24-CREDIT HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY
The 24-credit High School Equivalency (HSE) offered by the New York State Department of Education supports individuals aspiring to attain a college degree without a high school diploma. At ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³», students engage in regular college courses aligned with their chosen degree path while simultaneously working towards completing the required 24 credits for the HSE. Completion of the requisite 24 credits fulfills the HSE requirements, eliminating the necessity for additional HSE tests or specialized classes. For more information, please visit the website.
Students attend the courses necessary to satisfy the New York State requirements at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³», but the College does not grant the HSE diploma. Students must apply for the diploma through the New York State Education Department.
STEPS TO APPLY FOR THE 24-CREDIT PROGRAM
- Complete the online application. Make sure to choose yes to the question βAre you seeking to complete a High School Equivalency Diploma/GED at ΒιΆΉ΄«Γ½Σ³»?β on the high school section of the application.
- Take the Ability to Benefit test and earn scores that meet or exceed the Ability to Benefit (ATB) scores approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
| Accuplacer Section | Federal Minimum |
|---|---|
| Reading | 233 Minimum passing score |
| Writing | 235 Minimum passing score |
| Arithmetic | 230 Minimum passing score |
You can prepare for the test through the
- Must be at least 16 years of age at the time the semester starts.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements for obtaining the HSE via the 24-credit program:
- You must be a current resident of New York State for at least one month at the time you apply for the HSE Diploma.
- You have not graduated from high school or are currently qualified for the NYS High School Equivalency Diploma.
- Candidates must, at the time they apply to New York State for their diploma, be:
- a.19 years of age or older or
- b.17 or 18 years of age and one year has passed since you were legally able to leave high school and last enrolled in a regular full-time high school program of instruction or was a member of a class that has already graduated.
Please note that the High School Equivalency Office cannot recognize or evaluate transcripts or credits obtained in foreign secondary or post-secondary institutions. All credits evaluated for the purpose of obtaining an HSE diploma must comply with 24 credit course distribution requirements, as indicated on the second page of the College Credit Pathway application.
NYS Education Department Course Distribution Requirements
Students must complete coursework in the following areas to meet the :
- English Language Arts — 6 credits
- Mathematics — 3 credits
- Natural Science — 3 credits
- Social Science — 3 credits
- Humanities — 3 credits
- College Degree Program Requirements — 6 credits
FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY
24-Credit students may qualify for NY State Aid, including the Excelsior Scholarship and SUNY Reconnect, but are not eligible for Federal Financial Aid until they complete their 24-credit requirements and receive their High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma from the State of New York. Students must take the Accuplacer Placement Exam (ATB) and meet certain score thresholds to qualify for the NY State Aid. Any questions about Financial Aid can be answered by contacting the Financial Aid Office.
ATTEND AN INFORMATION SESSION
Attend an Information Session to learn more about the program and upcoming opportunities.