Published April 17, 2009
Written by Grace Chen
For many Americans, withdrawing from high school prior to graduation has lead to a number of closed doors. Without a high school degree, most Americans have been traditionally unable to pursue higher forms of education.
Fortunately, community colleges across the country are striving to provide more programs to cater to the needs of non-high school graduates. Upon earning one’s GED, students can enroll in community college to pursue a variety of career and college degree opportunities.
The Short Path without College
According to reports, individuals who have not earned their high school degree stand to earn far less than individuals who have earned their high school, associates, bachelors, and / or additional degrees. With reduced wages, pay, and benefits, individuals who did not graduate from high school are at a considerable economic and social disadvantage.
Furthermore, even when a high school dropout earns his or her GED, the struggle to find a high paying job still exists. As a result, many GED earners and educational leaders assert that community colleges must boost their programs to more substantially support students with a GED.
Reinforcing the argument that increased community college access helps foster enhanced opportunities, The Republican asserts that programs that offer support, “Began with the realization that people who got their GED needed to move on to get college education so they can be financially independent.” With this access to higher education, students attending community college programs with their GED will be able to pursue career pathways that are substantially more sustainable, profitable, and potentially more rewarding!
How to Earn Your GED and College Degree – Simultaneously
If you’re ready to begin your path to higher education, start by first completing your GED; however, if you have not yet completed your GED, have no fear! There are plenty of community colleges that provide supportive programs for students who are non-high school graduates who have not yet completed their GED.
For example, Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern, New York, allows students who have not yet completed high school to enroll in community college classes in order to earn both their GED and college degree simultaneously! As RCC explains, students who are interested in earning their GED and college degree are admitted through a special admissions procedure; upon being accepted, students will begin their 24 credits to earning their GED. Additional stipulations apply for a student to be admitted, including requirements such as:
- Students must attend a GED workshop at RCC before applying
- Students must not be high school or high school equivalency graduates
- Students must be 19 years of age and must be a current resident of New York
- Students must take the English and Math Assessment tests, and must earn scores that meet or exceed the “Ability to Benefit” scores (determined by the U.S. Department of Education)
In addition to programs available at RCC, students attending Hudson-Greene Community College (HGCC), located in Hudson, New York, are also provide with unique GED and degree opportunities.
Typically, students who have completed their high school requirements and who have earned a diploma are able to apply for and attend classes; however, students without a diploma or GED can apply and potentially attend HGCC if they meet the following requirements:
- Students must be 17 years old
- The high school class in which the applicant entered 9th grade must have already graduated
- Students must meet with an appointed admissions counselor to develop a specific curriculum / educational plan
- Official documentation must be provided to inform HGCC of the applicant’s withdrawal from high school
- Students must take a placement exam (the exam aligns with the admissions policies established by HGCC and New York State’s Education Department)
- Students who have not yet earned their GED or high school diploma must earn their GED prior to receiving their HGCC college diploma
How to Earn Your GED
If you’re interested in finding out more about local community college opportunities but you have not yet earned your GED, you can begin the primary enrollment and application steps today!
Take your first step on your pathway higher education by simply enrolling in one of your nearby community college GED courses / programs. While each state and community college has its own requirements, most students can complete their GED in just two semesters. As most GED programs involve the completion of approximately 24 credit hours, students who are enrolled for the minimum full time requirement (12 credit hours each semester) should be able to complete their GED while simultaneously (or soon thereafter) taking community college courses.
To find out about programs in your area, check out the websites of a few of your local colleges. If the schools seem to meet your needs, contact an admissions officer and begin your new educational and career plans today!
Resources:
The Republican, “Program Offers College Gateway,” http://www.masslive.com/springfield/republican/index.ssf?/base/news-20/1239088611179030.xml&coll=1
Rockland Community College, available at http://www.sunyrockland.edu/prospective-students/ged
Hudson-Greene Community College, available at http://www.sunycgcc.edu/Admissions/?incFil=Admissions/ProgSpecific/nonhsgrad.cfm&mLvl=2&smLvl=3&lFrom=1
Read Related About College Articles:
- What is a Community College?
