Adult Studies

Starting college or a career can be intimidating, especially when students lack confidence in basic skills such as math, reading, computing and study skills.  Pre-college studies offers two programs for students at various levels to help them gain the basic skills they need to succeed in college, in their careers and at home.

Adult Basic Education (ABE)

The ABE program is designed for adult students who test below a ninth grade level in math or reading. After completing the orientation sessions, students may immediately begin attending the ABE lab. The ABE program will build skills in reading, writing, speaking, problem-solving, and computation to help adults function in society, on a job or in the family. ABE instruction is free for all students. Upon completion of the ABE program, students are encouraged to enroll in the GED program.

General Education Development (GED)

The GED program is designed for adult students who test above a ninth grade level in math and reading but have not obtained a high school diploma. The GED program will prepare students to successfully pass the General Education Development (GED) test. Passing the GED test will allow adult students to be awarded a North Carolina Equivalency Diploma, which is nationally recognized as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma. The GED program covers social studies, science, literature, mathematics, and writing skills. Instruction is free to all students. However, there is a required one-time $25 testing fee to cover the costs of the GED tests.

Get Started

Students may begin ABE and GED studies at any time. Students do not have to wait until August or a semester break to sign up. To get started follow these steps.

1. Call the pre-college studies office at (704) 216-3510 to reserve a seat at the mandatory orientation modules.
2. Attend the orientation modules.
3. After being placed in a program, immediately begin attending lab.