10 Community Colleges That Don’t Require High School Diplomas

Many students worry that not finishing high school will close the door to higher education, but that’s not always the case. Some community colleges that don’t require a high school diploma offer open-admission policies designed to give learners a second chance. 

These schools often provide alternatives like GED preparation, placement testing, or adult learner pathways that lead directly into college-level courses. With flexible entry points, you can begin working toward a certificate, associate degree, or transfer opportunities.

Do Community Colleges Require a High School Diploma?

Community colleges are known for open-enrollment policies, which means you don’t always need a high school diploma to get started. While some schools ask for a diploma or GED, many community colleges that don’t require a high school diploma give you other ways to qualify, such as placement tests or adult education programs. This makes higher education more accessible if your path hasn’t been traditional.

If you don’t have a diploma, you can still take advantage of options like GED prep classes, skill-building courses, or testing that shows you’re ready for college-level work. Once enrolled, you’ll find plenty of support, from tutoring and advising to career services. You can earn credits, transfer later on, or head straight into a career you’re excited about.

10 Community Colleges That Don’t Require High School Diplomas

Several community colleges can help you take your next step, even without your diploma. Many of these schools offer GED prep, adult education classes, and certificate programs that make it easier to move into college-level coursework.

1. Northeast Texas Community College

Northeast Texas Community College (NTCC) in Mount Pleasant, TX, makes it possible for you to start your education even if you don’t yet have a high school diploma. The college has open-admission policies, so you can enroll without traditional barriers, and it also provides options for students who need extra preparation before beginning college-level classes.

If you’re looking to earn your GED or improve your academic skills, NTCC offers adult education and literacy programs that can help you reach your goals. These resources are designed to support you step by step, whether you’re working toward a credential, exploring career training, or planning to transfer later.

• Estimated tuition cost: $55 per credit hour (in-district); $117 per credit hour (out-of-district); $300 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Oklahoma City Community College

Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) welcomes first-time and returning students and outlines options for learners who need college-prep support before taking credit classes. Their admissions pages explain steps for new students and point you to placement and readiness resources if you haven’t finished high school.

OCCC offers adult-education connections and referrals, including GED preparation and placement help, so you can move into career programs or transfer pathways once you’re ready. Staff typically guide new students through testing, course selection, and support services.

• Estimated tuition cost: $104 per credit hour (in-state); $296 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. Hinds Community College

Located in Raymond, MS, Hinds Community College makes clear that students without a high school diploma still have a pathway into higher education. You can begin college-level work while completing a high school equivalency, with admissions staff providing guidance and prep support to get you started.

Hinds also offers adult-education and GED-prep options, which vary by campus, and links those programs directly to college or workforce training. Advisors help you connect equivalency completion with short-term certificates or longer academic goals, giving you a clear route toward credentials and career opportunities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $123 per credit hour (in-state); $225 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Community College of Baltimore County

Serving Baltimore County, MD, the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) provides adult-education programs that link high school equivalency (HSE) preparation directly to career training and college pathways. Students can begin with foundational coursework or test prep and move step by step into workforce or credit-bearing programs.

Through CCBC’s services, you’ll find GED prep, ESL courses, and transition support designed for returning learners. Local partnerships and advising staff also help you match classes to your schedule while planning the next stage toward certificates, degrees, or employment.

• Estimated tuition cost: $124 per credit hour (in-county); $247 per credit hour (out-of-county/state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

5. Coconino Community College

At Coconino Community College, starting your education doesn’t depend on having a high school diploma in hand. Through the adult education program, you can enroll in GED and high school equivalency (HSE) preparation, ESL courses, and college readiness support simply by completing a free application and orientation. Classes are available in Flagstaff, AZ, online, or through Zoom.

When you’re ready to move forward, Coconino provides a smooth pathway into credit courses, workforce certificates, or transfer degrees. Advisors work with you on placement testing and planning, so you can build the confidence and skills to succeed.

• Estimated tuition cost: $124 per credit hour (resident); $434 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

6. Lawson State Community College

In Birmingham, AL, Lawson State Community College provides adult-education opportunities for learners who haven’t earned a high school diploma. Classes include high school equivalency (HSE/GED) preparation along with resources to help you transition smoothly into college-level coursework.

The college also ties its adult-education programs to workforce training and advising services. That means once you complete your equivalency, you can move directly into career certificates or associate degree programs. Campus staff guide you through testing, scheduling, and available financial assistance so you know what steps to take next.

• Estimated tuition cost: $131 per credit hour (in-state); $262 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Lane Community College

Lane Community College in Eugene, OR, maintains an open admissions policy designed to help you begin your education without unnecessary barriers. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a returning learner, or someone who hasn’t earned a high school diploma, Lane offers clear pathways to enrollment. The college provides guidance for under-18 students, as well as placement and readiness tools to ensure you can transition smoothly into credit or workforce programs.

If you don’t yet have a diploma, Lane supports your success through adult basic education, GED preparation, and college-prep options. Advisors and staff can connect you to developmental coursework and support services so you can build confidence before moving into degree or certificate programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $149 per credit hour (resident); $346 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: NWCCU

8. Reading Area Community College

As an open-enrollment institution in Reading, PA, Reading Area Community College (RACC) gives adult learners without a high school diploma ways to start college while completing needed credentials. Non-degree and transitional options make it possible to begin coursework right away.

