Is the GED accepted by colleges?

Yes. The GED is accepted by virtually all U.S. community colleges and most four-year institutions. Some competitive schools may require additional test scores, but a GED credential satisfies the high school equivalency requirement at the vast majority of colleges.

What is the difference between the GED and HiSET?

Both are high school equivalency credentials. The GED has four subjects with technology-enhanced questions and is computer-based only. The HiSET has five subjects, uses traditional multiple-choice, and offers paper-based testing in some locations. Not all states offer both — check your state's accepted tests.

Can I take GED subjects one at a time?

Yes. You can take the four GED subjects individually, in any order, and on different dates. You only need to retake subjects you haven't passed. This lets you focus your study time and spread the cost across multiple testing sessions.

How much does it cost to take the GED?

GED pricing varies by state, but each subject test typically costs $30-$40, totaling approximately $120-$160 for all four subjects. Some states offer reduced pricing or free testing for certain populations. The HiSET costs vary similarly, around $10-$25 per subtest depending on the state.

Can I join the military with a GED?

Yes, but it's more competitive. All military branches accept GED holders, but they are classified as Tier 2 recruits (versus Tier 1 for traditional high school diploma holders). Tier 2 applicants may need higher ASVAB scores and face limited enlistment slots depending on the branch and recruiting cycle.

High School Equivalency

GED, HiSET exam prep resources.

GED

Comprehensive GED prep — practice questions covering the full exam, complete course notes, timed mock exams, and detailed explanations for every answer. 1 year of access on any device with built-in progress tracking.

HiSET

Comprehensive HiSET prep — practice questions covering the full exam, complete course notes, timed mock exams, and detailed explanations for every answer. 1 year of access on any device with built-in progress tracking.

GED

HiSET

Frequently asked questions about High School Equivalency