New York Colleges That Don't Require a Diploma or GED

Earning a college credential may still be possible even if you have not finished high school. While most colleges require a high school diploma or GED for admission into degree programs, some New York institutions offer alternative pathways through adult education, workforce training, high school equivalency preparation, or Ability-to-Benefit programs that help eligible students get started.

Keep reading as we highlight on campus and online colleges that don't require a high school diploma or GED in New York, along with schools that provide other opportunities for students without a diploma. Whether you're looking to prepare for the GED, complete career training, or begin working toward a college credential, these accredited institutions can help you take the next step.

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

Some New York colleges accept students without a high school diploma or GED, but the available options vary by institution and program. While most credit-bearing degree programs require proof of high school completion, some colleges offer adult education, high school equivalency (HSE) preparation, workforce training, or alternative admissions pathways for eligible students.

New York also allows certain colleges to participate in Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) programs. These programs can help eligible students begin working toward a college credential while meeting high school equivalency requirements, although each college determines how its ATB pathway is structured.

What Is an Ability-to-Benefit Pathway?

An Ability-to-Benefit pathway is a federal option that allows certain students without a high school diploma or GED to qualify for federal financial aid while enrolled in an eligible career pathway program. To participate, students must meet federal eligibility requirements and enroll in a college that offers an approved ATB program.

New York colleges operate ATB programs on an institution-by-institution basis. Some colleges allow eligible students to earn college credits while completing high school equivalency requirements, while others begin with adult education or workforce training before students transition into college-level coursework.

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

The schools below are all institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Each offers opportunities for students without a high school diploma or GED through adult education, high school equivalency preparation, workforce training, Ability-to-Benefit pathways, or other programs designed to help students begin their educational journey.

1. City College of New York

The City College of New York is a public City University of New York (CUNY) institution based in Manhattan, New York. Through its Division of Continuing and Professional Studies, the college offers free High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation for adults who want to earn the New York State HSE diploma before continuing into college or career training.

Students who complete the HSE program can explore associate, bachelor's, and certificate programs in fields such as engineering, education, business, and the liberal arts. While the HSE program is primarily offered in person, the college also provides a selection of online and hybrid academic courses for students after they enroll in eligible college programs.

2. Columbia-Greene Community College

Located in Hudson, New York, Columbia-Greene Community College is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system and offers pathways for eligible students who have not completed a high school diploma or GED. The college supports adult learners through workforce training, adult education opportunities, and advising designed to help students transition into college-level programs, making it a great option for high-school drop-outs.

Students can pursue associate degrees and certificates in areas such as business, health care, criminal justice, and liberal arts. Columbia-Greene Community College also offers a variety of online courses and several fully online degree options, providing added flexibility for working adults and other nontraditional learners.

3. Excelsior University

Excelsior University is based in Albany, New York, and focuses on flexible online education for adult learners, transfer students, and working professionals. Through its special student policy, some students without a high school diploma or GED may qualify for limited enrollment opportunities, depending on their academic background and program eligibility.

The university offers fully online programs in fields such as business, liberal arts, health sciences, nursing, technology, and public service. Excelsior can be a good option for adults who already have some college credit, professional training, or military experience and want a flexible pathway toward a degree.

4. Herkimer County Community College

Students without a high school diploma or GED can find educational pathways at Herkimer County Community College through adult education, workforce training, and other support programs designed for nontraditional learners. The SUNY community college is located in Herkimer, New York, and helps eligible students prepare for long-term academic and career success. As a public school, it offers some of the most affordable online associate degrees in New York.

Herkimer offers associate degrees and certificates in fields such as business, health professions, criminal justice, and technology. The college also provides online and hybrid coursework, including several fully online associate degree programs, making it a flexible option for students balancing work, family, and school.

5. Kingsborough Community College

Kingsborough Community College is a CUNY institution located in Brooklyn, New York. Through its Continuing Education programs, the college offers High School Equivalency preparation, adult education, and career training options for students who have not yet earned a diploma or GED.

The college offers associate degrees and certificates in areas such as business, health care, criminal justice, education, and liberal arts. Kingsborough also provides some online and hybrid courses, helping students move from adult education or workforce training into college-level study when they are ready.

6. LaGuardia Community College

LaGuardia Community College is a CUNY institution located in Queens, New York, with a long-standing commitment to adult learners. Through its Adult and Continuing Education division, the college offers High School Equivalency preparation, English language learning, workforce training, and transition programs for students who have not yet earned a high school diploma or GED.

Students can continue into associate degree and certificate programs in areas such as business, health sciences, information technology, and liberal arts after meeting admissions requirements. LaGuardia also offers a variety of online and hybrid courses, providing additional flexibility for students as they advance their education.

7. Monroe University

Located in the Bronx, New York, Monroe University offers career-focused educational opportunities for adult learners and nontraditional students. Through its Career Pathways Program, eligible students without a high school diploma or GED may qualify for workforce training and academic support designed to help them continue toward college and career goals.

