24-Credit Hour

SUNY Schenectady offers a 24-Credit Hour program for students who have not earned a high school diploma or GED but have met the requirements for the program. Accepted students can attend SUNY Schenectady while simultaneously meeting the New York State High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma requirements.

Requirements to Enroll

1. You must be at least 18 years old.
2. Complete this form to be assigned a student ID. 
3. Complete the Ability to Benefit (ATB) exam, which can be scheduled through the SUNY Schenectady Testing Center, and meet the minimum passing scores:
   
   • Reading 233
   • Writing 235
   • Arithmetic 230
4. Complete the Admissions Application.

The course requirements to earn the New York State High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma can be found on the New York State Education Department website.

Our Academic Advisors will help you register for the correct courses to earn your HSE diploma while also earning credits toward a degree or certificate program. Courses in the 24-Credit Hour Program typically fulfill SUNY General Education requirements.

Financial Aid

Students in the 24-Credit Hour Program may be eligible for New York State TAP. However, since 24-credit hour students have not yet met high school graduation requirements, Federal regulations state that they are NOT eligible for any form of Federal financial aid (grants or loans). Students may become eligible for Federal aid after they receive their HSE. Learn more about Financial Aid.