Starting the Journey
When Maria was 17, she dropped out of high school to help support her family. Years later, at age 24, she decided she wanted to go back and earn her education. She wondered: should she return to school and finish her high school diploma, or should she take the GED test? Many students—both young and older—find themselves asking this same question. Education is not a one-size-fits-all path, and understanding the difference between a high school diploma and a GED can help students make the best choice for their future.
A high school diploma is earned after completing four years of high school, usually between grades 9–12. Students take a wide range of courses, such as math, English, science, and history, and they often participate in extracurricular activities like sports, music, or clubs. On the other hand, a GED—which stands for General Educational Development—is a set of four tests that measure the same skills as a traditional high school education. These tests cover math, reading, science, and social studies. Passing them shows that a person has the same knowledge as someone with a diploma, but the path is shorter and more flexible.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 89% of adults in the United States have at least a high school diploma, while around 12 million people have earned a GED instead (U.S. Census Bureau, 2022). This means that while most people take the traditional route through high school, millions still rely on the GED as a second chance at education.
The outcomes between the two paths can be different. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that people with a high school diploma earn an average of $853 per week, while those with a GED earn about $813 per week (BLS, 2023). The difference may not seem huge at first, but over years of working, it adds up. Diploma holders also have slightly lower unemployment rates compared to GED holders, which means they often find jobs more easily.
Here’s a simple comparison:
| Feature | High School Diploma | GED |
|---|---|---|
| Time Required | 4 years | Usually a few months of study + tests |
| Age Group | Typically 14–18 years old | 16+ years old, no age limit |
| Structure | Daily classes, homework, extracurriculars | Self-study or prep classes, test-focused |
| Recognition | Accepted by all employers and colleges | Accepted by most, but some may prefer a diploma |
| Average Weekly Pay | $853 | $813 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4% | 6% |
Both paths open doors, but they also come with different benefits and challenges. For example, high school students build long-term friendships, learn social skills, and get more time to explore subjects. GED students, however, often appreciate the faster track and flexibility, especially if they are working adults or parents who need to balance education with other responsibilities.
In the next section, we’ll look deeper at the benefits and downsides of a GED vs. a high school diploma, and how students can choose which is best for them.
The Benefits and Downsides
Choosing between a GED and a high school diploma can feel like standing at a crossroads. Each path has strengths, but also some limits that students need to think about before deciding. By looking at both the benefits and the downsides, students can make a choice that matches their personal goals and life situations.
Benefits of a High School Diploma
- Stronger social experience – High school gives students time to make friends, join sports, and build teamwork skills. These experiences often help young people learn confidence and communication.
- More career doors – A diploma is accepted everywhere, including trade schools, community colleges, universities, and the military. Some branches of the military limit GED recruits unless they complete extra coursework.
- Higher long-term earnings – According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, diploma holders earn about $853 per week, compared to $813 per week for GED holders (BLS, 2023). That small difference can add up to over $2,000 more per year.
- Time to explore interests – In high school, students can try out different subjects, which can spark future careers in science, technology, art, or skilled trades.
Downsides of a High School Diploma
- Takes longer – Four years of school may feel overwhelming, especially for students facing personal or family struggles.
- Less flexibility – Students must follow strict schedules, daily attendance, and state testing rules.
- Risk of burnout – Not everyone learns well in a classroom setting. For some, sitting through hours of lectures makes learning harder, not easier.
- Dropout pressure – The National Center for Education Statistics reports that about 5% of U.S. students drop out before finishing high school (NCES, 2023). For these students, the GED often becomes their next option.
Benefits of a GED
- Faster completion – Many students finish their GED within a few months, instead of years. This makes it helpful for adults who need a credential quickly.
- Flexible learning – GED prep can be done online, at night classes, or through community programs. This flexibility is especially useful for working adults and parents.
- Second chance – The GED is often called a “second chance diploma.” It helps people who left school early prove their academic skills later in life.
- College option – About 95% of U.S. colleges accept the GED as equal to a diploma (GED Testing Service, 2023). This means GED earners can apply to almost all higher education programs.
Downsides of a GED
- Employer bias – Some employers still prefer a diploma because they believe it shows commitment and discipline over time.
- Lower average pay – Over a lifetime, GED holders tend to earn less than diploma holders. Even though the weekly gap is small, it adds up across decades.
