Arizona Colleges That Don't Require a Diploma or GED

Not having a high school diploma or GED does not necessarily mean you have to put your education on hold. Across Arizona, many community colleges offer adult education, high school equivalency preparation, workforce training, and career pathway programs that help students gain new skills while working toward a recognized credential.

Keep reading as we highlight in-person and online colleges that don't require a high school diploma or GED in Arizona, along with schools that provide adult education, GED preparation, career training, and other opportunities for students without a diploma. Whether you want to earn a workforce certificate, prepare for college, or complete a high school equivalency credential, these colleges offer flexible pathways to help you get started.

Do Arizona Colleges Accept Students Without a High School Diploma or GED?

Some Arizona colleges accept students without a high school diploma or GED, although the available options vary by institution. Many community colleges offer adult education, GED preparation, workforce training, continuing education, and career pathway programs that allow students to build academic and job skills before enrolling in college-level degree programs.

Arizona also offers several pathways to earn a state-recognized High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma. Depending on the college and your educational goals, you may be able to prepare for the GED, complete career-focused training, or qualify through a college credit pathway while working toward your long-term education and career goals.

What Is Arizona's High School Equivalency (HSE) Program? 

Arizona's High School Equivalency (HSE) Program allows eligible adults to earn a state-recognized high school equivalency diploma through one of several approved pathways. The most common option is the GED Testing Pathway, but Arizona also offers a College Credit Pathway and an HSE PLUS Career Readiness Pathway for eligible students.

Many Arizona community colleges support one or more of these pathways through adult education, GED preparation, career training, and Integrated Education and Training (IET) programs. An admissions or adult education advisor can help you determine which HSE pathway best matches your educational background, career goals, and eligibility.

10 Arizona Colleges That Don’t Require a High School Diploma or GED

The schools below are all institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Each offers opportunities for students without a high school diploma or GED through adult education, GED preparation, workforce training, Arizona HSE pathways, or other programs that help students prepare for college and careers.

1. Arizona Western College

Arizona Western College is located in Yuma, Arizona, and offers several educational pathways for students who have not earned a high school diploma or GED. Through its Adult Education program, students can prepare for the GED, improve foundational academic skills, and explore workforce training opportunities while working toward an Arizona High School Equivalency Diploma.

The college offers associate degrees and certificates in fields such as business, health sciences, education, information technology, and skilled trades. Arizona Western College also provides online and hybrid courses, along with several fully online degree and certificate programs. Additionally, its financial aid programs help students close funding gaps and potentially get free online community college in Arizona.

2. Central Arizona College

Students without a high school diploma or GED can continue their education through Central Arizona College's Adult Education and career training programs. Based in Coolidge, Arizona, the college provides GED preparation, English language learning, foundational skills instruction, and workforce development services that help students transition into college-level coursework or employment.

Central Arizona College is one of the most affordable colleges in Arizona and offers associate degrees and certificates in areas such as nursing, business, computer information systems, manufacturing, and agriculture. The college also features online courses and fully online degree and certificate programs, making it easier for students to balance school with work, family, and other responsibilities.

3. Cochise College

Located in Sierra Vista, Arizona, Cochise College supports students without a high school diploma or GED through its Adult Education program. Students can prepare for the GED, strengthen academic skills, participate in English language learning, and explore workforce training opportunities that support progress toward an Arizona High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma.

The college offers associate degrees and certificates in fields such as business, health sciences, cybersecurity, education, and the skilled trades; it’s one of the best STEM colleges in Arizona. Cochise College also provides online and hybrid courses, giving students flexible options as they prepare for college and career success.

4. Eastern Arizona College

Eastern Arizona College offers multiple pathways for students who have not completed a high school diploma or GED. Based in Thatcher, Arizona, the college provides adult education, GED preparation, workforce development, and career training programs that help students build the skills needed to continue their education or enter the workforce.

Students can pursue associate degrees and certificates in areas such as business, nursing, education, information technology, and agriculture. Eastern Arizona College also features online courses and fully online degree and certificate programs, making it easier for adult learners to continue their education from anywhere in the state.

5. Mesa Community College

Students without a high school diploma or GED can begin building their education through Mesa Community College's partnership with the Maricopa County Community College District's Adult Education programs. Located in Mesa, Arizona, the college connects learners with GED preparation, English language learning, workforce training, and other services that support Arizona's High School Equivalency (HSE) pathways.

Mesa Community College offers associate degrees and certificates in fields such as business, health care, computer information systems, education, and advanced manufacturing. The college also provides online and hybrid courses, along with several fully online degree options, including some of the most affordable online associate degrees in the country.

6. Mohave Community College

Mohave Community College serves students throughout northwestern Arizona from campuses in Bullhead City, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, and Colorado City. The college supports students without a high school diploma or GED through Adult Education, GED preparation, workforce development, and career and technical education programs that help learners prepare for college and employment. It’s also one of the colleges in Arizona with academic forgiveness.

Students can pursue associate degrees and certificates in areas such as business, health sciences, information technology, public safety, and skilled trades. Mohave Community College also offers online and hybrid courses, providing flexible learning opportunities for adult students across the region.

7. Pima Community College

Located in Tucson, Arizona, Pima Community College offers several educational pathways for students who have not earned a high school diploma or GED. Through its Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, English language learning, and workforce training programs, students can strengthen foundational skills while working toward an Arizona High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma and preparing for college-level study.

The college offers associate degrees and certificates in fields such as nursing, business, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and education. Pima Community College is one of the top online community colleges in Arizona, and features a wide selection of online courses and fully online degree and certificate programs, giving adult learners added flexibility as they pursue their educational goals.

