Curious about the differences between a high school diploma and a GED? Whether you're still in school or thinking about going back, understanding your options is the first step to planning your future. In this article, we break down the differences between a high school diploma and a GED. 

What is a high school diploma?

A high school diploma is a certificate students earn once they successfully complete all required courses and credits from 9th-12th grade. Once a student has received their high school diploma, they can continue in their education and attend college, trade/vocational school, or enter the workforce. (Learn more about the different post-high school paths you can take.) A large majority of youth in the U.S. graduate high school and receive their high school diploma. 

What is a GED?

The GED (General Educational Development Test) is an alternative to a high school diploma for students who didn’t finish high school but still want to receive a credential that proves they have a high school-level education. To receive their GED, students must pass a series of tests in four subjects:

• Mathematical Reasoning
• Reasoning Through Language Arts
• Science
• Social Studies

(Source: GED)

A GED is a great alternative for students who were/are unable to receive their high school diploma for personal or family reasons. 

How are they similar? How are they different?

Both a high school diploma and a GED show colleges, trade/vocational schools, and jobs that you have received a high school-level education. They both can be the starting point of your educational and professional paths! 

One of the main differences between the two is time. Students typically must go through four years of high school to receive their diploma. The GED, on the other hand, may not require as much time to complete, since a student needs to study for, complete, and pass four tests. These tests can be taken all at once or split up by subject. This allows a student time and flexibility to study for each test when they’re ready. 

Another difference may be cost. Students attending a public high school may not need to pay for their education or diploma. Students who want to receive their GED, however, may need to pay for each exam they take (depending on their state). 

Lastly, a key difference between the two is age. High school-aged students are typically teens. GED students, on the other hand, can be any age over 16. This means that whether a person is 25 or 55, if they want to receive their GED, they can!

Can I apply and get accepted to college with a GED?

Yes! Many community colleges, trade/vocational schools, and some four-year universities accept students with a GED. Some schools may ask for additional application materials, such as SAT or ACT scores, or require students to take placement tests. 

Can I get a job with a GED?

Yes! A GED can help you qualify for jobs that require a high school education. 

Which one should I choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re currently in high school and are able to finish your classes to receive your diploma, we recommend doing that. However, if you’ve stepped away from school and are ready to continue your educational or professional journey, the GED may be the best option for you. 

No matter your journey, there are resources and support to help you achieve your goals. You're not alone!

Have any questions about the difference between high school diplomas and GEDs? Text #College to 33-55-77 to chat with one of our advisors. If you're using a mobile device, click here to have the text message set up for you!