The university offers associate, bachelor's, and graduate degree programs in fields such as business, criminal justice, health care, hospitality, and information technology. Monroe also provides a wide range of online degree programs, making it easier for working adults to continue their education on a flexible schedule.

8. Niagara County Community College

Niagara County Community College is a SUNY institution based in Sanborn, New York, and stands out for its dedicated "No Diploma?" pathway. Eligible students without a high school diploma or GED may qualify for career training, workforce education, or other educational opportunities while working toward meeting program requirements.

Students can choose from associate degrees and certificates in areas such as business, health studies, criminal justice, engineering technology, and liberal arts. The college also offers online and hybrid courses, along with academic advising and transfer support to help students continue their education after completing their initial pathway.

9. Suffolk County Community College

Suffolk County Community College is a SUNY institution located in Selden, New York, and is one of the state's leading colleges for students without a high school diploma or GED. Through its approved Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) program, eligible students can begin working toward an associate degree while earning the college credits needed to qualify for a New York State High School Equivalency diploma.

The college offers associate degrees and certificates in fields such as business, health sciences, computer science, and skilled trades. Students can also take advantage of online and hybrid courses, allowing them to make progress toward both their educational credential and college goals with greater flexibility.

10. Westchester Community College

Adult learners who have not completed a high school diploma or GED can access educational pathways through Westchester Community College's workforce development and continuing education programs. Based in Valhalla, New York, the SUNY community college partners with local organizations to provide High School Equivalency preparation, career training, and support for students preparing to enter college.

Westchester offers associate degrees and certificates in areas such as business, health care, information technology, and the liberal arts. The college also provides a variety of online and hybrid courses, giving students flexible options as they transition from adult education into college-level study. It’s also one of the community colleges offering academic forgiveness options.

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 New York 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 Ability-to-Benefit pathways, alternative admissions options, high school equivalency preparation, workforce training, or other opportunities for students without a diploma or GED.
• Student support: Colleges earn higher marks for providing academic advising, tutoring, career services, adult learner resources, and transfer support that help students successfully move into certificate or degree programs.
• Affordability: We consider overall affordability, including access to financial aid, scholarships, workforce development funding, and the lower tuition rates typically offered by New York's public community colleges.

Learn more about our ranking methodology. 

How To Apply to College in New York Without a Diploma or GED

Applying to college in New York without a high school diploma or GED starts with finding a school that offers the right pathway. Depending on the college, you may begin through High School Equivalency preparation, adult education, workforce training, an Ability-to-Benefit program, or limited enrollment as a nondegree student.

Start by contacting the admissions office, adult education division, or continuing education department at the college you want to attend. An advisor can explain whether you should apply for HSE preparation, complete a placement process, enroll in career training, or explore an ATB option.

You may need to complete an application, meet with a counselor, take placement assessments, or provide information about your previous education. If your goal is a degree or credit certificate, ask when you can move into college-level coursework and whether you need to earn the New York State High School Equivalency diploma first.

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

Some students without a high school diploma or GED can qualify for financial aid in New York, but only through approved pathways. The main option is Ability-to-Benefit, which may allow eligible students to access federal financial aid while enrolled in an eligible career pathway program.

Students may also qualify for state, local, institutional, or workforce funding, depending on the program. For example, some HSE preparation, adult education, and workforce training programs may be free or low cost through CUNY, SUNY, community partners, or local workforce agencies.

Before enrolling, contact the college’s financial aid office and ask whether your program qualifies for FAFSA, Ability-to-Benefit aid, New York State aid, scholarships, or workforce funding. Not every GED/HSE prep class or noncredit training program qualifies for federal aid, so it is important to confirm eligibility before you register.

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

If you're considering college before earning a high school diploma or GED, you probably have questions about admissions, financial aid, and your available options. Here are answers to some of the most common questions for students in New York.

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

Yes, some New York colleges allow students without a high school diploma or GED to enroll in adult education, High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation, workforce training, or other approved programs. Some colleges also offer Ability-to-Benefit pathways that can help eligible students begin working toward a college credential.

Do Ability-to-Benefit programs let you take college-level courses without a diploma or GED?

Sometimes. Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) is a financial aid pathway rather than a universal admissions policy, so each college structures its program differently. Some New York colleges allow eligible students to begin earning college credit while completing HSE requirements, while others require students to start with adult education or workforce training before moving into college-level coursework.

Can you earn your GED while attending college in New York?

In some cases, yes. Certain New York colleges partner with adult education providers or operate approved Ability-to-Benefit programs that allow eligible students to work toward a High School Equivalency diploma while preparing for or completing college coursework.

Is community college free in New York?

Community college is not automatically free in New York, but many students pay little or no tuition after financial aid. Programs such as the Excelsior Scholarship, along with federal and state grants, can cover much or all of the cost for eligible students. While there are no truly free online community colleges in New York, financial aid and scholarship programs can make online community college much more affordable.

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

Some New York colleges offer online High School Equivalency preparation, workforce training, continuing education, and other programs for students who have not yet earned a diploma or GED. However, fully online degree programs typically require students to meet the institution's admissions requirements before enrolling for college credit.

Explore New York Degree and Certificate Programs

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