When comparing a GED and a high school diploma, it’s clear they both represent a certain level of knowledge attainment. However, significant differences exist between the two, particularly in the time commitment required to earn each credential.
Despite these distinctions, both diplomas generally hold equal weight in terms of employment opportunities and college acceptance. Employers and educational institutions typically view a GED as equivalent to a high school diploma.
If you’re weighing options between taking the GED or attending high school, we’re here to equip you with the information necessary for an informed decision. Understanding the differences between a GED and a high school diploma is crucial for evaluating your personal needs and expectations thoroughly.
Definition and Purpose of a GED and High School Diploma
What is a GED?
A General Educational Development (GED) is a high school equivalency diploma that measures a person’s academic skills and knowledge in four subject areas: language arts, social studies, science, and mathematics.
The GED is designed for people who did not complete a traditional high school program but wish to demonstrate they have achieved a high school level of education.
Find out: How Do You Get a GED?
What is a High School Diploma?
A high school diploma, on the other hand, is a document awarded to students who complete a prescribed course of study at a public or private high school over a period of four years.
It signifies that the student has successfully completed all required courses and meets the educational standards set by the school
Key Differences Between a Ged and a High School Diploma
Age and Eligibility Requirements
GED Requirements and Eligibility
To be eligible to take the GED exam, a test taker must:
- Be at least 18 years old (some states allow 16-17 year olds to test with additional requirements)
- Not be currently enrolled in high school
- Not have already obtained a high school diploma
- Some states may have residency requirements, while others do not.
Check your state’s policies that must be met in order to obtain a GED.
High School Diploma Requirements
To qualify for a high school diploma, there is no minimum age requirement. Students aiming for a traditional high school diploma must fulfill several criteria:
Coursework and Credits
- Complete a prescribed course of study over 4 years
- Earn a minimum number of course credits, typically 22-24 credits
- Pass required courses in subjects like English, math, science, social studies, and electives
Graduation Requirements
- Meet attendance requirements
- Maintain a minimum GPA, often 2.0 or higher
- Pass any state-mandated standardized tests
Upon successfully meeting all requirements, students are awarded a high school diploma, signifying they have completed a comprehensive high school education program.
Time Commitment
The time commitment required for obtaining a GED versus a traditional high school diploma differs significantly.
GED Time Commitment
The GED can be prepared for and completed within a few months. The GED exam itself consists of four subject tests that take approximately 7 hours total to finish.
Time allocated for each subject:
- Reasoning through Language Arts: 150 minutes (includes a 10-minute break)
- Mathematical Reasoning: 115 minutes (includes a 3-minute break)
- Science: 90 minutes (no break)
- Social Studies: 70 minutes (no break)
The majority of GED candidates complete their exam preparation in under a year, focusing on high school-level skills and knowledge.
Many opt for online GED test prep programs, which provide comprehensive study materials essential for the test. With diligent study habits, it’s feasible to pass the GED within just a few months.
High School Diploma Time Commitment
Earning a traditional high school diploma requires a much more extensive time commitment. Students must complete a prescribed course of study over four years, typically starting around age 14.
The exact number of credits required varies by state and school district, but generally ranges from 22-24 credits. These credits are earned by passing required courses in subjects like:
- English
- Math
- Science
- Social Studies
- Electives
In addition to the coursework, high school students must also meet attendance requirements, maintain a minimum GPA, and often pass state-mandated standardized tests to graduate.
While most students complete high school in four years, some may finish in three years by taking extra courses or attending summer school.
Grading and Scoring
GED Grading and Scoring
To pass the GED exam, a minimum score of 145 is required on each of the four subject tests. Scores below 145 necessitate retaking the specific subject test(s) until the passing threshold is met.
Scoring Scale and Meanings
- 100-144: Below high school graduate level, does not meet passing requirement
- 145-164: High school graduate level, passing score
- 165-174: Exceeds high school graduate level, likely to succeed in college
- 175-200: Superior performance, well-prepared for college and career
While 145 is the passing standard, some colleges and employers may have higher GED score expectations for admission or hiring. Test-takers should verify any additional score criteria with their intended institutions or employers.
Read More: What if I Pass a Subject in Ged and Want to Retest for a Higher Score?
High School Diploma Grading and Completion
In contrast to the GED exam, a traditional high school diploma is awarded upon successful completion of all required courses and exams over a four-year period.
The specific grading and graduation requirements vary by state and school district, but generally include:
- Meeting a minimum number of course credits, typically 22-24
- Passing required classes in core subjects like English, math, science, social studies
- Maintaining a minimum GPA, often 2.0 or higher
- Passing any state-mandated standardized tests
- Meeting attendance requirements
Once all graduation requirements are fulfilled, students are awarded a high school diploma signifying they have completed a comprehensive high school education program.
Acceptance and Recognition of GED vs. High School Diploma
GED Acceptance and Recognition
The GED credential is widely accepted as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma by the vast majority of colleges, universities, and employers in the United States.
Colleges and Universities
The GED credential is accepted by nearly 100% of colleges and universities in the United States, including community colleges, private institutions, and top universities. Colleges that accept the GED
GED recipients can apply and be admitted to degree programs just like traditional high school graduates. Some colleges may require GED recipients to submit additional test scores, like the SAT or ACT, to demonstrate college readiness.
GED recipients who achieve high scores on the exam can earn a “GED College-Ready” designation, which may allow them to bypass certain standardized testing requirements for college admissions.
