Options

It can be hard to determine which option is best for each individual, so we recommend contacting us in the School of Academic Advancement at (608) 258-2440 to help you make the best decision for you.

Your first option at Madison College is to take and pass General Educational Development (GED) tests. You will then be issued a Certificate of General Educational Development. For more information on testing, please visit the Testing Center webpage.

Your second option is to complete a High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). There are different ways to earn an HSED: 

• Pass the GED tests and then complete the health, citizenship, and employability skills and career awareness counseling requirements
• Complete our 1 year competency program through structured classes and independent learning, often referred to as our 509 program
• Receive validation of your foreign degree or diploma
• Document 22 high school or college credits, including:
  • 4 credits in English
  • 3 credits social studies, including government or civics
  • 2 credits math
  • 2 credits science
  • 0.5 credits in health
• Finish 24 semester credits or 32 quarter credits at a university or technical college, including instruction in any area of study you didn't cover in high school
• Partner with your high school, in accordance with Wisconsin Statue 118.15 (Compulsory Education). Please contact your high school for this partnership program option.

GED/HSED classes at MATC are offered at:

• Madison-Downtown
• Madison-Commercial Ave.
• Madison-South
• Reedsburg
• Portage
• Fort Atkinson
• Watertown

HEP Program

High School Equivalency Diploma Program (HEP) for Migrant Workers

For information (608)259-2977

What is HEP?

HEP is an educational program enabling seasonal and/or migrant farm workers and their family members who did not complete high school to earn a GED.  HEP is an open entry/open exit class designed for adults to prepare for and pass the five GED exams.

How do you qualify?

• Provide proof of temporary (seasonal) agricultural work from the applicant or a family member
• Students must be 18.5 years or older
• Must have a valid picture ID from the US or the applicant's native country
  • Drivers license
  • Consular ID
  • Passport
• Students that qualify for the Migrant Education Program, Title 1
• Students that qualify for WIA-167, National Program for Migrant Workers

What does it include?

• Paid exam fees
• Flexible class offerings in many communities
• Biweekly allowance for attendance, including childcare and transportation
• GED instruction in Spanish or English
• Tutoring assistance
• Educational and Career counseling
• Invitations to events
• Motivation to complete your diploma

Contact us:

hep@madisoncollege.edu
(608)259-2977

Cost

GED and HSED classes are offered tuition-free to Wisconsin residents but may require the purchase of a textbook or other materials. Our campuses have learning centers that provide GED/HSED students with individualized Pre-GED or GED/HSED instruction as extra support for structured classes or as an independent learning option.

The cost for obtaining your GED is $135, which includes four GED exams ($30 per test) and a diploma fee ($15). The HSED testing option has an additional cost for the health and civics exams ($5 each). Retest fees may also be applicable if a passing score is not obtained the first time the test is taken. For the GED, fees are paid by voucher, credit or debit card when making your testing appointment online at www.GED.com.

A limited number of GED vouchers are available if the payment of the test fees would present a substantial financial hardship. Financial hardships are determined by an application process and verified by the Testing Office. If you have questions about whether you would meet the criteria and qualify for financial assistance, please call the Madison College Testing Center at (608)246-5220.