach; National University, La Jolla; University of the Pacific, Stockton.
Colorado: Colorado State University, Fort Collins; University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder.
Connecticut: University of Connecticut, Storrs.
Florida: University of Central Florida, Orlando; University of Florida, Gainesville; University of Miami, Coral Gables.
Georgia: Georgia State University, Atlanta; University of Georgia, Athens.
Hawaii: University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu.
Idaho: Boise State University, Boise; University of Idaho, Moscow.
Illinois: DePaul University, Chicago; University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago; University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana.
Indiana: Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington; Purdue University, West Lafayette.
Iowa: Iowa State University, Ames; University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Kansas: Kansas State University, Manhattan; University of Kansas, Lawrence.
Kentucky: University of Kentucky, Lexington; University of Louisville, Louisville.
Louisiana: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge; Tulane University, New Orleans.
Maine: University of Maine, Orono.
Maryland: Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore; University of Maryland, College Park.
Massachusetts: Boston University, Boston; Harvard University, Cambridge; Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge; University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst.
Michigan: Michigan State University, East Lansing; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Wayne State University, Detroit.
Minnesota: University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis; University of St. Thomas, St. Paul.
Mississippi: University of Mississippi, Oxford; University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg.
Missouri: Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla; University of Missouri, Columbia; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis.
Montana: Montana State University, Bozeman; University of Montana, Missoula.
Nebraska: University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln.
Nevada: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas; University of Nevada, Reno, Reno.
New Hampshire: Dartmouth College, Hanover; University of New Hampshire, Durham.
New Jersey: Princeton University, Princeton; Rutgers University-New Brunswick, New Brunswick.
New Mexico: New Mexico State University, Las Cruces; University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.
New York: Columbia University, New York City; New York University, New York City; SUNY University at Buffalo, Buffalo; Syracuse University, Syracuse.
North Carolina: Duke University, Durham; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill; North Carolina State University, Raleigh.
North Dakota: North Dakota State University, Fargo; University of North Dakota, Grand Forks.
Ohio: Ohio State University, Columbus; University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati; Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland.
Oklahoma: Oklahoma State University, Stillwater; University of Oklahoma, Norman.
Oregon: Oregon State University, Corvallis; University of Oregon, Eugene.
Pennsylvania: Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh; Pennsylvania State University, University Park; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
Rhode Island: Brown University, Providence; University of Rhode Island, Kingston.
South Carolina: Clemson University, Clemson; University of South Carolina, Columbia.
South Dakota: South Dakota State University, Brookings; University of South Dakota, Vermillion.
Tennessee: University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Vanderbilt University, Nashville.
Texas: Rice University, Houston; Texas A&M University, College Station; University of Texas at Austin, Austin.
Utah: Brigham Young University, Provo; University of Utah, Salt Lake City; Utah State University, Logan.
Vermont: University of Vermont, Burlington.
Virginia: University of Virginia, Charlottesville; Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; William & Mary, Williamsburg.
Washington: University of Washington, Seattle; Washington State University, Pullman.
West Virginia: West Virginia University, Morgantown.
Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison.
Wyoming: University of Wyoming, Laramie.
Online Colleges That Accept GED
- Penn State World Campus
Penn State World Campus is the online branch of Pennsylvania State University. It accepts GED holders and offers a wide range of online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
SNHU is a nonprofit online university that welcomes GED applicants for its online certificate, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs.
- Western Governors University (WGU)
WGU is an accredited online university that accepts GED holders for its competency-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.
- Purdue Global University
Formerly known as Kaplan University, Purdue Global offers online associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees and accepts GED graduates.
- University of Phoenix
The University of Phoenix is a large online university that accepts students with a GED for its online degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s level.
- Ashford University
Ashford University is an online institution that welcomes GED holders for its online bachelor’s and master’s degree offerings.
- Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian online university that accepts GED applicants for its online undergraduate and graduate programs.
- Liberty University Online
Liberty University, a Christian school, has an extensive online division that accepts GED graduates for its online degree programs.
- Colorado State University Global
CSU Global is an online university that is part of the Colorado State University system. It accepts GED students for its online bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- University of Massachusetts Online
The University of Massachusetts offers a variety of online bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs that welcome GED applicants.
Related Post: Does Harvard Accept GED
Factors to Consider When Choosing a College as a Ged Holder
Type of College
The type of college you choose can impact your experience and options as a GED graduate. Consider:
- Community colleges – These two-year schools often have open admissions policies welcoming GED holders. They provide an affordable pathway to an associate’s degree or credits that can transfer to a four-year university.
- Technical/vocational colleges – These schools focus on career-oriented programs and workforce training. They actively accept GED students as part of their mission to serve the community.
- Four-year universities – While more competitive, many four-year public and private universities accept GED applicants. Some may require additional test scores or materials.
Location and Cost
As with any college search, consider factors like:
- Geographic location – Do you want to stay local or go out-of-state?
- Campus environment – Urban, suburban, rural?
- Cost of attendance – Tuition, fees, housing, etc. Look into financial aid options.
Admissions Requirements
Specific admissions requirements vary by school, but common factors for GED holders include:
- Minimum GED score – Many schools require a passing score of 145 or higher. A “GED College Ready” score of 165+ may exempt you from placement tests. Read More: What if I pass a subject in GED and want to retest for a higher score?
- Standardized test scores – The SAT or ACT may be required. Check the school’s minimum score.
- Application materials – Essays, letters of recommendation, interviews, etc.
Academic Programs
Choose a college that offers programs in your intended major or career field. Consider factors like:
- Degree options – Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, etc.
- Accreditation – Ensure the school and programs are properly accredited.
- Student support – Academic advising, tutoring, career services, etc.
By considering these key factors, GED holders can find the college that best fits their academic goals, financial situation, and personal preferences. Doing thorough research is crucial to making the right choice.
Additional Resource: College Admissions Guide for GED Holders
FAQS
Which University Accepts Ged in the US?
Majority of colleges and universities in the United States accept the GED credential, including prestigious institutions like Texas A&M, University of Florida, Ohio State University, and University of Texas at Austin.
While some schools may have additional requirements like minimum GED scores or submission of SAT/ACT scores, the GED is widely recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma for college admissions.
Is Ged Accepted in All 50 States?
The GED (General Educational Development) test is accepted in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories as an alternative to a high school diploma.
It enables individuals who did not complete traditional high school to demonstrate their academic knowledge and skills, opening doors to higher education, job opportunities, and a brighter future.
Can You Go to College with a Ged in California?
Yes, you can attend college with a GED in California. Many colleges and universities in the state accept GED holders for admission, and they are treated the same as traditional high school graduates.
Is the Ged Harder Than the SAT?
The GED test and the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) are designed for different purposes, making it challenging to directly compare their difficulty levels. The GED assesses high school-level academic skills, while the SAT measures college readiness.
Factors such as individual strengths, preparation, and the specific test sections can influence the perceived difficulty for each test-taker.
Does Prepsaret Teach What’s on the Ged Test?
Yes, Prepsaret teaches you everything necessary to pass the GED test. Recognized by the GED Testing Service, our course is fully aligned with the GED test, ensuring that choosing Prepsaret provides a proven preparation for GED test takers.
Do I Need to Buy Books After Enrolling in Prepsaret?
No, there’s no need to purchase any books or additional learning materials. At Prepsaret, we provide comprehensive resources to prepare you for the GED test, including structured lessons, interactive quizzes, full-length practice tests, and a wide array of free questions.