Resources & Support: GED prep and adult education programs for adults in Minneapolis free and low cos

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Free & Low-Cost GED Prep and Adult Education Programs in Minneapolis

Going back to school as an adult takes courage — and you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re working toward your GED, brushing up on basic skills, learning English, or preparing for college or a new career, Minneapolis has a network of free and low-cost programs ready to help you get there. This guide breaks down your best local options so you can take the next step with confidence.

And remember: earning your diploma opens more than just classroom doors. It connects directly to better Employment opportunities, stronger Financial Assistance eligibility, and a more stable foundation for Housing and overall wellbeing.

Why Get Your GED in Minnesota?

The GED gives individuals the opportunity to earn a State of Minnesota General Education Diploma — widely accepted as meeting high school graduation requirements for the purpose of employment, promotion, and licensing.

With your GED diploma, you can go on to college, earn a credential, or get a better job. In fact, GED graduates earn an average of $7,000 more per year than those without a diploma.

There are four tests in the battery: Reasoning through Language Arts; Mathematical Reasoning; Social Studies; and Science. A minimum score of 145 out of a possible 200 on each test is necessary to pass and receive a high school equivalency credential.

Is GED Prep Really Free?

Yes — for most people in Minneapolis, it is. Adult Basic Education (ABE) is available statewide at little to no cost to adult learners. It is administered through the Minnesota Department of Education, and each year more than 300 delivery sites serve approximately 50,000 adult students.

ABE services include Adult Diploma, High School Equivalency (GED), English as a Second Language (ESL), Career Pathways, Family Literacy, Basic Skills Enhancement, Workplace Literacy, and U.S. Citizenship/Civics.

To be eligible, you must be at least 17 years old, not enrolled in K-12 public or private school, and lack basic academic skills in reading, writing, speaking and/or mathematics.

Top Free GED & Adult Education Programs in Minneapolis

1. Minneapolis Public Schools Adult Education (MPS ABE)

Minneapolis Adult Education delivers exceptional instruction for adults needing life, academic, and work literacy skills — including GED, College Preparation, English Language Learning (ELL), Citizenship, and Career Pathways. The program offers 20+ hours of programming per week in Distance Education (online) classes, offered year-round.

South Campus: 2015 East Lake St. | Phone: 612-668-3800 | mpsabe@mpls.k12.mn.us
North Campus: 80 W Broadway Ave | Phone: 612-668-1863 | mpsabe@mpls.k12.mn.us

Registration is available online at ce.mpschools.org. Both in-person and online classes are offered, and testing is offered most weeks at North Campus and South Campus when Minneapolis Public Schools are in session.

2. Literacy Minnesota — Open Door Learning Centers

Literacy Minnesota’s Open Door Learning Centers provide free classes for adults in ESL, GED, computer skills, college prep, career readiness, and more. They operate multiple locations across Minneapolis:

Open Door Minneapolis (Northside): 627 West Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55411 | Phone: 612-377-5399
Open Door Southside: 2511 East Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406 | Phone: 612-483-1763
Open Door Northeast: 1509 NE 27th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55418

They offer free English classes for adults, online and in-person, morning and evening — as well as pre-GED classes in reading and math, computer, and citizenship prep classes. All programming is free.

3. CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio)

CLUES offers a variety of FREE educational trainings and classes for adults — including English, GED prep, essential work and computer skills, and U.S. citizenship exam preparation.

GED Preparation Classes help students prepare for the GED (high school equivalent) exam, covering all testing subjects including Math, Social Studies, Science, and Language Arts. GED Math classes are also offered online via Zoom.

CLUES Minneapolis: 777 E Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407 | Phone: (612) 746-3504

4. Takoda Adult Basic Education (American Indian OIC)

Takoda Adult Basic Education (the career pathways and education division of the American Indian OIC) helps community members with entering, reentering, and advancing in the workforce.

Address: 1845 E Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404 | Phone: (612) 341-3358

5. Hennepin County Library — Franklin Learning Center

The Hennepin County Library’s Franklin Learning Center provides live coaching and practice exams for GED and U.S. citizenship exams. Students can work in small groups or one-to-one with instructors and volunteer tutors.

Address: 1314 E Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404 | Phone: (612) 543-6