Through its continuing-education and workforce programs, RACC offers GED and high school equivalency preparation alongside career training classes. Advisors help students connect exam preparation with short-term certificates or credit-bearing programs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $221 per credit hour (in-county); $387 per credit hour (out-of-county); $428 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

9. Columbia-Greene Community College

In Hudson, NY, Columbia-Greene Community College (C-GCC) makes it possible for students without a high school diploma to begin their education. The college outlines clear admissions routes for nontraditional applicants and directs them to adult-education resources that prepare them for college-level study.

C-GCC offers GED preparation along with connections to career certificates and transfer opportunities within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Staff provide guidance with testing, advising, and flexible entry points.

• Estimated tuition cost: $225 per credit hour (resident); $450 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Casper College

If you're looking for a place that meets you wherever you are on your education path, Casper College in Wyoming offers just that. You don’t need a high school transcript to get started. Students can work toward a High School Equivalency Certificate (HSEC) through the free Adult Learning Center, so missing that diploma doesn’t block your path to college.

Once you’ve got your HSEC, you're treated like any other applicant. Casper offers clear admissions pathways and support from the moment you start preparing, whether you're brushing up on basic skills or stepping directly into credit-earning classes and certificates. That makes it a practical, affordable way to begin your next chapter.

• Estimated tuition cost: $294 per credit hour (resident); $714 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: NWCCU

How We Selected These Schools

To make this list, we focused on community colleges that balance accessibility with quality. Each school was chosen based on the following criteria:

• Accreditation: Each college is accredited by a recognized regional accrediting body, which confirms that its programs meet established academic standards.
• Admissions policies: Schools were selected for offering clear options for students without a high school diploma, such as GED preparation, placement testing, or Ability to Benefit programs.
• Support services for nontraditional learners: These colleges provide resources like tutoring, advising, and adult education programs to help students transition successfully into college-level work.

Alternatives to a High School Diploma for Community College Admission

Not having a high school diploma doesn’t necessarily stop you from starting college. Many community colleges give you the chance to qualify through alternatives such as earning a GED or completing an adult basic education program. These options are designed to show that you have the foundational skills needed for college-level learning, and they can open the door to both academic and career-focused programs.

Another pathway is the Ability-to-Benefit test, which lets eligible students enroll in certain college courses and, in some cases, qualify for federal financial aid. Some schools combine this with prep classes or seminars to make sure you’re ready to succeed. Together, these pathways give you a few entry points so you can begin working toward a degree or certificate, even if your path to college looks a little different.

Benefits of Attending Community College Without a High School Diploma

Starting at a community college without a high school diploma can be a practical way to enter the workforce sooner. Many schools offer short-term certificates and training programs that prepare you for in-demand jobs, while also giving you the chance to build academic skills along the way. Because tuition at community colleges is typically much lower than at four-year schools, you can keep costs manageable while exploring career paths and gaining experience.

This option also creates long-term opportunities. As you strengthen your reading, writing, and math skills, you’ll be better prepared for credit-bearing courses that can lead to an associate degree or transfer to a university. Advisors and support services are there to guide you through the transition, so even if you start in adult education or GED prep, you still have a clear route toward higher degrees and future career growth.

FAQs About Community College Admission Without a Diploma

If you’re considering community college without a high school diploma, these common questions can help you understand your options and next steps.

Can You Get Federal Financial Aid Without a High School Diploma?

You typically need a high school diploma or GED to qualify for federal financial aid, but there is another option. Through the Ability-to-Benefit pathway, some students without a diploma can access aid if they complete certain requirements, like passing an approved test or enrolling in eligible career-focused programs alongside adult education courses.

Do All Community Colleges Accept Students Without a Diploma?

Not all community colleges admit students without a high school diploma, since policies differ by state and institution. Some schools have strict requirements, while others allow alternatives such as GED preparation, placement testing, or ability-to-benefit programs. It’s important to check directly with the college you’re interested in to learn about their specific admissions process.

What Programs Can You Take Without a High School Diploma?

Students without a diploma can often enroll in GED prep, adult basic education, or continuing education classes designed to build academic skills. Many community colleges also offer short-term certificate programs in fields like health care or technical trades that allow you to begin job training. These options serve as stepping stones to credit-bearing courses.

Can You Earn a Degree Without a High School Diploma?

While you may be able to start taking classes, most community colleges require a GED or diploma before you can officially graduate with an associate degree. Some schools let you begin coursework right away and complete equivalency requirements along the way. This setup allows you to stay on track toward a credential while filling in gaps.

Is Getting a GED Better Than Going Straight Into Community College?

Whether you pursue a GED first or jump into community college depends on your goals. A GED can provide more access to programs and financial aid, while enrolling directly may allow you to start career training sooner. Many students choose a combined approach, beginning college prep or certificates while working toward their GED.

Explore Community Colleges

Community colleges offer GED prep, adult education, and ability-to-benefit options that can help you move forward without a high school diploma. Browse programs on Learn.org and reach out to schools directly to compare admission policies, support services, and financial aid opportunities that fit your goals.