For many Americans, withdrawing from high school before graduation leads to several closed doors. Without a high school degree, most Americans have traditionally been unable to pursue higher education and obtain specific jobs. The bottom line is that a high school diploma or equivalency and some college coursework are necessary to make a decent living.
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. Sometimes, a GED and a college degree can be sought simultaneously.
The Short Path Without College
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, individuals who have not earned their high school degree stand to earn far less than individuals who have earned their high school diploma, associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or other advanced degrees or training. In fact, statistics show that high school graduates make, on average, over $7,000 more per year than workers who did not complete high school. Additionally, workers with an associate’s degree make about $7,000 more annually than those with a high school diploma. With reduced wages, pay, and benefits, individuals who do not graduate from high school are at a considerable economic and social disadvantage.
This video offers tips on preparing for the GED.
Furthermore, even when a high school dropout earns their GED, the struggle to find a good-paying job still exists. Many jobs today – even entry-level – require at least some college coursework, if not a completed associate’s degree. As a result, many GED earners and educational leaders assert that community colleges must boost their programs to support students with a GED more substantially. In so doing, community colleges ensure two things. First, they open otherwise closed doors to educational opportunities for students who did not complete high school. Secondly, they increase the number of students obtaining the necessary and relevant training to enter today’s workforce. As a result, more people have good-paying jobs. 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.
This video offers advice on taking the GED online at home.
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 support 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 simultaneously enroll in community college classes to earn their GED and college degrees. As RCC explains, students who are interested in earning their GED and a college degree are admitted through a particular admissions procedure: upon being accepted, students will begin their 24 credits to earn 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 in high school or have already completed their high school equivalency.
- Students must be at least 19 years of age and must be current residents of New York.
- Students must take the English and Math Assessment tests and 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 Columbia-Greene Community College (CGCC), located in Hudson, New York, are also provided 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 CGCC 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. For example, if a student would have graduated with the class of 2013, that class would have to have already graduated before a student who dropped out of high school can apply.
- Students must meet with an appointed admissions counselor to develop a specific curriculum with a defined educational plan.
- Official documentation must be provided to inform CGCC of the applicant’s withdrawal from high school.
- Students must take a placement exam, which aligns with the admissions policies established by CGCC 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 CGCC college diploma.
While these examples are for programs at two specific community colleges, the requirements and procedures for obtaining your GED are relatively comparable at nationwide schools. Although there is not currently a website that provides the names of schools that offer these programs, if you’re interested in obtaining your GED or pursuing a dual program to get your GED and associate’s degree at the same time, contact community colleges in your area and ask if such programs are offered. School websites generally have detailed information about GED programs; if not, call the school for more details.
How to Earn Your GED
If you’re interested in learning more about local community college opportunities but have not yet earned your GED, you can begin the primary enrollment and application steps today.
Take your first step to higher education by enrolling in one of your nearby community college GED courses or programs. While each state and community college has its requirements, most students can complete their GED in just two semesters. As most GED programs involve completing approximately 24 credit hours, students enrolled for the minimum full-time requirement (12 credit hours each semester) should be able to complete their GED while simultaneously (or soon after that) taking community college courses. Programs are flexible so students can enroll in more credits per semester or fewer credits depending on their needs.
To find out about programs in your area, check out the websites of a few of your local colleges. Just search the Internet for “GED programs” in the city in which you live. But be sure your program is offered at an accredited institution. If the schools seem to meet your needs, contact an admissions officer and begin your new educational and career plans today. Remember, hard work, time, and effort will pay dividends because of the better job opportunities and increased wages you can get with a completed GED program and a college degree.
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