- No high school experience – GED students miss out on social events, school dances, and daily peer learning. These experiences can shape confidence and friendships.
- College challenges – Studies show GED holders are more likely to leave college before finishing compared to traditional diploma students (NCES, 2020). The GED proves knowledge, but some students struggle with the structure and pace of higher education.
Here’s a quick side-by-side view:
| Category | High School Diploma | GED |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 4 years | A few months of study + 4 tests |
| Flexibility | Low | High (study anytime) |
| Social Benefits | Sports, clubs, daily peers | Limited, mostly independent |
| College Acceptance | 100% of schools | ~95% of schools |
| Average Weekly Pay | $853 | $813 |
| Unemployment Rate | ~4% | ~6% |
| College Success Rate | Higher | Lower |
The Big Picture
Neither a GED nor a high school diploma is “better” for everyone. Instead, the right choice depends on the student’s stage of life, goals, and resources. For younger students who can stay in school, a diploma usually provides more social, career, and financial benefits. For adults balancing jobs, kids, or personal challenges, the GED is a powerful tool to move forward. What matters most is that both options can open doors to better jobs and future education.
In the next section, we will compare how these paths stand against advanced education, and how students can use blogs, articles, and resources like Scholarly Sphere to find guidance and support.
Looking Ahead to Advanced Education
Education does not stop with a high school diploma or a GED. For many students, those are only the first steps. The next level often involves college, trade school, or advanced degrees, such as associate’s, bachelor’s, or even graduate programs. Comparing the GED and high school diploma against these higher goals helps students see the bigger picture of what their education can bring.
Standards of a High School Diploma vs. a GED
A high school diploma reflects four years of consistent work across different subjects, while the GED shows knowledge through four high-stakes tests. Both meet the basic requirement of proving high school-level education, but colleges and employers sometimes see them differently. Research from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that diploma holders enroll in college at higher rates and are more likely to finish degrees compared to GED holders (NCES, 2020).
Still, the GED is a strong tool for learners who could not finish high school in the traditional way. It creates a path forward, even if the student had to take a different route. For older learners, this flexibility can make all the difference.
Benefits of Advanced Education
Whether a student earns a GED or a diploma, moving forward with advanced education has major benefits:
- Higher pay – The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers with a bachelor’s degree earn about $1,432 per week, compared to just over $800 for those with only a high school diploma or GED (BLS, 2023).
- Lower unemployment – The unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders is about 2.2%, much lower than GED or diploma earners.
- More career paths – Fields like nursing, teaching, engineering, or law all require education beyond high school.
- Stronger skills – College and training programs often build communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that employers value.
Here’s a clear comparison:
| Education Level | Average Weekly Pay | Unemployment Rate |
|---|---|---|
| GED / High School Diploma | $813–$853 | ~4–6% |
| Associate’s Degree | $1,005 | ~2.7% |
| Bachelor’s Degree | $1,432 | ~2.2% |
| Master’s Degree or Higher | $1,661+ | ~2% or less |
This table shows that no matter which starting point students choose, continuing to advanced education greatly increases their opportunities.
Supporting Learners at Every Stage
For students deciding between a diploma or GED, the choice can feel overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that both options are valid steps toward success. Education is not a race—it’s a personal journey. A GED might be the key for someone returning to school after many years, while a diploma might give a teenager the best launch into college.
Resources such as community programs, online courses, and education blogs provide tools to help learners along the way. Our work at Scholarly Sphere is one example of how students and adult learners can find guidance. By breaking down choices, sharing real statistics, and giving practical advice, we aim to support people no matter where they are in their education journey.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path
Both the GED and high school diploma are valuable, but they are not identical. A diploma often comes with stronger long-term pay and career stability, while a GED offers speed, flexibility, and a second chance for students who could not complete high school. What matters most is that students understand their options and see that education is always possible, no matter their age.
The big question for every learner is not just which credential to earn—but what doors do you want your education to open for you?
Works Cited
Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Unemployment Rates and Earnings by Educational Attainment.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm.
GED Testing Service. “About the GED Test.” GED.com, 2023, https://ged.com/about_test/.
National Center for Education Statistics. “Digest of Education Statistics.” NCES, 2020, https://nces.ed.gov/.
U.S. Census Bureau. “Educational Attainment in the United States: 2022.” U.S. Census Bureau, 2022, https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2022/03/educational-attainment-in-united-states.html