8. Rio Salado College

As one of the best online community colleges in the nation, Rio Salado College is based in Tempe, Arizona, and serves as the Maricopa County Community College District's primary Adult Education provider. Students without a high school diploma or GED can access GED preparation, English language learning, Integrated Education and Training (IET), career readiness services, and other programs that support Arizona's HSE pathways.

The college offers associate degrees and certificates in areas such as business, education, health care, public administration, and information technology. Rio Salado College is also known for its extensive online learning options, making it one of Arizona's most flexible colleges for adult learners who want to continue their education while balancing work and family responsibilities.

9. Scottsdale Community College

Students without a high school diploma or GED can begin their educational journey through Scottsdale Community College's partnership with the Maricopa County Community College District's Adult Education programs. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, the college connects learners with GED preparation, English language learning, workforce training, and career pathway services that help students prepare for college and employment.

Scottsdale Community College offers associate degrees and certificates in fields such as business, health sciences, behavioral sciences, information technology, and the skilled trades. The college also provides online and hybrid courses, along with several fully online degree options, giving students flexible pathways to continue their education.

10. Yavapai College

Yavapai College serves students from its main campus in Prescott, Arizona, and supports adult learners through Adult Education, GED preparation, workforce development, and career training programs. These services help students without a high school diploma or GED build academic skills while preparing for an Arizona High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma or transition into college-level coursework.

The college offers associate degrees and certificates in areas such as business, nursing, computer science, advanced manufacturing, and public safety. Yavapai College also features online and hybrid courses, making it easier for students to balance their education with work, family, and other commitments.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. Because this ranking focuses on Arizona colleges that serve students without a high school diploma or GED, we also consider:

• Accreditation: We prioritize colleges that are institutionally accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency, ensuring students receive a quality education and earn credentials that are widely recognized.
• Admissions flexibility: We give preference to schools that offer Adult Education, GED preparation, Arizona High School Equivalency (HSE) pathways, Integrated Education and Training (IET), workforce training, continuing education, or other opportunities for students without a high school diploma or GED.
• Student support: Colleges earn higher marks for providing academic advising, tutoring, career services, adult learner resources, workforce development support, and transfer guidance that help students successfully move into certificate or degree programs.
• Affordability: We consider overall affordability, including access to financial aid, scholarships, workforce funding opportunities, and the lower tuition rates typically offered by Arizona's public community colleges.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. 

How To Apply to College in Arizona Without a Diploma or GED

Applying to college in Arizona without a high school diploma or GED starts with identifying the pathway that fits your goals. Depending on the school, you may begin through Adult Education, GED preparation, an Arizona High School Equivalency pathway, workforce training, Integrated Education and Training, or continuing education.

Contact the college's admissions office, adult education department, or workforce development division before applying. An advisor can explain whether you need to complete an assessment, enroll in GED preparation, begin with noncredit training, or qualify for a college credit or career readiness pathway.

You may need to submit an application, provide information about your previous education, meet with a counselor, or complete placement testing. Ask whether the program leads into college-credit coursework and what requirements you must meet before entering a certificate or degree program.

Can You Get Financial Aid Without a Diploma or GED in Arizona?

Some students without a high school diploma or GED may qualify for financial support, but eligibility depends on the program. Federal aid may be available through an approved Ability-to-Benefit career pathway if the college participates and the student meets all FAFSA and federal requirements. There are many online colleges that accept FAFSA in Arizona.

Students may also qualify for free or low-cost Adult Education, GED preparation, workforce grants, institutional scholarships, or funding for Integrated Education and Training programs. However, noncredit courses and GED preparation do not automatically qualify for federal financial aid.

Before enrolling, contact the college's financial aid or workforce office and ask whether your program accepts FAFSA, participates in Ability-to-Benefit, or qualifies for state, institutional, or workforce funding. Confirm which tuition, testing, books, supplies, and credential fees are covered before you register.

FAQs About Arizona Colleges That Don’t Require a High School Diploma or GED

Not having a high school diploma or GED does not necessarily prevent you from continuing your education in Arizona. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about admissions, high school equivalency pathways, and financial aid.

Can you go to college in Arizona without a high school diploma or GED?

Some Arizona colleges allow students without a high school diploma or GED to enroll in Adult Education, GED preparation, workforce training, continuing education, or other approved programs. Depending on the college, students may also qualify for an Arizona High School Equivalency (HSE) pathway before transitioning into certificate or degree programs.

What is Arizona's High School Equivalency Program?

Arizona's HSE Program allows eligible adults to earn a state-recognized high school equivalency diploma through the GED Testing Pathway, College Credit Pathway, or HSE PLUS Career Readiness Pathway. Community colleges across the state can help students determine which option best fits their educational background and career goals.

Are there online colleges that don't require a high school diploma or GED?

Some Arizona colleges offer online adult education, GED preparation, workforce training, and continuing education programs for students who have not yet earned a high school diploma or GED. However, most online degree programs require students to meet the college's admissions requirements before enrolling in college-level coursework.

Can you earn an Arizona High School Equivalency Diploma through college?

Arizona's College Credit Pathway allows eligible students to earn a state-recognized High School Equivalency Diploma by successfully completing qualifying college coursework instead of taking the GED exam. Eligibility requirements vary, so check with the college's adult education office before enrolling.

Can you get financial aid without a high school diploma or GED in Arizona?

Eligible students enrolled in an approved Ability-to-Benefit career pathway may qualify for federal financial aid if they meet all other federal requirements. Additional funding may also be available through workforce grants, institutional scholarships, Adult Education programs, or Integrated Education and Training initiatives, depending on the college and program.

Explore Arizona Degree and Certificate Programs

Start your journey toward a college degree, even without a GED or diploma, by exploring the Arizona schools featured on Learn.org. To find out more about admissions and enrollment, reach out to specific colleges individually.