8 Great Community Colleges That Don’t Require a High School Diploma

Many students without high school diplomas want to pursue college, but they hit a major barrier: most colleges require that diploma. This leads many to believe they have few options—or none at all.

Many community colleges and universities accept students without traditional high school diplomas. Many community college students, including non-traditional students who are returning to education after years in the workforce, successfully enroll in these programs and start earning college credit toward their degrees. All colleges listed here have full accreditation from recognized boards and commissions.

What Is a High School Diploma and Why Is It Normally Required?

A high school diploma shows you’ve completed your required education, and most colleges and employers expect to see it as part of admission or hiring.

That said, it isn’t the only way forward. Having a diploma (or equivalent) can make it easier to transfer between schools, but many colleges also provide alternative pathways for students to start earning transferable credits without one.

Is It Easy to Find Universities That Don’t Require High School Diploma?

Yes, you can find colleges that don’t require a high school diploma. While most colleges do ask for one, many will accept alternatives like a GED certificate or let you take placement exams instead.

Many non-traditional students take advantage of these pathways to start taking college courses in their chosen field right away

How to Get Into a College That Doesn’t Require a High School Diploma

Colleges that don’t require a high school diploma expect prospective students to provide other documents or meet specific criteria that prove their readiness for college-level work. You may be required to:

• Provide ACT or SAT scores
• Submit letters of recommendation
• Complete a high proficiency examination
• Take a GED preparation course
• Submit vocational school results

Completing one or more of these steps can open the door to enrolling as a community college student and starting to build college credit that could later be transferred to a four-year program.

Which Schools Do Not Require a High School Diploma for College Admissions?

Best Colleges That Don’t Require Require High School Diploma

Below are a few examples from the list above, along with what makes them stand out for non-traditional students, transfer students, and those seeking college credit.

Columbia-Greene Community College¹

Columbia-Greene accepts students who do not have a high school diploma or GED, as long as their high school class has graduated. Applicants must submit official documentation of withdrawal and pass placement exams. The college offers associate degrees and certificate programs in fields such as business, computer science, and health sciences, making it a good choice for transfer students aiming to move to a four-year school.

Union County College²

Union County College follows an open admissions policy, allowing applicants aged 18 or older to enroll without a high school diploma. The college provides career and technical education programs in areas like nursing, criminal justice, and business administration, as well as pathways for students to transition into degree programs and earn college credit for transfer.

Hinds Community College³

Hinds offers MI-BEST and vocational pathways for students without a diploma or GED. These programs combine workforce training with basic skills instruction so students can work toward both career credentials and their GED at the same time, building a foundation of college courses that can lead to a degree.

Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)⁴

CCBC allows students without a diploma to pursue their education through its Adult Education division, which offers GED preparation classes and the National External Diploma Program (NEDP). These programs are separate from the college’s credit-bearing degree and certificate programs, which require a high school diploma or GED for admission. In addition, CCBC provides a wide range of workforce development offerings—including healthcare, IT, and skilled trades—alongside associate degree programs designed for transfer to four-year institutions.

Colorado State University⁵

Colorado State accepts the GED as a high school equivalency credential. Applicants must still meet GPA or standardized testing requirements. CSU offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, with strong programs in engineering, environmental sciences, and business, making it an attractive choice for transfer students looking to advance beyond an associate degree.

Niagara County Community College⁶

Niagara County Community College accepts GED holders under its open enrollment policy. Students can choose from career-focused associate degrees and transfer programs in fields like culinary arts, hospitality, health studies, and STEM disciplines, earning college credit that can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.

Lawson State Community College⁷

Lawson State accepts applicants with a GED in lieu of a diploma. The college offers a wide variety of academic and technical programs, from automotive technology and welding to nursing and business, as well as adult education support services tailored for non-traditional students.

Houston Community College⁸

Houston Community College accepts GED holders and provides flexible learning options, including in-person, hybrid, and fully online programs. HCC offers workforce certificates, associate degrees, and transfer pathways, with notable strengths in business, information technology, and healthcare training. Many community college students here also transfer their college credit to universities across Texas.

Opportunities for Non-Traditional Students

Many of the schools above are built with non-traditional students in mind—whether you’re an adult going back to school, a working professional, a parent, or a veteran. Flexible schedules, evening classes, and online options make it easier to fit college around your life. Some colleges even give credit for previous work or military experience, helping you move toward a degree faster.

Earning and Transferring College Credit

Even without a high school diploma, you can start earning college credit toward a degree. Many community colleges have transfer student pathways and articulation agreements with four-year universities, allowing you to move smoothly into a bachelor’s program. By starting at a community college, you can take general education college courses at a lower cost and transfer those credits later — a smart move for both recent GED earners and non-traditional students.

Should You Still Submit a High School Diploma Even if It Is Not Required?

Yes, you should submit a high school diploma even if it’s not required because it demonstrates academic commitment and a strong work ethic. However, students who didn’t graduate high school shouldn’t worry about not having a high school diploma as many schools understand there are a plethora of circumstances that can make obtaining one difficult.

Submit a High School Diploma if

• It strengthens your admission prospects
• It exempts you from a GED program or proficiency exam
• It increases your eligibility for grants, scholarships, or other aid

Don’t Submit High School Diploma if

• The school clearly states it is optional or unnecessary
• It does not affect your admission chances
• There are no added benefits tied to providing it

Should I Attend a College That Doesn’t Require High School Diploma?

Yes, you can attend a college that doesn’t require a high school diploma. These schools often offer vocational training, GED preparation courses, and placement tests to help students succeed. With or without a high school diploma, you can start your higher education journey and earn college credit that leads to new opportunities.

Sources

1. https://www.columbiagreene.edu/admissions/admissions-options-no-high-school/
2. https://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/new-jersey/union-county-college/admission/
3. https://www.hindscc.edu/admissions/no-high-school-diploma
4. https://www.edUnion County College – Admission Requirements, SAT, ACT, GPA and chance of acceptanceucationconnection.com/resources/colleges-that-dont-require-high-school-diploma-or-ged/
5. https://admissions.colostate.edu/apply/special-circumstances/non-high-school-graduates/
6. https://sunyniagara.edu/admissions/
7. https://www.lawsonstate.edu/how_to_apply/default.aspx
8. https://www.hccs.edu/applying-and-paying/first-time-at-hcc/