Want to earn your high school diploma?
No matter the reason you didn’t finish high school, SWCC can help. High School Equivalency (HSE) classes are for adults (16 and older) who left high school prior to completing the necessary requirements to receive a diploma.
What will I learn?
Students will receive instruction in Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Classes are offered online through Zoom and in-person at the following locations:
HSED Class Locations
| Town | Location | Phone Number |
| Creston | SWCC Creston Campus 1501 W. Townline Street Creston, IA Room 212/214, Instructional Center |
641.782.1305 |
| Lamoni | United Methodist Church 9th & Maple, Lamoni, IA | 641.782.1497 |
| Leon | Leon Community Center 203 NE 2nd Street, Leon, IA | 641.782.1497 |
| Osceola | SWCC Osceola Center 2520 College Dr. Osceola, IA |
641.782.1529 |
| Red Oak | SWCC Red Oak Center 2300 4th St. Red Oak, IA |
641.782.1547 |
| Winterset | St. Paul Lutheran Church 1120 N. 8th Ave. Winterset, IA |
641.782.1497 |
Please call closest class site for class schedule and orientation appointment.
What should I expect if I enroll?
Students attend a required orientation to learn the details of the program and take two assessments, Reading and Math. These assessments help instructors know where to start you on your learning journey.
How long will it take?
The length of time it takes to complete the HSE program is different for each student depending on factors like, when you left high school, how much time and effort you put into studying, and your class attendance. On average, it takes most students approximately two to four months to earn their diploma.
Class sessions are six to eight weeks depending on location and attendance is mandatory. Students continue to enroll in sessions until they are ready to start testing. Once a student has completed sessions, they will take a post-test and an official practice test.
How do I actually earn my diploma?
When a student is ready, they will take the HiSET™, a high school equivalency exam. The HiSET is made up of five sections: Reading, Writing, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Each test costs $15 and can be taken at one of the three SWCC HiSET testing centers. Once a student passes all sections, they are invited attend the HiSET graduation, held once a year in the spring.
Online Options
SWCC has online curriculum to supplement instruction for accelerated learning (you must qualify for this option through assessments). SWCC recommends the online and face-to-face classes together for a hybrid class option. The benefits of the online program are the flexibility to study at your own pace at convenient times, limits travel to and from classes, and the ability to finish the HSED in less time. Students must be self-disciplined, have good organizational skills, and be motivated to be successful with the online coursework.
Students must meet CASAS reading and math assessment to be eligible for the program. Students need internet access or be able to obtain internet access for study. Students will be given a SWCC login and password to access the online curriculum. SWCC has limited number of seats and will fill seats on availability. Students not meeting the guidelines of the program will be placed on inactive status and forfeit the seat.
For more information on class offerings, please call the SWCC Business & Community Development adult literacy coordinator at 641.782.1497 or 800.247.4023, ext. 497
For more information on HSED:
FAQs From the National HiSET Website
Have questions?
Contact Adult Education and Literacy at 641.782.1497 or
How do I enroll?
Contact the class location nearest you to sign up for orientation.
Keep Moving Forward!
Once you have graduated with your HSED, continue your education with SWCC training and post-secondary opportunities.
