Can You Go to College With a GED?

The short answer to your question is an emphatic yes. According to the GED Testing Service, approximately 97% of U.S. colleges and universities accept the GED as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma. This includes community colleges, state universities, private colleges, and even highly selective institutions.

Your GED demonstrates that you’ve mastered high school-level skills in four core areas: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. Admissions officers understand that GED holders come from diverse backgrounds—maybe you worked to support your family, faced health challenges, or simply learned better outside traditional school settings. None of that disqualifies you from higher education.

Community colleges are particularly GED-friendly, with most maintaining open-enrollment policies. This means if you have a GED, you’re in. Four-year universities may have additional requirements, such as SAT or ACT scores, but your GED itself won’t be a barrier. You’ve already proven you can do the work—now it’s about showing colleges you’re ready for their specific programs.

Applying to college with a GED follows the same basic steps as any other applicant. You’ll complete the application, write essays if required, submit test scores (when applicable), and provide your GED transcript instead of high school records. Here’s exactly how to navigate this process.

First, request your official GED transcript from your state’s GED administrator or through the GED Testing Service website. Most colleges require official transcripts sent directly, not copies you print yourself. Second, research each school’s specific requirements. Some may want SAT or ACT scores; others (especially community colleges) may not require standardized tests at all. Third, don’t underestimate the power of your personal statement. Your non-traditional path is a strength—you can demonstrate resilience, self-motivation, and real-world experience that traditional students may lack.

Many GED graduates also benefit from visiting campus, attending virtual info sessions, or connecting with admissions counselors who can guide you through requirements specific to your situation. You’re not at a disadvantage—you’re a motivated adult learner, and colleges value that.

Here’s what many prospective students don’t realize: GED holders qualify for exactly the same federal financial aid as high school graduates. This includes Pell Grants (free money you don’t repay), federal student loans, and work-study programs. The U.S. Department of Education makes no distinction between a GED and a traditional diploma when determining eligibility.

To access this aid, you’ll complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. The FAFSA asks about your income, family size, and the schools you’re considering. Based on this information, you’ll receive a Student Aid Index (SAI) that determines your aid package. Many students are surprised to discover they qualify for significant grant money—especially if you’re returning to school as an independent adult or from a lower-income background.

Beyond federal aid, you’re also eligible for state grants, institutional scholarships, and private scholarships. Many scholarships specifically target non-traditional students, adult learners, or GED graduates. Don’t assume you won’t qualify—apply for everything you can.

If you’re wondering where to start your college journey, community college is often the smartest first move for GED holders. Here’s why: most community colleges have open-enrollment policies, meaning anyone with a GED (or high school diploma equivalent) is automatically eligible to attend. No SAT required. No essays. No anxiety about whether your application is “competitive enough.”

Community colleges offer additional advantages beyond easy admission. Tuition is significantly lower—often $3,000-$5,000 per year compared to $10,000+ at four-year schools. You can live at home and attend part-time while working. And if you want to transfer to a four-year university later, many community colleges have guaranteed transfer agreements with state universities. Complete your associate degree with good grades, and you’re automatically admitted.

Community colleges also provide robust support services: tutoring centers, academic advising, career counseling, and developmental courses if you need to strengthen skills in any area. You’re not being “tracked” into a lesser path—you’re building a strong, affordable foundation that can lead anywhere you want to go.

Your GED doesn’t limit you to community college. Four-year universities—including competitive state schools and private colleges—accept GED graduates every year. However, the admissions process at these institutions is typically more comprehensive than community college enrollment.

Most four-year universities will want to see more than just your GED score. Expect requests for SAT or ACT scores (though many schools have become test-optional since 2020), letters of recommendation, a personal statement or essay, and possibly evidence of work experience or extracurricular involvement. Your GED score matters too—scoring in the “College Ready” or “College Ready + Credit” range strengthens your application significantly.

For selective universities, your personal statement becomes particularly important. Admissions committees want to understand your story: why you pursued a GED, what you’ve accomplished since, and why you’re ready for their institution. Strong GED scores combined with a compelling narrative and solid recommendations can make you just as competitive as any traditional applicant.

Let’s address the anxiety head-on: you may worry that colleges will see your GED as “less than” a high school diploma, that employers won’t take you seriously, or that you’ll always be behind your peers. These fears are understandable—but they’re largely unfounded.

The American Council on Education, which administers the GED program, designed the test specifically to demonstrate high school equivalency. Many state laws require colleges and employers to treat the GED identically to a traditional diploma. Research shows that GED holders who complete college degrees earn the same as their traditionally-educated peers. Your credential isn’t a scarlet letter—it’s proof that you can learn and achieve independently.

That said, some challenges are real. If you’ve been out of school for years, you may need to refresh your academic skills before diving into college coursework. Many colleges offer placement tests and developmental courses specifically for this purpose. Taking advantage of these resources isn’t remedial—it’s strategic preparation that increases your chances of success.

Your GED isn’t a limitation—it’s a story. And how you tell that story matters enormously in your college application. Here’s how to present yourself in the strongest possible light.

First, own your path. Don’t apologize for earning a GED or try to hide it. Instead, explain briefly why you took this route and pivot quickly to what you’ve accomplished and learned since. Maybe you worked full-time, cared for family members, or overcame health challenges. These experiences demonstrate maturity, resilience, and time management—qualities colleges value.

Second, highlight any post-GED achievements. Did you take community classes? Complete certifications? Volunteer? Work in a field related to your intended major? Any evidence of continued learning and engagement strengthens your application. Third, secure strong letters of recommendation from employers, community leaders, mentors, or anyone who can speak to your character and potential. Finally, research each school’s specific requirements and tailor your application accordingly. Generic applications get generic results.