Alternative High School Completers

Your education is just getting started.


Whether you're earning your GED® credential or returning to education after time away, South Dakota offers resources to help you build skills, prepare for college, and pursue your goals.

Earn Your GED® High School Equivalency Diploma

The GED® provides a pathway to a high school equivalency credential and can open doors to employment, career training and college.

South Dakota offers resources to help you prepare for the GED® test, earn your credential and plan what comes next.

Learn About the GED® Credential

Need help preparing for your GED?

South Dakota offers programs and resources to help you prepare for the GED®, strengthen academic skills and work toward your education and career goals. Support may include individualized instruction, tutoring, flexible classes and other preparation resources.

South Dakota GED® Resources

Some Adult Education and Literacy programs in South Dakota receive additional support from the Department of Labor and Regulation to help adult learners meet their career and academic goals.  For more information on these programs, contact the South Dakota Department of Labor via email or at (605) 202-5937.

MAKE YOUR GED® SCORES WORK FOR YOU

Higher GED® scores may demonstrate college readiness — and could even earn you college credit.

Exam Passing Score | 145

A score of 145 on each subject means you've passed the GED® test and earned your credential.

College Ready Score | 165

Scores of 165–174 demonstrate college readiness and may exempt you from placement tests or remedial courses.

College Ready + Credit Score | 175

Scores of 175–200 demonstrate college readiness and may qualify you for college credit, saving you time and money.

YOUR GED® SCORES COULD SAVE YOU TIME AND MONEY

A score of 165 or higher on an individual GED® subject test may help you meet college placement requirements.

A score of 175 or higher may qualify you for college credit:

  • Math | MATH 103, Mathematical Reasoning

  • Language Arts | ENGL 101, Composition I

  • Sciences | SCI 100T, Science Elective

  • Social Sciences | POLS 100, American Government

Learn More About GED® Scores

FIND THE PATH THAT FITS YOUR GOALS

College doesn’t have to mean starting with a four-year degree. South Dakota’s public universities offer shorter-term credentials that can build toward an associate or bachelor’s degree, giving you options as your goals grow.

Explore University Career Pathways

Ready for College?

Your GED® credential can be your next step toward college. The application process is similar to what other college applicants follow, with a few things you’ll want to know as you get started.

Follow these steps to explore your options, apply and make sure your college receives the information it needs.

Explore Colleges & Programs

Here’s What to Do Next.

1. Explore Your College Options
2. Apply for Admission
3. Send Your GED® Transcript
4. Complete Your Enrollment Steps