When it comes to choosing between a GED vs high school diploma, many adults focus on what it takes to earn the credential. But just as important is what happens after you graduate. Whether you’re applying for jobs, planning to go to college, or considering military service, your education history can influence how far you go.
In this guide, we won’t just compare coursework—we’ll explore the real-world consequences of each option, using current data to answer one critical question: Which one opens more doors in the long run?
Employment: What Employers Think About a GED vs High School Diploma
When applying for a job, it’s not just about whether a credential is technically accepted—it’s also about how it’s perceived. A high school diploma often signals to employers that a candidate has completed a multi-year, structured educational program. This can speak volumes about an applicant’s ability to commit to goals, manage deadlines, and persist through challenges—skills that are harder to demonstrate with a test-only credential like the GED.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals with a high school diploma face lower unemployment rates than those without one. In 2023, the unemployment rate for high school graduates was 4.0%, compared to 5.6% for those with less than a diploma—this includes most GED holders (BLS, 2023).
Beyond unemployment rates, diploma holders are more likely to gain access to:
- Full-time, benefit-eligible positions
- Union jobs that explicitly require a high school diploma for membership
- Federal employment or roles requiring security clearances
- Apprenticeship and management-track programs, which may screen out GED-only applicants
The National Skills Coalition has also highlighted that many middle-skill jobs (which require more than a high school education but less than a four-year degree) list a diploma as a baseline requirement for training eligibility or advancement (National Skills Coalition).
In short, while both a GED and diploma confirm high school-level academic ability, a diploma may carry more weight in the eyes of hiring managers—especially when long-term growth and promotion are part of the picture.
GED vs High School Diploma: What the Data Says About Pay and Promotion
The choice between a GED and a high school diploma can have a direct impact on your income—not just today, but for years to come. While both credentials demonstrate high school-level proficiency, a diploma often signals to employers a greater degree of academic engagement, time management, and commitment. This can translate into higher wages, more stable employment, and stronger long-term earning potential.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2023:
- High school diploma holders earned a median of $853 per week
- Individuals without a high school diploma—including most GED recipients—earned just $682 per week
That’s a difference of $8,884 annually (BLS, 2023).
Over a 30-year working career, that wage gap adds up to more than $265,000—and that doesn’t account for additional earnings from promotions, bonuses, or career advancements that diploma holders are more likely to access.
A 2011 report from the American Council on Education also found that GED recipients were less likely to move into supervisory or managerial roles, even when employed full-time, due in part to perceptions that the GED reflects academic potential but not persistence or soft skills developed in a traditional program (ACE, 2011).
In other words, while a GED may open the door to entry-level work, a diploma could offer the foundation for long-term career growth, job security, and upward mobility.
GED vs High School Diploma: Which Is Better for College Admissions?
If college is part of your future plan—even if it’s a few years away—choosing between a GED vs high school diploma can shape the admissions process and your long-term success.
While both credentials are technically accepted at most colleges, they’re not always treated the same way. A high school diploma often provides a smoother, more flexible path into postsecondary education, while GED holders may face additional hurdles.
Key Differences:
- Admissions Requirements: Many colleges require GED applicants to submit additional materials—such as higher standardized test scores, placement tests, or letters of explanation—especially for competitive programs or four-year universities.
- Conditional Admission: GED students may be admitted on academic probation or required to take remedial coursework.
- Scholarship Access: Some merit-based scholarships and financial aid programs require a diploma from an accredited high school and may not consider GED applicants.
- Academic Preparedness: High school diploma programs typically offer broader subject exposure, preparing students for college-level expectations in math, writing, and science.
According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, only about 5% of GED holders go on to earn a bachelor’s degree, compared to over 30% of high school diploma holders (NCES via U.S. Census).
And while community colleges may welcome both GED and diploma holders, diploma students are more likely to complete their programs, transfer to a four-year university, or avoid remedial classes altogether.
GED vs High School Diploma: How They Affect Military Enlistment
If joining the military is part of your plan, it’s important to know that not all educational credentials are viewed equally by the Armed Forces. The difference between a GED vs high school diploma can determine if you’re eligible to enlist—and what opportunities you’ll have once you do.
The U.S. Department of Defense groups applicants into tiers based on their educational background:
- Tier 1: High school diploma graduates
- Tier 2: GED holders (and those with alternative credentials)
- Tier 3: Applicants with no formal credential
⚠️ Why It Matters:
- Recruitment Caps: The military limits how many Tier 2 (GED) recruits it can accept each year. In some years, the number is capped at less than 1% of total enlistments.
