What is Easier to Get, GED Or a High School Diploma?

In order to make an informed choice about your educational path, this blog can assist you in exploring the key distinctions between a high school diploma and GED.

The first step in developing your career is earning your high school diploma or GED. Most career paths will require that you first complete one of these educational programs, regardless of whether you intend to continue your education in college or begin working right away. So, a high school diploma or a GED, which is easier to get? That depends.

Read this blog to discover more about the option that is best for you. Check out Things To Do After High School.

Is the GED Harder Than Getting a High School Diploma? 

Although obtaining a GED differs from obtaining a high school diploma in terms of the process, neither is necessarily more difficult. As a result, even though earning either of these options is equally challenging, you might find that one of them is a better fit for your needs, goals, and study habits.

To earn a high school diploma, you must pass courses in order to earn high school credits. Before being qualified for graduation and receiving a diploma, a specific number of credits must be earned. Although in traditional schools it typically can take 4 years to finish high school, other schools can allow you to have a much more flexible amount of time to earn your diploma.

Earning a GED is a different process. You won’t need to take any courses; all you have to do is pass an exam that covers math, science, social studies, and language arts reasoning. State-specific fees range from $20 to $40 per subject for the exam.

Although taking courses is not required, many people in pursuit of their GED benefit from classes that are focused on helping them gain the knowledge required for the test. Of course, those who want to get their GED can also study independently or, if they feel ready, take the test right away.

Is a Diploma Better Than a GED?

The choice is ultimately up to you. Both will improve your chances of landing a good job or let you pursue college or career-related programs to further your education. If you’re still in school and think you can graduate, it’s worth staying to complete your high school education.

A GED is the best option if you’re older, have a learning difference or disability, or face other obstacles to finishing high school.

Do Colleges Accept a GED?

Yes! According to GED.com, 98% of colleges accept applicants with a GED. While a small number of colleges do not accept it, generally speaking, you shouldn’t run into any problems. A diploma might be slightly more beneficial to you, though, if you intend to enroll in college. Here’s why:

1. All colleges accept high school diplomas as identification.
   All colleges will accept a high school diploma as proof of completion of high school, even if it does not guarantee acceptance. Although a GED is accepted at the majority of colleges, it may be a good idea to speak with an admissions representative from some of your top schools to find out what they require.
2. One of the key criteria for acceptance into colleges is a high school GPA.
   One of the key considerations colleges make when deciding whether to accept a new student is their GPA, or grade point average. Although GED test scores can take its place, a solid GPA can help you stand out from the crowd.
3. In a competitive school, a diploma holder’s class rank may help them stand out.
   Your class rank is what tells your college’s admissions department how you did versus all the other students in the same exact learning environment as you. There is no class rank to compare to a GED exam because it is merely a test. With extracurricular activities, community service, and test scores from college entrance exams (like the SAT or ACT), you can still stand out from the crowd and make yourself more appealing to colleges.
4. Some financial aid might not be available to you.
   You must prove that you are qualified to pursue a college education in order to be eligible for federal student aid, according to the government. High school diploma recipients that have earned good grades may also qualify for additional financial aid which GED recipients would not be eligible for.

Pros of Getting a High School Diploma Vs a GED

1. It can help develop a learner’s problem-solving, time management, and other life skills.
   High school can teach a lot of skills beyond what you learn in books. Finding the time to study and complete your homework are excellent ways to improve your time management and study skills, and the critical thinking exercises in your lessons are excellent ways to improve your problem-solving abilities. These abilities can really help you succeed in any setting, whether your future plans involve a career or college.
2. You will have completed the entire high school curriculum.
   A high school education can provide you with a broader education while the GED requires you to concentrate on 4 main subjects. You’ll gain a deeper comprehension of the world and how it functions because you’ll get the chance to unpack topics in greater detail. Even better, you might learn skills that the GED subject tests don’t cover but will be helpful for a future job.
3. Your teachers can help you with your academics.
   Don’t understand your math problem? No issue; all you have to do is ask your math teacher for more details. Being able to contact a teacher for clarification is one of the best things about high school. Unless you sign up for GED classes, you are largely on your own to study for your GED.
4. Your career path may become more clear with the help of electives.
   Do you have a feeling that you would enjoy working in medicine but are unsure? You might also be interested in a trade or in business. Although electives are necessary for credits, they give you the freedom to select a subject that interests you. You can really get a sense of whether a field is worth pursuing as a career by enrolling in an elective course in it.
5. High school graduates typically earn more money than those with a GED.
   While obtaining a GED can undoubtedly increase your employment opportunities and income potential compared to someone who has not completed high school, a high school diploma will enable you to earn even more. High school graduates earn $11,000 more per year on average than someone who has not completed high school versus GED recipients, who earn only $9,000 more.