Employers
Most employers view the GED as equivalent to a traditional high school diploma when it comes to hiring and employment requirements. Many GED holders are able to secure jobs that would otherwise require a high school diploma.
Studies have shown that GED recipients can earn around $8,500 more per year on average compared to those without a high school credential, demonstrating the value employers place on the GED.
So in most cases, the GED is treated as a fully equivalent alternative to a traditional high school diploma for the purposes of higher education and employment.
Read More: What Jobs are Available with a GED?
Recognition of the High School Diploma
Advantages in Job Applications
- The high school diploma remains the standard and preferred credential for many employers, especially for entry-level positions.
- Some employers may view the high school diploma as providing more comprehensive academic preparation compared to the exam-based GED.
Impact on Career Opportunities
- The high school diploma is the universally accepted baseline requirement for admission to virtually all colleges and universities in the United States.
- The four-year high school curriculum is viewed as providing more robust academic preparation for success in college-level work compared to the GED.
- As a result, high school diploma holders may have an advantage in terms of future educational and career opportunities compared to GED recipients.
Preparation and Study
GED Preparation Options
Study Materials and Resources
The GED exam covers a wide range of high school-level content, so GED candidates need to thoroughly prepare using a GED study guide and various resources.
Common study resources include GED prep books, online practice tests, video lessons, and interactive learning tools.
Many GED testing centers and adult education programs also offer free questions or low-cost GED study guides and practice tests.
Preparation Courses
While not always required, taking a GED preparation course is highly recommended to ensure adequate readiness for the exam.
GED prep courses, offered by community colleges, adult education centers, and Prepsaret, guide students through the content and format of the four subject tests.
These classes provide structured instruction, practice questions, and feedback to help GED candidates build the necessary skills and confidence.
Some states may even require GED candidates to complete a prep course before being allowed to take the official exam.
High School Diploma Preparation
Classroom Learning Experience
Earning a traditional high school diploma involves a multi-year curriculum of coursework and classroom instruction.
High school students attend classes, complete assignments, and participate in discussions to master the required content in subjects like English, math, science, and social studies.
The classroom environment allows for interactive learning, group projects, and one-on-one support from teachers.
Support from Teachers and Peers
High school students benefit from the guidance and mentorship of their teachers, who provide direct instruction, feedback, and assistance.
The high school experience also involves collaboration and learning alongside peers, fostering a supportive community.
This collaborative environment can enhance the learning process and help students stay motivated and engaged throughout their four-year high school journey.
Cost and Accessibility
Cost of Obtaining a GED
Exam Fees and Preparation Costs
The cost to take the full GED exam varies by state, but generally ranges from $120 to $150 for the complete battery of four subject tests.
Some states offer discounted or free retakes if a test-taker does not pass a subject test on the first attempt.
In addition to the exam fees, GED candidates may need to pay for preparation materials and courses, which can range from free online resources to $100-$300 for in-person classes.
Many adult education programs, community colleges, and nonprofit organizations offer low-cost or free GED preparation assistance to make the process more accessible.
Cost of Earning a High School Diploma
Public vs. Private School Considerations
The cost of earning a traditional high school diploma can vary greatly depending on whether the student attends a public or private school.
Public high schools are typically free for residents, with costs limited to things like school supplies, extracurricular activities, and transportation.
Private high schools can be significantly more expensive, with annual tuition often ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 or more.
Financial Aid Options
For students attending public high schools, the cost is generally very low or free, making it accessible to most families.
Those attending private high schools may be able to access financial aid, scholarships, or tuition assistance programs to help offset the higher costs.
Additionally, many states and school districts offer programs to help cover the costs of high school for students from low-income backgrounds.
FAQS
What Is the Difference Between a Diploma and a Ged?
The key difference between a high school diploma and a GED is the path to obtaining each credential. A high school diploma is earned through a multi-year program of coursework, attendance, and assessments, while a GED is an exam-based equivalency credential that can be obtained more quickly by passing a series of subject tests.
Both are generally accepted as equivalent for college admissions and employment, but the high school diploma is often viewed as providing more comprehensive academic preparation.
Is Ged Harder Than High School Diploma?
The difficulty of the GED compared to a high school diploma is subjective and depends on the individual’s academic strengths and preparation. While the GED exam covers high school-level content, the self-directed nature of GED preparation may be more challenging for some. Ultimately, both pathways require dedication and hard work to succeed, with the high school diploma involving a more structured, multi-year curriculum.
What Are the Disadvantages of Getting a Ged?
The main disadvantages of obtaining a GED include the potential for some employers or colleges to view it as less rigorous than a high school diploma, the need for strong self-discipline to prepare for the exam independently, and the possibility of having to retake subject tests if the minimum passing scores are not achieved on the first attempt.
However, the GED remains a widely accepted and valuable credential for those who cannot complete a traditional high school program.
Does a Ged Matter After College?
Once a person has earned a college degree, the GED or high school diploma becomes less relevant. Employers and graduate programs focus more on the applicant’s college performance, work experience, and skills.
However, the GED can still serve as a valuable credential for those who did not complete high school and wish to pursue higher education or demonstrate their academic abilities to potential employers.
What Are the Key Advantages of Using Prepsaret for Ged Preparation?
The key advantages of using Prepsaret for GED preparation include its affordable pricing, flexible self-paced learning, easy-to-understand lessons, comprehensive practice tests, dedicated student support, and progress tracking—all designed to help students prepare efficiently for and pass the GED exam.