Ability to Benefit (ATB) Program
Information and Steps
To start your process, apply to SUNY Suffolk. The New Student Advising and Testing office will contact you to take a computer placement test (CPT) in reading, writing and mathematics.
Based on your CPT scores, you may qualify as an Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) student, which enables you to enroll in a college degree program without a high school diploma.
All ATB students are required to take specific courses that will allow them to earn their High School Equivalency Diploma while working toward their associate degree. Students admitted under the Ability to Benefit (ATB) program are not eligible for Federal Aid (including but not limited to Federal Pell Grants, and federal subsidized and unsubsidized loans). You may be eligible to apply for New York State grants.
Course Requirements
The following is a breakdown of the 24-credit course requirements needed to obtain your High School Equivalency Diploma based on earned college credit:
- 6 credits of English
- 3 credits of Mathematics
- 3 credits of Natural Science
- 3 credits of Social Science
- 3 credits of Humanities
- 6 credits of degree program requirements
Admission to the Ability-to-Benefit program is based on achieving the following scores on the CPT.
Next Gen Scores:
- Reading: 233
- Writing: 235
- Arithmetic: 230
Classic Scores:
- Reading: 55
- Writing: 60
- Arithmetic: 34
