GED vs. High School Diploma: What's the Difference?

If you or your student has ever struggled with traditional high school and its diploma requirements, you’ve probably wondered what it would look like to take the GED®. The GED is another way for you to finish high school and offers many different benefits – especially if you're considering dropping out.

While the GED has helped many students finish high school, it’s not exactly the same experience as graduating with a high school diploma.

We know why a high school diploma is important, but the answer to how to finish high school can look different for everyone depending on a student’s unique schedule, needs and circumstances.

So, let’s compare a GED vs. a high school diploma.

What’s the difference between a GED and a high school diploma?

Let’s start by defining the GED. The GED, or general education development, is a series of tests that cover four subjects – language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. It’s also known as a high school equivalency because it was designed to test students on the topics learned in a traditional high school setting.

A GED and a traditional high school diploma are two different paths to finishing school. We’ve broken down the major differences between these options: accessibility and overall experience.

Path Comparison

Challenge

AA Diploma

GED

Cost

It's expensive.

It's free.

Can cost up to hundreds of dollars.

Format

The traditional high school format just isn't for me. 4-6 classes a day doesn't work for my schedule.

A flexible learning & scheduling format that includes online and in-person support, taking one class at a time.

One remote format.

Support

I need more support. Academically, socially and emotionally.

Personalized program that includes one-to-one help and instruction from on-site teachers, counselors, and life coaches.

Expensive online training.

Technology

I don’t have access to technology.

Wi-Fi and loaner technology so you have the tools to succeed.

You must provide your own technology.

The Detailed Difference Between a GED and a Diploma

Let’s compare what this looks like in a few different ways.

COST

How much will you spend?

FORMAT

Online, In-Person, or Hybrid?

SUPPORT

How Much Help Will You Have?

ELIGIBILITY

Do I Qualify?

Cost of a GED Test or a Diploma – How Much Will You Spend?

One major difference between a GED a high school diploma is the cost.

GED classes can cost hundreds of dollars in study guides and tutors. The GED test also has a fee associated with it. Understandably, the total costs of GED programs can be limiting if you’re struggling financially.

However, earning a high school diploma is free through the public school system. You’ll have to bring your own backpack and personal materials, but you won’t have to pay for study guides and specific tests.

As an alternative education program, Acceleration Academies partners with school districts to offer free education to high school students. Our flexible format includes all the instruction you need to earn a high school diploma, on a personalized plan, at no cost.

Online High School, In-Person or Hybrid?

Do you have a preference for remote learning or in-person classes? Or do you excel with a combination of both? Another big difference between the GED and high school diploma is the format.

Choosing a Way to Get a GED

You can choose a GED program that is entirely remote or a program that includes classes at set times. These additional classes can help prepare you for the GED examination but note that these preparatory classes are often optional. In the case of remote GED courses, many students will rely on self-guided study resources or find online tutors available for GED coursework.

How Traditional High School Works

Traditional high schools typically meet every weekday for set times dedicated to various courses. You’ll receive a schedule at the beginning of each term and be expected to regularly attend classes for those timeframes. A typical day will include a bell schedule with various morning classes, lunch in the cafeteria and afternoon classes before dismissal. A schedule like this can be limiting if you have unique needs and responsibilities outside of school.

Personalized Education at Acceleration Academies

At Acceleration Academies, we combine the flexibility of an online curriculum with the support of in-person instruction. Our hybrid format gives you time 1 on 1 time with our content coaches and the space to complete your work online when it works best for you. Acceleration Academies provides spacious, well-staffed academies for our students. That way, there’s always a content coach there to help you with your studies, plus opportunities to work with other students in groups, so you won’t miss out on valuable relationships.

Support – How Much Help Will You Have?

GED Help

Because it is primarily self-guided, GED programs tend to have less hands-on assistance. The program moves at your pace, and class meetings are often optional (if you invest in preparatory programs).

Public high schools have more community and collaboration built into their systems simply by having you attend regular classes. With the presence of teachers and teacher’s aides, you can receive more support and guidance directly in the classroom.

Help In Alternative Education

However, flexible education and alternative education programs provide even more assistance for you. These programs are usually more community-focused, and they can offer more support if you learn best in smaller groups with more time for going over material and getting help with coursework. Alternative education programs typically have smaller student groups, which can also help with that anxiety about asking for more help in class.

Help at Acceleration Academies

Acceleration Academies provides in-person support from teachers and tight-knit communities of students, so everyone gets the help they need with supportive peers around them. Plus, Acceleration Academies structures its curriculum after you as an individual student, so you can focus on one course at a time and master it before moving on to another subject.

Technology Support in High School

Support with technology can also become a barrier for students. With a GED program, you often have to provide your technology if libraries or other public options are unavailable. Students enrolled in a traditional high school format will have access to the school’s technology. At Acceleration Academies, we also provide the flexibility of technology you’ll need and give each student a laptop to use in the academy and take home to complete classes and learn from our curriculum.

Eligibility – Do I Qualify?

GED programs can be completed by people at any age, even if they’re older than the typical high school student. This helps people finish their education and access more opportunities later in life than without certification.

