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Getting a Higher Education

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    updated March 18, 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 article 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 to a school or are already attending one, it also has information about how to pay for your education and your rights as a student.

    High School Equivalency (HSE)

    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 High School Equivalency (HSE) test. If you pass, 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.

    The Missouri State Board of Education approves two HSE tests:

    Both are offered online and in many places, such as community colleges, adults schools, and other schools. There are books and classes that can help you prepare. Many people with disabilities can get reasonable accommodations to assist them while taking the tests, including extra time, a private room, or a calculator.

    Learn more about the HSE tests on the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.

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