Most jobs on the market require a high school diploma for consideration. It sets the groundwork for new careers, additional schooling pathways, and opportunities to earn more. However, accessing a high school diploma program or even finding a GED program that works with your schedule can be incredibly difficult, and knowing the right course of action can be even harder. In this guide, take a closer look at a GED vs. high school diploma—and new opportunities from The Excel Center to get your high school diploma.

Understanding the GED

The General Education Development (GED) certificate is generally equivalent to a high school diploma. You can get this certificate by passing four math, social studies, science, and language arts subject tests. GED programs are available nationwide, and studying to pass the tests is easier than ever with flexible online courses. In most practical contexts, such as applying for a job, a GED works the same as a conventional high school diploma, and successfully earning your GED can feel like a great second chance.

However, there are some downsides to a GED. It carries a stigma of not being as robust as a high school degree and may appear as a “red flag” to potential employers. While GEDs are valuable and can help you start a new career or prepare you for college programs, they aren’t always treated like a degree.

The Traditional High School Diploma

Traditional high school diplomas offer several benefits. The high school experience includes social learning and extracurriculars just as much as academic learning. Students also have access to a wider range of classes and learning opportunities outside the four core subjects, such as technology, economics, specific sciences, and other languages.

However, those traditional opportunities have a cost—high school schedules are rigid, and school days can conflict with busy work and family schedules.

GED vs. High School Diploma: A Closer Look

Is a GED the same as a diploma? If you’re considering getting a GED vs. a high school diploma, it’s important to compare the two and know what you want to get out of the experience. Consider these key differences and decide which ones are your priority:

  • Learning opportunities: GED programs cover the basics, but high school diplomas include more variety and depth of learning options
  • Schedule flexibility: Conventional high school diplomas require a serious time commitment daily during the school year. However, GED programs are more flexible and require less dedicated class time.
  • Social opportunities: GED programs do not include socialization opportunities, especially if you choose online learning. High school diploma programs grant greater access to group activities, learning in a group, and extracurriculars.
  • Employer and college acceptance: Employers can accept GEDs as an equivalent alternative to a high school diploma, but some employers view GEDs skeptically. High school diplomas are more widely accepted and, with their secondary benefits like broader learning programs and extracurriculars, can make it easier to succeed.

Factors to Consider When Making a Choice

There are pros and cons to consider when comparing a GED vs. a high school diploma. Consider how these factors play a role in your own life and decisions:

  • Personal circumstances: Consider your learning style, preference between learning alone vs. in a group class, and life experiences. Age doesn’t have to be a factor!
  • Goals: Consider your career, future college plans, and other goals to pick the program that’s the best fit.
  • Finances: Consider the cost of the program and whether you’re able to complete the work around your job commitments.
  • Available support: Look for schools and organizations that offer support or form a support system within your network.

As you compare the two options, you might ask yourself, “Can I get my high school diploma online for free for adults?” While you can get online GEDs, getting a high school degree as an adult requires more work—but it’s more accessible with The Excel Center.

Enroll Now!

If you’re interested in getting an actual high school diploma, the team at The Excel Center is here to help. We offer in-person classes so you can complete your degree and start the next chapter of your professional or learning path. Contact us today to learn more about the program and how long it takes to get a high school diploma for adults.