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Admissions

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Students with Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential or IEP Diploma

A New York State Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential replaced the New York State Individual Education Program (IEP) diploma, effective July 1, 2013. Neither the (former) IEP diploma nor the Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential is acceptable for entrance into a program requiring high school graduation or an HSE (GED). Please see also STUDENTS WITHOUT A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA.

Students Without a High School Diploma

Applicants who are interested in pursuing a certificate or degree but have not completed their high school requirements may enter our High School Equivalency program as a Non-Matriculated student.

Upon satisfactory completion of 24 credits in the designated areas listed below, the student may apply to the New York State Education Department for issuance of a New York State High School Equivalency Diploma Based on earned college credit.

The application and College Credit Certification Form can be found at the New York State Education Department’s website. An official transcript of courses completed must be forwarded with these forms from SUNY Niagara to the State Education Department.

Non-Matriculated Student Registration
CreditsState Education RequirementsSUNY Niagara Courses
6Any elective course(s) towards a certificate/degree program
6Basic Communication/
English Language Arts

*Recommend ENG 101 (3 credits)
SUNY Gen Ed Course List
3Humanities
3Mathematics
3Natural Science
3Social Science
*Discuss these electives with Brittany Souliske, Admissions Advisor, for assistance aligning electives with future educational goals.

Academic foundations courses, designated by the first digit 0 in the course number, do not apply toward this 24 credit requirement.  Also, courses with an AAC or GES prefix do not count toward this 24 credit requirement.

Because of the demands of college, this method of obtaining an equivalency diploma is most appropriate for persons at least 18 years of age who have experienced a break in their formal education.

However, in some cases, the needs of younger students who possess the maturity and seriousness of purpose to succeed in college can be met. A student who is under age 17 by the start of the registered term at SUNY Niagara must be enrolled at a high school or registered in a home school program. If the student is not age 17 by the start of classes, the non-matriculated application must be approved by a parent and/or legal guardian. If the student withdrew from their high school district, a letter from the superintendent of the district in which the student resides is required to confirm home school enrollment.

For more information or to discuss if this path is right for you, please contact:

Brittany Souliske
Admissions Advisor
Phone: 716-614-6427
Email: bsouliske@niagaracc.suny.edu
Location: A-105

*Note: Subject to standard tuition and fees, this program is not eligible to receive Financial Aid. Financial aid may become available once the student is awarded and the College receives the high school equivalency diploma. The student should then matriculate through the Admissions Office.