However, traditional high school diplomas can only be earned if you’re within a certain age range, usually set by the state or the school district. While this means there’s a limited time frame for earning a high school diploma, there are more ways to graduate high school through alternative learning experiences than ever before.

At most Acceleration Academies locations, you can enroll if you’re under 21 and have been promoted to 9th grade. With our unique program, you can choose to complete your coursework at a more accelerated pace or go through each subject with more time to feel you’ve fully grasped the material.

A student smiles at camera with arms crossed

Job Options & Earning Potential

By earning a high school diploma or GED, you’re already qualified for many different jobs. However, your job options may vary depending on whether you have a high school diploma or a GED. With a high school diploma, you’re more eligible for 90% of available jobs; with a GED, you may face certain stigmas during your job search.

It’s important to note that you may see earning differences between a GED and a high school diploma, as well. According to the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, high school graduates earn approximately $1,600 more monthly than those who obtained a GED. During their lifetime, high school graduates can also expect to earn at least $500,000 more compared to those with a GED.

Acceleration Academies grants you a district-issued high school diploma upon completing all necessary coursework and required attendance, opening up the same doors as diplomas from traditional high schools.

A student smiling with their diploma surrounded by family

Can You Go To College With a GED?

You can go to college with a GED or with a diploma. Most schools recognize both within the US as a sign of your sufficiency in education and your ability to apply to a college program. However, some colleges may require you to submit extra references and test scores to ensure your acceptance to their programs if you’re only applying with a GED.

Putting in the time to earn a diploma or a GED will pay off, even if you decide not to go to college and want to join the workforce or the military right out of high school.

1. How Much Time Do I Have?

If you’re nearing the cut-off age of high schoolers for your state, you’ll need to meet with a guidance counselor or a trusted teacher soon to get back on track. Or, now might be the time to consider pursuing a GED program or a program like Acceleration Academies.

Acceleration Academies helps you build a schedule that fulfills our attendance requirements and provides the help you need to complete your coursework, all on a timeline that works for your needs. Our flexible format means you can complete a single class in 3-4 weeks, which is a huge help if you’re on a time crunch to graduate.

If you aren’t nearing the cut-off age, you should still look at the time you have left in high school:

What do you want to get out of this experience?
How do you want your relationships to develop – both in school and out?
Do you need extra support academically?

Take some time to consider if the connections you’re making now are ones you want to continue growing within a high school setting or if you’re ready to branch out!

2. What's My Learning Style?

Everyone has a different learning style, which is what makes education so unique! Think through times in your schooling when you felt supported by your teachers and other students. Consider the times, too, when you’ve felt lost or unproductive.

You can start to identify your learning style with the VARK model.

Vark learning styles comparison chart

Most people prefer some combination of these four styles. You can dig deeper into your learning style by assessing the situation, too — the environment and those around you when you’ve had success learning.

Ask yourself these questions:

When learning a new concept, would you rather get one-on-one instruction to help cement your understanding or get feedback on how you’ve interpreted it afterward?
Do you prefer group projects or working individually?
Can you focus better in a silent room or a bustling place?
Would you rather learn from a lively lecture or through a lively discussion?
Can you learn about something on the spot or would you rather prime yourself beforehand?
Does the prospect of learning excite you, bore you, or intimidate you?

Determining your learning style will benefit your life outside of the classroom, as well. By identifying what you need to feel supported, inspired, and productive, you’ll be more likely to find an environment where you can thrive later on — in your career and beyond.

In addition to the different learning styles, some students need extra academic support from their teachers. If you have a learning disability that makes succeeding in a traditional high school setting difficult, Acceleration Academies has dedicated special education teachers to help you. We’re committed to helping students with IEPs and 504 plans succeed in their academic studies and lives outside school. Whether you have dyslexia, anxiety, or any other challenge in learning, Acceleration Academies has coaches ready to help you learn and grow.

Switching to a program like Acceleration Academies can benefit you if you want to achieve your goal of graduating with a high school diploma but need more freedom to learn in the style that works best for you. With this alternative education program, you can still get your diploma on your timeline, with more individualized support from our on-site teachers.

3. What's My Schedule Like?

You might get your first job in high school. Or, you may have been working for a while in order to support your family. You may be experiencing some stress with trying to juggle your job and academics.

Finding a program that gives you the flexibility you need to finish school is essential. In most cases, this flexibility can only be found in an alternative education system, such as a GED program or a program like Acceleration Academies. These programs work with you to help you succeed in school on your schedule.

Beyond Traditional Schooling: What is Alternative Learning?

We’ve discussed some reasons you should pursue a high school diploma or a GED, but there are many other alternative routes to finishing high school.

The term “alternative education” refers to any form of high school education outside of the traditional setting. This includes homeschooling, charter schools, micro-schools and more. Since 2020, alternative education has been on the rise because of its emphasis on flexible education.

Acceleration Academies allows students to earn a high school diploma in a flexible, no-cost format. You could say it’s the best of both worlds when it comes to the GED vs. high school diploma decision.

At our academies, we make class work for you, so you won’t feel like just another student. Schedules are built with your unique circumstances in mind – plus, students always have coaches available to help. Our spacious academies inspire collaborative learning, so students can make lasting connections as they finish school.