High School Diploma Equivalency (GED)

Collegiate Advancement Opportunities

Want to grow your career opportunities? Graduates from the GED program at St. Augustine have a FREE college-level class at St. Augustine College! Graduates can also transfer into one of our degree programs. Many students successfully transition into general education classes, paving the way for further academic and career achievements. 

FAQs

How do you get a GED in Illinois?
To get a GED in Illinois, you must complete the computer-based GED® exam, which covers four subject areas:

• Reasoning through Language Arts (RLA)
• Mathematical reasoning
• Science
• Social studies

The entire exam takes about 7.5 hours to complete. St. Augustine offers free GED classes for adults available to all Illinois residents. We offer our GED classes in Spanish and English to help you prepare for the exam.

How long is the GED Program?
The GED program at St. Augustine runs for 10 weeks, with classes meeting 5 days a week for 4 hours each day.

Who is eligible for the GED program at St. Augustine?
To enroll in our free online GED program at St. Augustine, you must be 18 years of age or older, have a reliable internet connection, and be a resident of Illinois. You also need access to a computer (laptop or desktop) for online classes.

What are the academic requirements for the Chicago GED program?
The GED program at St. Augustine is designed for intermediate-level students. To enroll, you should have a 9th-grade level in reading and a 7th-grade level in math. This ensures that you are adequately prepared to succeed in the program and ultimately pass the GED exam.

Is it harder to get into college with a GED? Nearly 98% of US colleges accept the GED certificate as an alternative to a high school degree. St. Augustine College’s bachelor and associate programs are open to all GED holders and high school graduates, with special offers for those who receive their free GED from St. Augustine to start their college education for free. 

What happens after I complete the GED program?
Graduates from the Chicago GED program at St. Augustine are offered a FREE college course as an incentive to transfer into college. Graduates can also enter the ESL program or one of our degree programs. Many students begin taking general education courses to jumpstart their careers in criminal justice, nursing, and construction.

Can I get an associate’s degree after I get my GED? 

Yes! As a college designed for working adults and those who are returning to school, our programs offer a flexible curriculum to help you get a degree at your own pace. Check out a few of our offerings below and learn how you can go from receiving a GED in Chicago for free to getting a college degree: 

AAS in Accounting

AA in Business Administration 

AAS in Computer Information Systems

AA in Criminal Justice

Where can I learn more about the Illinois GED® exam?
For more detailed information about the GED® test in Illinois, including testing locations, fees, and policies, visit the Illinois GED® page or contact us to learn about how St. Augustine can help you get a GED for free and enroll you in college for free.