Pros of Getting a GED Vs a High School Diploma

1. You only need one single test to complete everything.
   Are you an excellent test taker? Being able to earn your high school equivalency with a single test might be a good fit for you. While high school is made up of many smaller tests, papers, and projects for a passing grade, the GED compacts all of this into one large test.
2. If you’re prepared, it can be a way faster process.
   While studying for the GED is highly recommended and can definitely take months before you’re ready to dive into the test, this method can still be pretty quick, especially if you have a solid grasp of the 4 subjects. Of course, in order to save time, you must thoroughly prepare for the exam.
3. Major topics can be your focus.
   It might be a good idea to focus on these instead of learning time-wasters if your career path only requires knowledge from the four subject areas covered in the GED. The math, science, social studies, and reading through literature exams are made to cover the subjects you’ll need to succeed in life.
4. Attending class is not a requirement.
   It’s okay if a classroom setting isn’t for you. While some people pursuing the GED choose to attend classes to prepare for the exam, it’s definitely not necessary. You can choose how you want to study for the GED.
5. There is no minimum or maximum time limit for taking your test.
   Are you prepared to take the test now? You’ll need more time to get ready. Whatever your situation is, the GED is ultimately a test that you schedule, so when you take it is totally up to you. Even online schools may have minimum attendance requirements, such as a six-month commitment or a deadline for completion. With the GED the ball is in your court.

What is a GED?

An alternative to the conventional high school diploma is a General Educational Development program or GED. For those who dropped out of high school early, a GED is a fantastic option. Students with additional obligations like a full-time job or a family to support may also find it useful. Earning a GED requires the following:

• You have to be at least 16 years old.
• You are lacking a high school diploma.
• It is forbidden to be a high school student right now.
• A physical testing site is required for the exam.

The fact that you can pursue a GED at any point in your life is one of its benefits. Even if you left high school many years ago, you can still complete your GED at any age.

What is a High School Diploma?

When you fulfill all the requirements for a high school program, you are awarded a traditional diploma called a high school diploma. While the individual requirements often vary by state, students will need to earn credits by taking courses in general subjects such as English, science, and math. Students are expected to attend school full-time for four years to pass their classes and receive their diplomas.

The completion of a high school diploma requires the following:

• Regular attendance of high school courses
• The successful completion of exams

Although some students might finish their high school diploma requirements sooner, the process typically takes four years to complete.

Differences Between a GED and a High School Diploma

A high school diploma or the equivalent, known as the GED, may be used to apply for employment or admission to colleges. There are distinctions between the two, though. Making the choice between a GED and a high school diploma is made easier if you are aware of the distinctions between the two. A GED and a high school diploma differ primarily in the following ways:

Age Requirement

Your age is one of the most crucial factors to take into account when deciding between a GED and a high school diploma. Students up to age 21 can pursue a high school education through the public education system. The quickest way to obtain your high school diploma if you are a high school student is to remain enrolled and complete your coursework.

But what if you’re not succeeding in high school? This is typical: traditional education is not the best option for many people. Maybe you have a learning difference that your school won’t accommodate, or maybe school is just boring, and you’re ready to move on.

You might be qualified to take the GED exam if you’re at least 16 years old. You won’t have to wait to graduate with your class if you obtain your GED credential and move on quickly. You can apply to colleges, join the military, or get better jobs with a GED certificate. Read More: Pros and Cons of Honors Classes in High School

Traditional high school is not an option for those over 21, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still complete your education and obtain a credential. The GED is the top high school replacement. Before taking the official exam, you can prepare for it by taking online or live classes. There is no maximum age limit for getting your GED, so it’s never too late to take this important step on your journey to education.

Completion Time

It all comes down to credits when it comes to finishing high school. To graduate from high school, you must obtain a minimum of 24 credits. The average time to complete high school is four years. The GED, on the other hand, focuses on passing a test. The test itself takes between 7-8 hours to complete. Each subject is about 2 hours long.

In the majority of states, studying before the exam is advised but not required. No hours or credits are necessary for you to take the test. Your decision on how much time to devote to test preparation is entirely up to you. Using the Essential Education online study program, the majority of people can prepare for the test and be prepared to take it in six weeks.

