Can You Go to College for Free With a GED?

Earning a General Educational Development (GED) certificate is an important milestone for many students who didn't complete high school. However, one common concern among GED holders is whether they can attend college for free, just like students with a high school diploma.

The good news is that it's absolutely possible to go to college for free with a GED. GED recipients have access to a variety of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options that can help them pursue a college education without the burden of tuition costs.

Below, we will explore how GED graduates can attend college tuition-free, focusing on scholarships, grants, and resources that make higher education accessible.

Scholarships for GED Students

Scholarships are one of the best ways to attend college for free. Many organizations offer scholarships specifically for students who have earned a GED. Below are some examples.

Horatio Alger Association Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association offers scholarships for students who have overcome adversity, including GED recipients. These scholarships provide around $2,500 to support those under 30 who demonstrate financial need.

Imagine America Foundation Scholarship

The Imagine America Foundation provides scholarships for GED recipients planning to attend vocational or technical colleges across the U.S. These $1,000 scholarships help reduce tuition costs at partner institutions, offering valuable financial support for career-focused education.

Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) Scholarship

The ASIST Scholarship, sponsored by Executive Women International, supports non-traditional students, including GED recipients, who are returning to school. This scholarship assists adults facing educational or financial challenges, with award amounts varying by region.

Grants for GED Students

Grants, like scholarships, do not need to be repaid and can be a great resource for GED holders who want to attend college. Below are a few grants that students can apply for.

Pell Grant

The Pell Grant is a federally funded, need-based grant that helps undergraduate students, including GED recipients, cover college costs without repayment. It can be used for tuition, books, and living expenses.

To qualify, students must demonstrate financial need by completing the FAFSA. For the 2024-2025 academic year, eligible students can receive up to $7,395 annually, depending on their financial situation.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

This federal grant is available to students with exceptional financial need. GED recipients are eligible, and the amount awarded ranges from $100 to $4,000 per year, depending on financial need and availability of funds at participating colleges.

State Grants

Many states offer grant programs specifically for residents pursuing higher education. GED holders can apply for these grants through their state's financial aid office. Examples include:

• California's Cal Grant
• New York's TAP (Tuition Assistance Program)
• Florida's FSAG (Florida Student Assistance Grant)

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants

WIOA grants are available to adults looking to improve their job prospects through education. These grants can cover the cost of job training programs, vocational schools, or community colleges, especially for individuals who have earned a GED.

College-Specific Programs

Many colleges and universities offer tuition assistance or free tuition programs for GED holders. Community colleges, in particular, often collaborate with state governments to provide tuition-free programs for in-state students. Below are several state programs that help you go to community college for free.

Tennessee Promise

Tennessee Promise is a last-dollar scholarship program that covers the cost of tuition and mandatory fees for community college students. This means that the program pays for whatever costs are left after other forms of financial aid, such as Pell Grants, are applied.

GED recipients are eligible for the program as long as they meet the residency, GPA, and community service requirements. Tennessee Promise also provides mentoring support to help students succeed in their academic journey.

Michigan Reconnect

Michigan Reconnect provides tuition-free access to community colleges for adults 25 and older. This program is designed to help non-traditional students, including GED holders, achieve their educational goals. For a limited time, however, adults 21 to 24 can apply until December 31, 2024, as well.

Michigan Reconnect is available at all public community colleges in the state and covers the cost of tuition for in-district students. It is part of a larger initiative to increase educational attainment in Michigan and create a more skilled workforce.

New York's Excelsior Scholarship

New York's Excelsior Scholarship is a first-of-its-kind program that allows eligible students to attend public colleges and universities within the State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) systems tuition-free.

While GED holders are eligible, they must meet certain residency, income, and academic progress requirements. The Excelsior Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship, covering remaining tuition costs after other grants and aid are applied.

Oregon Promise Grant

The Oregon Promise Grant is a state-funded grant program that offers $2,124 to $4,422 per year to help recent high school graduates and GED recipients cover the cost of community college tuition. While it primarily targets students directly out of high school, GED recipients who complete their GED test before a certain age qualify.

California College Promise Grant

California offers a College Promise Grant to eligible community college students, including GED holders. This grant waives enrollment fees for California residents attending a California Community College.

While this grant primarily assists low-income students, any student who meets the state's financial requirements, including those with a GED, can apply. The California College Promise Grant also helps with additional academic support services to ensure student success.

Other State Programs

If you don't live in one of the states listed above, you can research your own state's tuition assistance programs. Many states offer last-dollar scholarships, tuition waivers, or financial aid programs designed to help in-state students, particularly those attending community colleges.

To learn about your state's programs, you can visit your state's higher education or financial aid websites, or use online resources such as the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA) or your local community college's financial aid office.

Additionally, websites like CollegeScholarships.org and FinAid.org provide valuable information about state and federal financial aid options for GED recipients.

FAQs About Going to College for Free With a GED

To help you feel financially prepared for going to college, we've answered some frequently asked questions about going to college with a GED below.

Can I Get a Full Scholarship With a GED?

Yes, there are many full-tuition scholarships available to GED holders. The Pell Grant and state-specific grants can cover a significant portion of college costs. Additionally, private scholarships may provide full coverage depending on eligibility and financial need.

Does FAFSA Cover GED Students?

Yes, GED recipients are eligible to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). FAFSA can provide access to federal grants, loans, and work-study programs that can help cover the cost of college.

Are Community Colleges Free for GED Students?

Many community colleges offer free tuition programs to in-state students, and GED holders can qualify for these programs. For example, states like Tennessee and Michigan have programs that provide free community college to eligible residents, including those with a GED.

Are There Scholarships Specifically for GED Recipients?

Yes, many scholarships are designed specifically for GED recipients, such as the Imagine America Foundation Scholarship and the Horatio Alger Scholarship, which provide financial aid to help GED holders attend college.

Earn Your Degree Today

Now that you know going to college is affordable with a GED, research the college programs highlighted here on Learn.org. Reach out to any schools with programs that interest you to get more information about paying for college.