Learn about what community colleges are, how they work, and how they can benefit you. - Choosing a Community College
Learn how to evaluate and choose a community college that is right for you. - 5 Steps to Choosing the Best Community College for You
Take the five steps to selecting a community college that will best suit your academic, professional, and personal goals. - The Value of Accreditation - Choosing Wisely
Learn how to evaluate colleges based on accreditation, and why it's important. - The Top 7 Community College Myths
Learn the top 7 myths about community colleges. - How Community Colleges are Outperforming 4 Year Universities
Learn how community colleges are outperforming 4 year universities in several different areas. - Online Community College Classes
Learn how online courses broaden the options of a community college education. - Continuing Education Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn about the variety of options for continuing education in community colleges. - Careers After Community College
Learn about fast-growing careers and degrees community college grads are pursuing. - Thinking of Becoming a Scientist or Engineer? Consider Community College
Learn how community college can be a great start for becoming a scientist or engineer. - Recession-Proof Careers for Community College Students
Learn about several careers for community college students that are likely to weather an economic downturn. - Licensing and Certification Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn about the numerous licensing and certification opportunities available at community colleges. - Look to Your Community College for 3 Recession-Proof Healthcare Careers
Learn about three recession-proof healthcare careers that you can pursue right from your local community college. - Earn a High Paying Career Without a Four Year Degree
Learn how community colleges and associate degrees can lead to high paying careers. - Obtaining Your Bachelors Degree at a Community College
Learn about the growing trend of obtaining your bachelor's degree in community college. - The Top 15 Community Colleges for Digital Technology
Learn about which community colleges are ranked in the top 15 in the nation for their digital technology programs and infrastructure. - Community Colleges Fight for the Right to Grant Four-Year Degrees
Does your state allow community colleges to grant bachelor's degree? Learn about both sides of the debate and how it impacts community college students. - Are Community College Leaders Entitled to Pay Raises Amidst the Recession?
Despite budgetary cuts, some community colleges are giving their executives pay raises. Learn about the controversy and whether or not these pay raises are justified. - The Secrets to Success at Community College Job Fairs
Capitalize upon the secrets and strategies of enhancing your job prospects and career opportunities at a community college job fair. - 7 Trends in Community Colleges
Learn about seven trends occurring in community colleges today. - Changing Student Demographics: Rising Number of Professional Students
Learn about the increasing numbers of older, professional students attending community colleges, which offer excellent opportunities for adult learners. - Why High School Students Should Take Community College Classes
Learn the many reasons why high school students should take community college classes. - Seniors Planning for Community College
Learn what steps a senior should take in planning for community college. - Value of an Associates vs. Bachelors Degree
Compare the true value of earning your Associates or Bachelors degree, and learn about which one will be worth your time and investment. - High School Diploma vs. GED
Learn about the differences and impact between obtaining a high school diploma and a GED. - Programs for Seniors Citizens and Retirees at Community Colleges
Read about the increasing number of programs for senior citizens and retirees at community colleges. - Can Community Colleges Cure the Economy?
Learn about recent government recommendations for community colleges and their role in our nation's competitiveness. - Community Colleges and the Global Economy
Learn how community colleges have evolved to prepare students for the global economy. - Community Colleges and Homeland Security
Learn the important role community colleges have take in improving homeland security. - Discover the Latest Eco-Friendly Innovations from the Green California Community College Summit
Take a peek into the Green California Community College Summit to learn about the latest developments in eco-friendly technology, jobs, and trends. - How Community Colleges are Cutting Costs with New Resources
Learn about how community colleges across the nation are reducing their campus costs by incorporating eco-friendly and green technologies. - Eco-friendly Technologies at Community College
Learn how community colleges are implementing eco-friendly technologies to build "green" campuses. - How Community Colleges Fundraise to Improve Campuses
Learn about how fund raising efforts are boosting community college campus environments. - Learning the Eco-Friendly Way: Community College Nature-Based Studies and Environmental Clubs
Explore how community colleges are pioneering the green trend and learn about new environmental protection clubs and exciting nature classes. - Leading the Way in Living Smoke Free: Banning Tobacco on Community College Campuses
Learn about the growing trend among community colleges to ban tobacco use on campus. - Community College Summer Camps for Kids
Community college is not just for young adults; learn how your kids can take advantage of learning opportunities offered at your local community college campus. - Will the Failing Auto Industry Drive Up Community College Enrollment Rates?
Learn about how the failure of the American auto industry, along with President Obama's education initiatives, will translate into increased enrollment in community college campuses. - Why Student Enrollment Rises as the Economy Falls
Learn about the trend to attend community college when the economy may face weakness in growth.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
