Earning a GED, or high school equivalency diploma, can open the door to better-paying jobs, college enrollment, and long-term financial stability. If you live in Minneapolis and never finished high school, you are far from alone, and free, welcoming GED prep and adult education programs are available across the city to help you get there, no matter your age or how long it has been since you sat in a classroom.
Why Finishing Your GED Matters
A high school equivalency credential is often the first requirement listed on job postings, apprenticeship applications, and college enrollment forms. In Minnesota, Adult Basic Education (ABE) services are available statewide at little to no cost to adults who want to earn a diploma, learn English, or build math and computer skills, so cost should never be the reason someone gives up on this goal.
Free GED Prep and Adult Education Programs in Minneapolis
Several trusted organizations offer free GED prep and adult education programs for Minneapolis adults, with flexible schedules for people who are working, parenting, or managing other responsibilities.
- Minneapolis Adult Education (Minneapolis Public Schools): Free GED preparation and adult diploma classes for anyone 18 or older, offered in person at the North Campus (800 West Broadway) and South Campus (2015 East Lake Street), plus online sections in fall, winter, and spring. Call 612-668-3800 to ask about the next enrollment window.
- PPL Diploma Connect (Project for Pride in Living): A free re-engagement program for adults who have not yet earned a diploma, combining GED or adult diploma coursework with career and education counseling. Offered virtually with in-person support available near East Franklin Avenue. Reach the program at 612-455-5302.
- Hennepin County Library Adult Learning Center: A free online resource with live coaching and practice exams for the GED and U.S. citizenship test, accessible with any Hennepin County Library card from home or at any branch. Learn more through Hennepin County Library.
- Literacy Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline: If you are not sure which program fits your schedule, call or text this statewide hotline and a real person will help match you to one of nearly 300 free classes in GED prep, ESL, computers, and college prep, with referrals available in more than 200 languages. Call or text 1-800-222-1990.
How Much Does the GED Actually Cost?
The GED test itself costs $36 per subject at an official Minnesota test center, and most people need to pass four subject tests total. The good news: first-time Minnesota test-takers can use the promo code MNHSEFREE at checkout to take their first attempt at each subject completely free. If you do not pass on the first try, retake tests are billed at the standard rate, which is one more reason it pays to prepare with a free class before you sit for the exam.
How to Get Started
- Call or text the Literacy Minnesota Adult Literacy Hotline at 1-800-222-1990, or call Minneapolis Adult Education directly at 612-668-3800.
- Ask about current enrollment dates, whether classes are in person or online, and what identification or paperwork you will need to register.
- Ask specifically about the MNHSEFREE fee waiver so your first GED test in each subject is free.
- If transportation, childcare, or a work schedule makes in-person classes hard, ask about online or hybrid options, since most programs now offer both.
Building a Stable Future Beyond the GED
A GED is often just one piece of a bigger plan. Many adult education programs also connect students directly to job training and career counseling once they finish, and Hues Hope’s Employment Resources page can help you take that next step. If money is tight while you study, our Financial Assistance page lists programs that can help cover the gap, and our full Education Resources page rounds up additional tutoring, college-prep, and scholarship supports across the Twin Cities.
Finishing your GED is a real, achievable goal, and you do not have to figure it out alone. Whether you start with a single phone call to the Literacy Minnesota hotline or walk into Minneapolis Adult Education’s South Campus this week, free help is close by, and it is never too late to take that next step toward a diploma and the opportunities that come with it.