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​Ability to Benefit

If you do not have a high school diploma or G.E.D. and will be seeking Federal Financial Aid, you must earn minimum scores on the Accuplacer Online assessment to demonstrate your Ability to Benefit from college coursework. 

You will have three chances to meet the Ability to Benefit requirements:

  • The first opportunity is when you take your Accu​placer Online assessment in English and math, which is required for all new students and most continuing and transfer students.
  • If you do not meet the Ability to Benefit criteria the first time, you will need to make an appointment with an Assessment Specialist in the Assessment Center to schedule a re-test.
  • If the second attempt is also unsuccessful, you must enroll in developmental classes (English 60A, Math 51 or Reading Skills 81) that will help you acquire the skills you need to meet the criteria. After you satisfactorily complete the coursework, you must meet with a Student Financial Services counselor, who will evaluate your situation and determine whether you should be granted a third attempt.​