Can You Go to College With a GED?
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path
If you attended high school but never received your diploma, you may question whether you can attend college with a GED. Many colleges accept a GED as proof of high school equivalency. Whether you recently left high school or are returning to the classroom after time away, earning a GED can be one route toward higher education.
Can You Go to College With a GED?
Yes, you can go to college with a GED. Many colleges accept a GED or another state-recognized high school equivalency credential as proof that an applicant has completed the educational equivalent of high school.
Specific admissions requirements vary by institution, so confirm the requirements with each college’s admissions office before applying.
American InterContinental University accepts a GED transcript or certificate as proof of high school graduation or its equivalent for undergraduate admission. Applicants must also meet AIU’s other admissions requirements.
What Is the GED?
The GED, which stands for General Educational Development, is a high school equivalency test. It covers Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science. A score of at least 145 on each of the four subject tests is required to earn the GED credential.¹,²
How Do You Get Your GED?
GED testing is managed differently in each state, often through a state education, workforce, or adult education agency. Eligibility rules, testing fees, retake policies, and testing formats may therefore differ by location.
The exam is divided into four subject tests. Test takers may complete all four within a short period or focus on one or two sections before moving on to the others.
How GED Holders Apply to College
At institutions that accept the credential, holding a GED should not substantially change the college application process. Applicants generally submit proof that they completed the GED, just as other applicants submit proof of high school graduation.
Depending on the institution, applicants may also need to submit previous transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, test scores, or other supporting materials. Requirements vary by college and program.
Do You Need SAT or ACT Scores?
Whether GED holders need to submit SAT or ACT scores depends on the institution. Some colleges do not require standardized admissions tests, while others may require or consider them. A college may also use placement tests or other assessments to determine appropriate courses. At AIU, we do not require SAT or ACT scores, although we accept them if provided.
How GED Scores Affect Admission and Placement
GED scores are reported separately for each subject test. The official score levels are:
- 145–164: GED® Passing Score
- 165–174: GED® College Ready
- 175–200: GED® College Ready + Credit
A score of 145 or higher on every subject test is required to earn the GED credential. A College Ready score may qualify a student to bypass certain placement tests or developmental education requirements. A College Ready + Credit score may qualify a student for college credit. These benefits are not universal, and each college determines whether it recognizes the score recommendations.¹
Financial Aid With a GED
GED holders may apply for federal student aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly called the FAFSA®. A state-recognized GED may satisfy the high school completion qualification for federal student aid. Students must still meet all other federal, institutional, and program eligibility requirements.³ Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Choosing an Accredited College
When comparing colleges, review whether the institution is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation is a quality-assurance process intended to confirm that an institution or program meets established standards.&sup4; AIU is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Pathways: Community College and Online Options
GED holders may consider community colleges, four-year universities, and online degree programs. Some students begin at a community college and later apply to transfer, while others apply directly to an associate or bachelor’s degree program. Admission and transfer-credit policies vary by institution.
Building on Your GED for Academic Success
Preparation for the GED can provide practice in language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. The information and study habits developed during that process may help students approach general education requirements and courses within a major. Admissions and academic advisors can explain available support resources.
FAQ
Yes. Many colleges and universities accept a GED or another state-recognized high school equivalency credential for admission. Applicants must also satisfy the institution’s other requirements.
Colleges commonly accept a GED as proof of high school equivalency, but admissions policies vary. Some institutions or selective programs may request additional materials.
Yes. A state-recognized GED may satisfy the high school completion qualification for federal student aid. GED holders may submit the FAFSA but must meet all other eligibility requirements.3
It depends on the college. Some institutions require or consider SAT or ACT scores, while others do not.
You must score at least 145 on each subject test to earn the credential. Scores of 165–174 are GED College Ready, and 175–200 are GED College Ready + Credit. Recognition of those higher tiers varies by institution.1
Admissions decisions depend on the institution and the strength of the overall application. A GED does not automatically prevent admission, but applicants should review each school’s requirements.
Pursue Your Education at AIU
Have a GED and ready to explore your next step? View degree programs at AIU to learn about available associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree program options. Admissions requirements and program availability vary.
1 GED Testing Service. “Test Scores.” https://www.ged.com/about-test/scores.html Visited August 14, 2026.
2 GED Testing Service. “Test Subjects.” https://www.ged.com/about-test/test-subjects.html Visited August 14, 2026.
3 Federal Student Aid. “Eligibility Requirements.” https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility/requirements Visited August 14, 2026.
4 U.S. Department of Education. “College Accreditation.” https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation Visited August 14, 2026.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2254046 08/2026
Related Articles
- Ten Types of Business Degree Specializations You Can Pursue
- Accounting Career Fields
- Can You Go To College with a GED?
- Developing Business Management Skills
- Do You Need a Degree To Start A Business?
- Earning a Master’s Degree in Accounting
- Graduate Certificate vs. Master’s Degree: What’s the Difference
- How Many Credits Are Needed for a Bachelor's Degree?
- Is Finance a Good Degree For Me?
- Is Marketing a Good Major?
- Earning a Distance Learning MBA
- Majoring in Finance: What to Expect as a Finance Major
- The Four Functions of Management: What Managers Need to Know
- What's the Difference Between Business Administration and Business Management?
- Why Your Associate Degree is an important step towards earning your Bachelor’s Degree