Should You Get a High School Diploma or a GED?

August 2025 | By: Jenn Hall

Not everyone completes their high school education by attending a traditional four-year high school. There are many reasons that an individual may choose to drop out of high school, including school-related issues like missing too many school days, difficulty keeping up with coursework, or safety concerns. Family-related issues also may impact a person’s ability to complete the traditional path, such as pregnancy or a need to care for or support a family member. When one of these situations arises, the individual is left with a couple of options:

1. Try to get by without a high school diploma (possible, but very limiting in your career options and salary potential)
2. Enroll in an online high school program to earn a diploma
3. Enroll in a GED (General Educational Development) program

Barring the “do nothing” option, the choice is left between online high school or a GED. But what’s the difference? And which one is better for you?

What's the difference between a high school diploma and a GED

While similar, a diploma and a GED are not the same.

A high school diploma is awarded to students who have completed (and passed) all the required courses and coursework for each grade level. Students can earn their high school diploma by attending a traditional four-year school or an alternative online high school program. A high school diploma is widely accepted by colleges, universities, and employers.

A GED is intended to be an equivalent measure of high school education. Unlike earning a high school diploma, attaining a GED requires completion of standardized tests to assess high school-level understanding of core subjects (math, science, social studies, language arts). There is no formal coursework required. A GED also is widely recognized by colleges, universities, and employers. That said, there may be a social stigma associated with obtaining a GED versus a diploma, which is something students should consider when deciding which option is best.

Is a high school diploma better than a GED?

Yes, a high school diploma is generally regarded more highly than a GED. A diploma demonstrates a higher level of commitment and dedication to completing the required courses and may signal a greater level of resilience, persistence, and reliability. These attributes are favorable for both employers and higher education institutions.

Although a GED signifies that the individual has taken the initiative to complete the standardized tests and demonstrate their high school education competency, there may still be a stigma associated with this alternative path. Additionally, individuals interested in joining the U.S. Military may find it difficult with a GED. All military branches prefer a high school diploma and have set limits on the number of people they will accept with a GED each year.

A study published in the American Educational Research Journal showed:

• 7 out of 10 traditional graduates enter college by age 35, compared to less than half of GED recipients
• “At age 18, the probability that a traditional graduate will enter a 4-year college is 20 times that of a GED recipient with similar characteristics who earned the GED ‘on time’”
• By age 25, 65% of individuals with a high school diploma were noted to have attended college, compared to 31% of GED recipients
• By age 35, 70% of individuals with a high school diploma were noted to have attended college, compared to 43% of GED recipients

These data are important to consider, especially for those who wish to pursue higher education, a more advanced career path, and a higher salary potential. If those are your goals, then a high school diploma is your best option.