Traditionally, people go through high school before graduating and attending college. That’s not the only way to do it, though. There are many people who earn their GED instead of a high school diploma. If you’ve gotten your GED and want to go to a 4-year university, here’s an essential guide to completing that process.

Earn your GED

This might seem obvious, but if you don’t have a high school diploma, you will need a GED in order to be eligible for college. Depending on the score of your test, you might need to also provide your SAT or ACT results, or pass a state-specific entrance exam. GEDs are graded on a scale of 100-200, with 4 possible scores:

• 144 or Below: Not Passing
• 145 or Above: GED Passing Score/High School Equivalency
• 165-174: GED College Ready
• 175 or Above: GED College Ready + Credit

You will need to get a score of 165 or more to be eligible for college, and if you score a 175 or higher, you may even get college credits for it, reducing the amount you’ll need to earn for your degree. 

Find a University that Accepts a GED

Once you have your GED, the next step is to find a college or university that accepts a GED. You can do this by checking a school’s website and seeing what its requirements are for the application process. They will usually have a listing for GEDs if they accept them. There are also great resources that can help you find colleges that accept the GED online. They will have a list of many great universities with an option for GED students to apply.

Complete the Application Process

A GED student must follow the same application process as any other student. You can use the Common Application, or “Common App,” which will allow you to fill out a single application form that is accepted by more than 750 colleges. You can also visit a school’s website to get the specific application forms necessary to apply there. Their websites will also let you know what other documents and information you will need to submit, such as essays, letters of recommendation, or test scores.

Apply for Financial Aid

Since college can be expensive, it’s a good idea to apply for financial aid to help you pay for your schooling. FAFSA is the federal financial aid program and one of the most common resources for students to cover their tuition. There are also private loans you can take out to help you pay for college as a primary or supplementary option. Once you’ve filled out and submitted your applications, you will be notified of how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready for college. There’s no reason why having a GED instead of a high school diploma should stop you from continuing your education, as many people go that route to earn their college degree. Just follow this essential guide and you’ll be able to go to a 4-year college with a GED.