- ASVAB Score Requirements: GED holders must score significantly higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to qualify for enlistment.
- MOS Access (Jobs Within the Military): Tier 1 applicants often have access to a broader selection of Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), including roles with advancement and clearance potential.
According to a RAND Corporation report, high school diploma holders are more likely to complete basic training and succeed in long-term military careers. These success rates are a major reason the Department of Defense prioritizes Tier 1 applicants.
💡 Pro tip:
Even if you meet the requirements with a GED, it may be harder to get into the branch or role you want—especially during times of high recruitment.
GED vs High School Diploma: Which Offers More Flexibility in the Future?
When comparing the GED vs high school diploma, many adults focus on what works right now—how fast they can finish, how soon they can apply for jobs, or meet a requirement. But what about five years from now? Or ten?
One of the most overlooked differences between the GED and a high school diploma is long-term flexibility. A diploma isn’t just a credential—it’s a foundation. And that foundation keeps more options open over time.
Why Flexibility Matters:
- Returning to School Later: If you ever decide to go back for a degree, trade license, or professional certification, a high school diploma often makes the process easier. You may avoid remedial coursework or redundant entry requirements.
- Career Shifts: Many mid-career training programs, apprenticeships, and even employer tuition assistance programs ask for a traditional diploma as part of eligibility.
- Credential Recognition: Some states and employers require a regionally accredited high school diploma—not a GED—for specific licensing, security clearance, or government employment.
In other words, the GED may check today’s box—but a diploma is more likely to support whatever’s next, even if you don’t see it coming yet.
📊 According to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce, the more education you have, the more likely you are to stay employed, change careers successfully, and increase your lifetime earnings—even beyond your starting job.
Bottom Line:
A GED may work for a short-term goal, but a high school diploma gives you the freedom to pursue future opportunities without extra steps, retakes, or restrictions.
GED vs High School Diploma: When the GED Might Still Be the Right Fit
While the high school diploma offers broader long-term advantages, there are situations where the GED might still be the more practical choice. For adults facing immediate barriers—whether financial, personal, or logistical—the GED can serve as a quicker, more accessible alternative.
A GED May Be Right If:
- You need a credential quickly for a job, housing, or personal goal
- You’re confident in test-taking and can self-study effectively
- You don’t plan to enroll in a 4-year college or the military
- You’re over 18 and need an option that doesn’t require transcript submission or course completion
The GED is widely recognized by community colleges and employers, and in some cases, it’s enough to unlock your next step. According to the official GED Testing Service, the credential is accepted by 97% of U.S. colleges and employers.
But there’s a caveat: While the GED opens some doors, it may not keep them open long-term. That’s where the GED vs high school diploma comparison becomes most important—not just for what you can do today, but what you’ll be qualified to do tomorrow.
💡 Did You Know?
Some Excel High School graduates chose the diploma route even after attempting the GED, simply because they wanted greater access to scholarships, military enlistment, or career promotions that required a traditional diploma.
Bottom Line:
The GED is a valid path—but for adults who want broader access, more flexibility, and fewer limitations down the road, an accredited high school diploma is often worth the investment.
🎯 GED vs High School Diploma: Make the Choice That Moves You Forward
Both the GED and a high school diploma can help you reach important educational milestones—but they don’t lead to the same future. When you compare the GED vs high school diploma side by side, the diploma consistently offers greater value in terms of long-term income, career advancement, college access, and military opportunities.
If you want those advantages—but don’t want to sit in a traditional classroom—an online high school diploma program designed for adults can give you the best of both worlds.
🎓 Why Excel High School’s Adult Diploma Program Works:
- ✅ Regionally accredited and aligned with Minnesota graduation standards
- ✅ 100% online and self-paced, with no required class times
- ✅ Credit for previous coursework—so you don’t repeat what you’ve already done
- ✅ Results in a real, respected diploma accepted by employers, colleges, and the military
- ✅ Provides a structured, supportive experience—unlike test-prep-only programs
You don’t need to start over. You don’t need to take a GED test. And you don’t need to figure it out alone.
You’re closer than you think.
👉 Learn more about Excel’s Adult High School Diploma Program and take the next step toward a future with more options.
