Can I get FAFSA if i'm still in High school but taking all classes at a community college?

Question

I'm going to be a senior this year. I have passed my high school exit exam but obviously do not have my diploma. I want to take my entire senior year at a community college but it is very expensive. Can I qualify for fafsa?

Also can I take the GED test and still be in high school?

Answer 1

You can not get financial aid from the fafsa application for college classes you take during high school. (often called concurrent enrollment).

You can not take the GED test if you are still in high school. Each state might be a little different, but generally you would have to officially drop out of high school and get "permission" to sit for the GED test from your high school principle.  This is a process that takes up to 4 weeks or more in my state.

Some states have laws preventing high school kids from dropping out of high school to take their GED and enroll in college earlier.  My state does!  You can graduate early, that's okay and go to college, but if you come in with a GED no school in the state will let you enroll in college courses until your high school class has graduated.  Be sure you are not in one of these states before you do something rash.