Is GED a bachelor's degree?

No, a GED is not a bachelor's degree; it's a certificate that proves you have high school-level education, equivalent to a high school diploma, allowing you to apply for college to earn a bachelor's degree, but it's not a degree itself. While a GED is widely accepted by colleges and employers as a high school equivalency, it represents a different level of academic achievement than a college degree, which involves several years of post-secondary study.

Is GED the same as bachelor's degree?

Passing the GED (or a similar certificate of high school equivalency) equates to earning a high school diploma. We need something similar for a bachelor's degree.

Can I get a bachelor's degree if I have a GED?

The short answer is yes: most degree and certificate programs accept applicants who have their GED. However, besides having a GED, you'll also need to meet the college and degree program's other application requirements.

Does getting a GED count as graduating?

A GED is intended to be an equivalent measure of high school education. Unlike earning a high school diploma, attaining a GED requires completion of standardized tests to assess high school-level understanding of core subjects (math, science, social studies, language arts). There is no formal coursework required.

What kind of degree can I get with a GED?

GED diploma-holders may choose to go to a community college to earn an in-demand associate degree, or they may apply directly to a four-year school. Most U.S. colleges, including Ivy League schools like Harvard and Yale, accept an applicant's GED certificate, just as they do a high school diploma.

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Is GED a graduate degree?

'GED' stands for General Educational Development Test, although you may also hear it referred to as 'Graduate Equivalency Degree' and 'General Educational Diploma'. Essentially, a GED is a credential you earn by passing a series of tests that indicate you have a high school level of education.

What qualifications do I need for a bachelor's degree?

Entry requirements

Most bachelor's degrees ask for at least two A levels at grade E or above (or equal grades in other qualifications). The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) operates a system called the 'UCAS Tariff'.

Is a GED not a diploma?

A high school diploma signifies that the student has attended and successfully completed all required courses in a traditional classroom setting. The GED is a set of 5 exams that determines whether the test-taker has a high school graduate's level of knowledge.

Can jobs tell if I have a GED?

Background checks usually verify whether a candidate received a post-high school academic degree from an educational institution. If necessary, high school diplomas and GED credentials may also be confirmed.

Will Harvard accept a GED?

Yes, Harvard University accepts GEDs as an equivalent to a high school diploma for admission, but applicants need to demonstrate exceptional academic readiness and promise, often through outstanding SAT/ACT scores, strong extracurriculars, and compelling personal experiences to stand out among highly competitive applicants. While a GED allows you to apply, you must prove you're academically competitive with traditional high school graduates, as Harvard looks for top-tier candidates.
 

What qualifies you as a bachelor?

Typically, a bachelor's degree takes four to five years to complete and consists of 120 to 130 semester credit hours. You are expected to choose a major concentration (a specific area of study) and take additional required courses outside of your chosen major.

What is my GPA if I got a GED?

To convert your GED to a GPA, divide your total score by the number of sections on the test you took. Most students are tested on five sections of the GED. For example, if your total score was 2300 and you took five sections, your average GED score would be 460 (2300/5 = 460).

Is GED equivalent to 12th?

The General Educational Development (GED) tests are a group of four academic subject tests in the United States and its territories certifying academic knowledge equivalent to a high school diploma.

Can I go to a 4 year college with a GED?

Just because you didn't finish high school, doesn't mean you can't go to college. By getting your GED diploma, you can apply to virtually any type of secondary school, including community colleges and four-year universities.

What is the downside of a GED?

Disadvantages of a GED include potential employer/college bias favoring traditional diplomas, fewer networking/extracurricular opportunities, lower earning potential in some studies, and the need for significant self-discipline for the self-study format, which might leave knowledge gaps compared to a structured high school curriculum. It also comes with testing fees, unlike free public high school diplomas, and may not be accepted by certain programs or the military as readily.
 

Is a GED the same as an associate's degree?

An associate degree refers to the degree that falls between getting a GED or high school diploma and a bachelor's degree. Associate degrees usually take two to three years to complete as opposed to the four or five years people often take to earn a bachelor's degree.

What is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks to pass are typically for top-secret government security clearances or highly sensitive corporate roles, involving deep dives into finances, international history, personal relationships (interviews with family/friends), and extensive criminal/employment records (SF-86 form), often requiring levels 4/5 screening with credit checks, social media, and more. These checks are notoriously difficult due to their sheer depth and the scrutiny on financial stability, integrity, and trustworthiness, far beyond standard employment checks.
 

Can you still get any job with a GED?

Per the information published on the GED Testing Service website in 2020, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics highlighted that 73% of American employers require a high school diploma or GED. This means that taking the GED test improves your chances of landing a job.

How do employers verify graduation?

Sometimes, a hiring manager may ask you to present your diploma, so they can keep a copy of it in your file. Other applications can require you to submit or order a sealed transcript. Another way a hiring manager may authenticate your education is by contacting the schools or universities that you attended.

Can I say I graduated if I got my GED?

Yes, you absolutely can say you "graduated" with a GED, as it's officially a high school equivalency diploma recognized by employers and colleges, but you should be accurate and list it as a "General Educational Development (GED) Certificate" or mention you earned your "high school equivalency diploma," demonstrating you met 12th-grade level skills. It's best to list it in your education section just like a diploma, showing you achieved equivalent knowledge, and it opens doors for jobs and further education. 

Is a GED harder than a diploma?

Passing the GED might be harder than you think. It's not easier to get a GED than your high school diploma. The GED exam has become harder for people to pass, especially after the test format was redesigned in 2014.

Will the GED test change in 2025?

Yes, the GED test changed in 2025, with significant updates including new drag-and-drop question types, a major platform shift to Pearson VUE centers for some locations, higher test fees (to $85/subject), and a new Android app expected, all aiming to better prepare test-takers for modern workforce demands. The updates also introduced fewer free retakes (1 free within 12 months in Ohio) and saw the closure of older testing sites for the new system. 

What is the quickest bachelor degree to get?

The fastest bachelor's degrees typically take 2 to 3 years, often achieved through accelerated online programs, by transferring existing credits (like an Associate's or AP scores), or using competency-based education, with popular fields including Nursing (RN to BSN), Business, IT, Psychology, and Criminal Justice, leveraging year-round classes and shorter terms to finish faster. 

What gets you a bachelor's degree?

A bachelor's degree is awarded to students who successfully complete a three to seven-year course depending on the area of study.

Who qualifies for a bachelor's degree?

Each university and degree programme has its entrance requirements, including a minimum APS (Admission Point Score) and specific subject results. To achieve a Bachelor's Pass, you must meet the following criteria: At least 40% in your Home Language. At least 50% in four subjects from the designated list.