We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Should I get a High School Diploma or GED®?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 4,718
Share

Whether or not you should obtain a high school diploma or a general equivalency diploma (GED®) is a highly personal decision which should be based on your individual goals. If you plan to attend a four-year university, then a high school diploma may be a faster and easier route. A GED® may be more beneficial if you want to attend a trade school, community college, or technical school. Before making the decision on whether to get a high school diploma or GED®, you should consider speaking with an adviser who can help you narrow down your options.

There are a variety of circumstances which may affect your decision on whether to get a high school diploma or GED®. Although both require studying and similar knowledge, a high school diploma is generally held in higher regards by universities and employers. If you are able, obtaining a high school diploma will allow you to apply to a four-year school directly after graduation. You may also have to take additional exams with passing scores, but many universities will not consider those with a general equivalency diploma unless some college level courses have already been completed.

The main drawback to getting a high school diploma rather than a GED® is that it is more time-consuming. You will have to attend school regularly, either in a traditional high school setting or as part of an adult or alternative school structure. Some areas offer accelerated programs, but these often still take one or more years. A GED® is often self-paced, and you can study as quickly or as slowly as you need before taking the exam.

If you want to attend a two-year community college or technical school rather than a four-year university directly after graduation, then the choice between getting a high school diploma or GED® may be easier to make. A GED® course will be faster and will allow you to continue your education sooner than would a traditional high school diploma. This may be a real benefit if you are pressed for time. For instance, if you are pregnant and want to finish your education before having the baby, a GED® may be a better option.

To determine whether a high school diploma or GED® is best for your situation, considering speaking with a career or school counselor. If you have career goals in mind, speak with him or her to determine the fastest and more feasible option for your unique situation. Even if you decide to go with a GED® program, you can still attend a four-year college later once you have completed two years at a community college or technical school.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/should-i-get-a-high-school-diploma-or-ged.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.