The BasicsShould You Pursue Higher Education?What Types of Education Exist?Choosing Where to StudyThe Application ProcessFunding Your EducationGetting a Job While in SchoolOther Financial ConsiderationsRights and AccommodationsNext Steps

Getting a Higher Education

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    updated September 10, 2025
    Getting a Higher Education

    The Basics

    Young people who are finishing or have recently finished high school have to make some big decisions as they become adults. These decisions include whether to continue going to school, what type of school to go to, where to go to school, and how to pay for school.

    If you are in this situation, this section will help you decide what to do. It will help you decide whether you want to get more education and what types of education to consider. If you have been accepted into a school or are already attending one, it also has information about how to pay for your education and your rights as a student.

    General Educational Development (GED)

    Some people don’t graduate from high school. That means they don’t have a high school diploma. Without a diploma a person can’t be accepted to college or get some jobs.

    If you don’t have a high school diploma and aren’t in high school anymore, you may be able to take a set of tests called the General Educational Development (GED). If you pass these tests, you will get a certificate that will let you go to college or take part in other jobs or activities that require a high school diploma. This is sometimes referred to as “getting your GED.”

    There are books and classes that can help you prepare for GED tests, and you can take a free GED preparation class at your local adult education center. Many people with disabilities can get reasonable accommodations to assist them while taking the tests, including extra time, a private room, a calculator, and more.

    In-person GED testing in Georgia is done through the Technical College System of Georgia, which provides a map of GED testing locations. You can also sign up to take the GED tests online.

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