10 Online Colleges That Accept the GED in 2025

The General Educational Development Test (GED) is an exam designed for students without a high school diploma. This test shows colleges that students have a high school level of education and are ready to pursue a degree.

If you're looking for colleges and universities that accept the GED, you'll be happy to know that virtually all schools accept this credential. Below, we'll explore some of the top accredited online schools that take the GED. We'll also discuss how you can prepare for the test and meet college admission requirements.

Best Online Colleges That Accept the GED Exam

Online colleges with high acceptance rates offer a greater likelihood of admission making them great options for students with GEDs. Explore the list below to find the top accredited schools that accept the GED exam.

1. Austin Peay State University

Austin Peay State University offers dozens of 100% online bachelor's and master's degrees in areas of study like computer science, humanities, and reading. Online learners benefit from a 94% acceptance rate and support services like academic advising. A GED score of 580 or higher can qualify for admission.

2. Fort Hays State University

Students with an overall GED score of 580 or higher can enroll at Fort Hays State University; however, applicants under age 21 must have minimum ACT or SAT scores. The school has an acceptance rate of 88% and offers over 200 online programs. Enrollees can apply for financial aid to reduce tuition costs.

3. Metropolitan State University of Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver, which accepts 98% of its applicants, requires a high school diploma or a GED score of 145 or higher on all four sections. Enrollees can choose from online programs in banking, health care management, and English and qualify for a $1,000 scholarship.

4. Middle Georgia State University

Middle Georgia State University offers online master's, bachelor's, and associate degrees in criminal justice, English, and more. The school's acceptance rate is 100% and high school and GED students are welcome to apply. Online learning benefits include continuous admissions and short eight-week courses for faster degree completion.

5. Missouri State University

Missouri State University accepts 93% of applicants, including students with GEDs. Learners with a GED score of 644 or higher aren't required to submit an ACT or SAT score. Missouri State offers online degrees in economics, marketing, social work, and more. Tutoring and student advising help online learners excel.

6. Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University's online degree programs are nationally ranked and feature short eight-week online classes. Coursework explores nursing, sociology, history, and more. Students with a GED can apply; however, anyone under age 25 must have ACT or SAT scores or take Accuplacer placement tests. The school's acceptance rate is 98%.

7. University of Wyoming

Students at the University of Wyoming can choose from 100% online college degrees in criminal justice, accounting, psychology, and beyond. The school accepts 96% of its applicants. Learners with GED credentials should have a minimum score of 164 and be at least 18 when their high school class graduates.

8. Utah State University

Utah State University has been ranked in the top 10% of schools recognized by U.S. News & World Report for offering the best online bachelor's programs. Online learners can choose from dozens of degrees covering a range of subjects. The school accepts 94% of applicants, including students with a GED diploma.

9. University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana offers 100% online programs with flexible scheduling and affordable tuition in nursing, electrical engineering, and more. Students with a GED are invited to apply; however, applicants ages 18 to 22 must submit an SAT or ACT score. The school's acceptance rate is 94%.

10. South Dakota State University

South Dakota State University accepts 86% of applicants, including students with a minimum score of 145 per subject on their GED. Enrollees can pursue online undergrad and grad degrees in data science, engineering, and more. Online tutoring and other support services help learners excel.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team selected the schools in the rank list above using a rigorous vetting process. Each institution has met the following criteria for delivering high-quality education:

• Accredited: The schools are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Reputable: We verified that the schools in this list are respected, considering factors such as acceptance rates, student outcomes, and graduation rates.
• Online student support: These colleges offer services for online learners like free tutoring and academic advising.

Understanding GED Equivalency To Meet Admission Requirements

High school equivalency tests help students without a high school diploma gain admission to schools of higher education. Online colleges accepting the GED typically require a minimum score of 145 per subject or 580 across all subjects.

Are College Admission Requirements Different With a GED?

Submitting a college application with a GED is similar to doing so with a high school diploma except applicants submit a GED transcript showing test scores instead of a high school transcript with their GPA. When applying, students should check for all other admission requirements so they're ready to submit ACT or SAT scores, letters of recommendation, and more.

How To Find Online GED Classes To Become College Ready

The GED Testing Service offers an online search tool to help students locate in-person GED prep courses. It also offers GED Live, online GED classes that prepare students for all four test subjects, and the GED Ready online practice test.

Other places to find online GED classes include local colleges, which sometimes offer free courses. You can also sign up for free online GED classes with USA Hello.

Online GED classes can help students increase their likelihood of college admission. Courses explore material covered on the exam and build confidence in students' ability to excel on test day.

Understand GED Scores

The GED test is divided into four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. Each subject is taken separately with the following official GED scoring:

• GED Passing Score: minimum score of 145 per test subject to earn high school equivalency
• GED College Ready: score of 165 to 174 on any test subject shows college-level course readiness
• GED College Ready + Credit: score of 175+ on any test subject shows an ability to qualify for up to 10 college credit hours

Understanding GED test scores is crucial to helping you meet your admission goals when applying to community colleges, technical colleges, four-year colleges, and more.

FAQs About GED Testing Services and College Enrollment

According to the GED Testing Service LLC, over 20 million people have earned their GED credentials since its launch. If you're ready to join them, review the FAQs below.

Which States Allow You To Take Your GED Online?

Most states let students take the GED online. Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New York, West Virginia, and Wyoming are among the states not offering online GED testing.

Can You Go To College Without a GED or High School Diploma?

There are community colleges and four-year colleges that admit students without a high school diploma or GED. However, completing a school placement test or state-approved proficiency exam might be required for admission.

Do Online Colleges Have Programs Specifically for GED Graduates?

Online colleges generally don't offer specific programs for GED graduates. These learners typically have the same online learning experience as high school graduates and can enroll in the same online degree programs.

Discover Accredited Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're eager to start an exciting career in your chosen field, explore the degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges today to learn how their programs can help you reach your career goals.