Testing Requirements

Even though the GED takes less time to complete, that does not necessarily mean it is simpler. Exams in each of the high school courses are frequently required for students to receive the grades they need to graduate. To improve their grades, they can use tutoring to understand challenging material and ask for extra credit. Read More: What is the Hardest Grade in High School?

A set of four exams, all of which must be passed by GED candidates, must be passed. These tests demonstrate the lessons they would have learned in a conventional high school curriculum and cover math reasoning, science, language arts, and social studies. The GED test is made up of multiple-choice, long-form, and extended essay questions.

Practice tests can help some GED candidates get better at taking the test, but there are typically fewer chances to make up for poor test performance. However, if a GED candidate doesn’t score at least 60%, they are qualified to retake the test up to three times annually.

Experience

The experience involved with each type of educational opportunity also differs. Those who decide to finish their high school education have the chance to engage in school activities outside of the classroom. With the help of school clubs and organizations, they can take part in school activities, make friends, and explore new interests.

On the other hand, since the GED curriculum is primarily focused on getting students ready for the GED exam, their experience is limited to academic pursuits.

Acceptance Rate

100% of colleges and employers will recognize a high school diploma that has been issued by the state as proof of your education. This does not guarantee that your applications for college or jobs will be accepted in full. Simply put, if they ask for a high school diploma, your high school diploma will satisfy their request, no questions asked.

But not every high school is made equal. Since public schools are fully accredited by the state, a diploma you obtain there will be recognized as a valid credential. Make sure the institution and your credential are accredited if you have a private school diploma.

Some private schools don’t have the proper accreditation or get their accreditation revoked if they don’t meet requirements. The acceptance rate for diplomas from private institutions, particularly those offered online, falls below 60% and some may not even be fully accredited.

The GED credential has very high acceptance rates. A GED is nearly universally accepted as a substitute for a high school diploma (98% of colleges and employers). Be sure to check with the college or university where you intend to apply as the requirements for acceptance of GED holders may differ slightly from those for high school diploma holders.

When obtained from the official GED Testing Service and not a third party, a GED is accredited, unlike a high school diploma. In the end, the acceptance rates for the GED and high school diploma are practically identical.

Average Cost

The American government offers free public education to anyone who qualifies. You can therefore attend the local public school for free if you meet the age requirements. Transportation, school supplies, and educational excursions are still expenses to take into account. Even though there are no fees associated with attending school, there are still expenses.

The price of the GED exam in the US can range from $0 to $150. The cost of the test in most states is $120. What about the other expenses, though? You might not have to worry about travel if you reside in a state that permits online testing. You might require some materials, such as reference materials or online training, a computer or smartphone, or note-taking tools.

Getting your education shouldn’t break the bank. We at Essential Education are adamant that the cost of obtaining your high school equivalency credential should not be a deterrent. Affordable education is key. Apply for the Essential Education scholarship to find out if you qualify for discounted online GED courses today.

Salary Difference

Obtaining a diploma or GED is crucial for enhancing your employment prospects and earning potential in today’s competitive job market. According to studies, GED recipients make $9,000 more on average annually than GED recipients and high school graduates, who earn an average of $11,000 more annually than high school dropouts. What a large sum of money!

Mathematically speaking, high school graduates make $2,000 more than GED holders annually. While it may seem like a lot, the additional cost is only about $40 per week. Even if you are no longer eligible for a high school diploma, earning a GED will significantly increase your earning potential and provide you with access to new job opportunities. Don’t let your education prevent you from achieving your goals and getting paid what you deserve.

How to Choose Between a GED and High School Diploma?

You can choose whether a GED or high school diploma is right for you with the following steps:

1. Take your academic standing into account.
2. Take your schedule and other responsibilities into account.
3. Think of your career goals.
4. Do your research.

Conclusion: a High School Diploma Vs. a GED

We’ve divided up some of the key differences between completing high school through traditional high school, online high school, and the GED to help the process go a little more smoothly. However, only you can decide which path is best for you.

While a high school diploma is a typical route to college, earning a GED does not disqualify you for college entrance. Today, a GED is regarded by many colleges as being equivalent to a high school diploma.

However, GED students may need to participate in community events and volunteer efforts to compete with other applicants who may have additional resume experience. To compete against other applicants, people with a GED may also need better ACT/SAT scores and letters of recommendation.

FAQs