<p>“This is fine if someone is going to cc as a full pay student. However, one cannot receive federal aid (Pell, stafford loans) unless one has either graduated or passed a GED.” </p>
<p>That is absolutely not true. A student can qualify for those grants and loans by demonstrating “ability to benefit”. In my state, that means scoring reasonably well (slightly below ‘average’) on the community college math and English placement tests. Roughly, the scores needed to qualify for the Pell and Stafford would equate to 9th grade skill levels in math and English. </p>
<p>I am not sure about all states, but in many many states, you do not need a GED or high school diploma to attend community college. If financial aid is not an issue, anyone who can pay the tuition is welcome.</p>