Colleges that accept a GED make up the vast majority of schools in the country, but "most colleges" isn't the same as knowing exactly where to apply. Once you've confirmed a GED won't hold you back, the real work is figuring out which types of schools fit your goals and what each one expects to see on your application. A little research here can save you from applying somewhere that was never the right match.
Do colleges accept GED diplomas?
Yes, the vast majority of colleges and universities in the United States accept a GED as equivalent to a high school diploma. From community colleges to four-year universities, most admissions offices treat the credential the same way, though individual schools still set their own additional requirements around test scores or supporting documents.
What colleges accept GED credentials?
Knowing that colleges accept a GED is one thing, but seeing where that actually applies makes the search a lot more concrete. The table below breaks down the main types of schools open to GED holders, along with real examples in each category.
|
Type of school |
What to expect |
Example colleges |
|
Community colleges |
Often run open-admission policies, meaning a GED is typically all that's needed to enroll before moving into placement testing |
Miami Dade College, Austin Community College, Broward College, Lenoir Community College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, City Colleges of Chicago, Frederick Community College, Houston Community College, Lawson State Community College |
|
Four-year colleges and universities |
Generally treat a GED as equivalent to a diploma, though they're more likely to also weigh test scores, coursework history, and essays |
Arizona State University, Penn State, University of Central Florida, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University |
|
Online colleges |
Built around flexible, adult-friendly admissions, often skipping SAT/ACT requirements entirely for GED holders |
Western Governors University (WGU), Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), Purdue Global |
|
Competitive and selective universities |
Accept the GED as meeting their equivalency requirement, but admission still depends on the overall strength of the application |
Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and other Ivy League schools |
GED holders have a real shot at every category above, though how much extra preparation you'll need depends heavily on which row you're aiming for.
What are the admission requirements for GED students?
Beyond the GED itself, a few requirements tend to come up across most schools, though how strictly they're enforced still depends on the type of institution from the table above.
Your official transcript
Colleges typically want your official transcript sent directly from the testing service, not a personal copy. If you've misplaced yours or never requested one, knowing how to get a GED diploma copy ahead of time can save you from delays right before an application deadline.
SAT or ACT scores
Four-year and competitive schools are more likely to ask for SAT or ACT scores alongside a GED, while community colleges and most online programs skip this requirement entirely.
Your GED score itself
Some schools only need proof you passed, while others look more closely at your GED score to gauge readiness for college-level work. This matters more the further up the selectivity ladder you go.
High school records
If you attended high school before switching to the GED path, a school may still request those transcripts alongside your GED, particularly at four-year institutions building a fuller academic picture.
An essay about your background
Many schools give GED applicants a chance to explain their educational background through an essay. This is often where you can speak directly to your GED path and what you've done since, giving admissions officers context beyond test scores alone.
None of these requirements work against you on their own, but which ones apply, and how heavily they're weighed, tracks closely with the type of school you're targeting.
What GED score do you need for college?
There’s no single GED score required by every college. At a minimum, you need to pass the GED by earning at least 145 on each of the four subject tests. However, individual colleges can set their own admission standards, and some may expect higher scores or additional evidence of college readiness.
|
GED score per subject |
Score level |
What it means for college |
|
145-164 |
GED Passing |
You have earned your high school equivalency credential and can apply to colleges that accept GED students. |
|
165-174 |
GED College Ready |
You have demonstrated college-level readiness and may qualify to skip placement tests or remedial courses at participating colleges. |
|
175-200 |
GED College Ready + Credit |
You may qualify for college credit at participating institutions, in addition to possible placement or remedial-course waivers. |
Aiming above the minimum isn't required, but it's worth knowing where your desired GED passing score actually lands you before you start comparing colleges, since a higher score can mean skipping remedial classes or entering with credits already banked.
How to get into college with a GED?
If you haven't tested yet, working toward a stronger score, not just a passing one, can change what your application actually needs.
Step 1: Study with the College Ready threshold in mind
If you're still preparing, aiming for 165 or higher on each subject puts you in range for real admissions perks, not just the minimum credential. Working through a structured GED study guide ahead of time makes hitting that range far more realistic than studying just enough to clear 145.
Step 2: Use your score to skip extra requirements
A College Ready or College Ready + Credit score can mean one less hurdle during applications, since some schools waive placement tests or even SAT/ACT requirements for scores in that range. It's worth checking this directly with admissions before assuming you still need those extra tests.
Step 3: Match your score to the right type of school
If you're closer to a 145-164 range across your GED test subjects, community colleges and open-admission online schools remain the most realistic targets. Scores of 165 and up open the door to four-year schools with less friction, and put competitive universities within reach if the rest of your application holds up.
Step 4: Time your testing around application deadlines
Since scores can take a few weeks to reflect on your official transcript, it helps to schedule your GED test with enough runway before the earliest deadline you're targeting, rather than cutting it close.
A stronger score won't replace a weak application on its own, but it does give you more room to work with once everything else is in place.
FAQs
1. Is Harvard accepting GED?
Yes, Harvard and other Ivy League schools accept the GED as meeting their high school equivalency requirement. That said, a passing score alone won't carry an application at this level. Admissions still weighs test scores, coursework, essays, and achievements the same way it would for any other applicant.
2. Is a GED good enough for college?
For the vast majority of schools, yes. A GED carries the same weight as a traditional diploma for admissions purposes, and a passing score of 145 meets the baseline requirement almost everywhere. Where it can fall short is at highly selective schools, where the credential alone won't offset a weak application overall.
3. Do colleges check if you have a GED?
Usually, yes. Most schools ask for an official transcript sent directly from the testing service to confirm your credential, rather than accepting a personal copy or a self-reported claim. This is typically one of the first documents requested once you submit an application.
Final thoughts
So, which colleges that accept GED credentials should you actually target? For most students, the answer is broader than expected, since community colleges, four-year universities, online schools, and even Ivy League institutions all accept the GED in some form. What changes from there is how much your score and application need to carry the rest of the weight. If you're not quite finished testing yet, working through a GED practice test is one of the most direct ways to boost your score before you start applying anywhere.