Can You Go to College with a HiSET Diploma? Requirements and Opportunities

For individuals who didn't graduate high school, a High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, such as the HiSET, offers a path to further education and career advancement. This article explores the requirements for obtaining a HiSET diploma and its acceptance by colleges and universities.

What is the HiSET Exam?

The HiSET® exam is an affordable and accessible high school equivalency test option for out-of-school youth and adults without a high school diploma. It allows them to demonstrate their skills and knowledge and earn a state-issued high school equivalency credential. The HiSET exam measures skills comparable to those of high school graduates.

HiSET vs. GED

The GED (General Educational Development) test is another well-known HSE option. Both the GED test and HiSET exam are recognized high school equivalency credentials. The HiSET features an additional testing category.

HiSET Requirements and Eligibility

Specific requirements for the HiSET exam vary by state. Here's a closer look at the requirements in Georgia and Iowa:

Georgia

Age: Candidates must be at least 16 years of age. Sixteen and 17-year-olds must enroll in a state-approved adult education program and receive approval to test.
Residency: You do not need to be a resident of Georgia to take the HiSET exam in Georgia; however, you must take and pass your last exam in Georgia to earn the state credential.
Registration: Sign up at www.hiset.org to set up a My HiSET Account and schedule your exam. You can also call the PSI Customer Service at 1-855-MyHiSET (1-855-694-4738). A $10 fee will be applied when registering by phone.
Cost: The HiSET computer-based five subject tests are $31 each, totaling $155 for the full battery.
Retesting: For the HiSET computer-based exam, you will receive two retests per subtest at $16 each taken within 12 calendar months. Candidates must wait 14 days between test attempts.
Expiration: In Georgia, there are no scheduled plans for the expiration of the HiSET Exam.

Iowa

Age: If you are 18 years old or older, you may take the HiSET exam without meeting special circumstances. For all candidates under 18 years old, a drop form or proof of non-enrollment is necessary.
Additional Requirements: If you are 16 years and 9 months old, and not a resident of an Iowa state training school or Iowa juvenile home, and not under the supervision of a probation office, you may still take the HiSET exam.
Instruction: Iowa requires all test takers to receive instruction in an adult education classroom before taking the HiSET exam. The amount of instruction varies by testing center.
Practice Test: Official practice test verification is required on test day for admittance to testing.
Identification: You must present identification on test day at the HiSET test center. Outdated or expired identification will not be accepted.
Score Expiration: Iowa has specific rules about HiSET scores expiring in five (5) years.
Retesting: You may retake each subtest two times over the 12 months following your first attempt.

HiSET Subjects

The HiSET exam covers five subject areas:

Language Arts-Reading
Language Arts-Writing
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies

HiSET Scoring

The HiSET pass score indicates that 60 percent of graduating high school students would pass the HiSET exam.

College Admissions and the HiSET

The short answer is yes: most degree and certificate programs accept applicants who have their GED.

Acceptance of HiSET by Colleges

Most, but not all, universities are open to applicants who have a GED or other HSE. It’s a good idea to check the application requirements for the university or college you wish to apply to, along with the specific degree program in which you intend to enroll.

Steps to Take When Applying to College with a HiSET

Whether you have a high school diploma, your GED, or another type of HSE credential, there are specific steps you can (and should) take when applying to college. These steps will help you prepare the most substantial application possible, increasing your odds of acceptance and making the application process feel more manageable and less intimidating.

Most, but not all, universities are open to applicants who have a GED or other HSE. It’s a good idea to check the application requirements for the university or college you wish to apply to, along with the specific degree program in which you intend to enroll.
The admissions office is a fantastic resource for accurate, up-to-date information about a college’s admission policies and standards relating to GEDs and all other aspects of your application.
Some colleges and universities require applicants to submit one to three letters of recommendation. Even if a letter of recommendation is optional instead of required, including one can help bolster your application and is strongly encouraged.

Additional Application Considerations

GPA Conversion: Colleges and universities routinely request GPA information from applicants, so where does that leave students with a GED? Fortunately, numerous online calculators can help you convert your GED score into a GPA.
Transcripts: It’s easy to request your GED transcript online. You can also order a GED transcript on another person’s behalf, such as requesting your child’s transcript. You should receive the requested transcripts within two weeks.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Tuition and application costs can vary widely across universities or individual programs within the same university. When creating your college budget, be sure to compare factors like yearly in-state vs. Scholarships and other financial aid packages can reduce the increasing costs of a college education.

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Benefits of Earning a College Degree

Having an associate’s or bachelor’s degree boosts your earning potential, makes you eligible for a broader range of jobs, and opens doors to exciting career development opportunities.

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