2.Eligibility Requirements: Can You Get Your High School Diploma or GED?

If you’re thinking about finishing high school or earning your GED, one of the first questions you might have is:

“Am I eligible?”

The good news is—in most cases, yes! But the details can vary depending on your age, state, and personal situation. In this article, we’ll break down the eligibility requirements for both a high school diploma and the GED, so you can confidently take the next step.

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🎓 High School Diploma Eligibility Requirements

To earn a traditional high school diploma, you generally need to:

1. Be enrolled in a high school program

This could be a public, private, charter, or online high school. Some adult high schools also offer diploma completion programs.

2. Meet age requirements

Most students start high school around age 14 and graduate by 18. However, adult high school programs may accept older students—even into their 20s or 30s.

3. Complete required coursework

You’ll need to pass classes in:

• English
• Math
• Science
• Social Studies
• Electives like health or arts

Each state sets its own credit requirements, so check with your school or district.

4. Maintain attendance and meet graduation standards

Some schools require passing state exams or senior projects in addition to completing coursework.

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📝 GED Eligibility Requirements

If you didn’t finish high school, the GED offers a second chance—but there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Minimum age requirement

You must be at least 16 years old to take the GED. But in most states:

• If you’re 16 or 17, you may need parental consent
• You might also need to show official withdrawal from your high school

2. Not currently enrolled in high school

To take the GED, you generally can’t be enrolled in any high school program. It’s intended for those who left school before graduating.

3. State-specific rules

Every state sets its own eligibility rules. Some may require:

• Proof of residency
• Completion of GED prep classes
• Practice test scores

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🔍 Quick Comparison: Diploma vs GED Eligibility

Requirement	High School Diploma	GED
Age	Usually 14–18	Must be 16 or older (varies by state)
Enrollment	Must be enrolled in school	Must not be enrolled in high school
Coursework/Test	Complete class credits	Pass 4-part GED exam
Time to Complete	3–4 years	A few months (with study)
Residency Rules	Varies by school district	Varies by state

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🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a GED if I’m still in high school?
No—you’ll need to officially withdraw before becoming eligible.

Is the GED available online?
Yes! Many states allow online GED testing—but you must meet their online testing rules and requirements.

Is there a free GED option?
Some states offer free prep classes or cover the exam fee. It depends on where you live.

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🚀 Final Thoughts: You’re Probably Eligible

When it comes to finishing high school or earning your GED, eligibility shouldn’t stop you. Most people qualify—and if you’re unsure, we can help you check.

📞 Need help verifying your eligibility?
We offer free consultations and prep resources. Whether you’re 17 or 47, it’s never too late to take the next step.

👉 Visit https://highschoolequivalent.com/ to get started.