Not sure if a GED is “as good as” a diploma? For most purposes, yes. The difference between GED and high school diploma credentials comes down to how you earn them. A diploma comes from completing school coursework. A GED comes from passing four subject tests.
Quick answer: A high school diploma is awarded by a school after you meet its graduation requirements. A GED is a high school equivalency credential you earn by passing four subject tests. Colleges, federal student aid, and most employers treat them as equivalent. The military is the main exception. Below, you’ll see how each one works, where they differ, and how to choose.
What Is a High School Diploma?
Let’s start with the more familiar option, since it’s the standard the GED is measured against.
A high school diploma is a credential issued by a school. It shows you met your state’s and school’s graduation requirements. Most students earn one by completing required courses over several years. Exact requirements vary by state and district.
Is a High School Diploma a Degree?
People often ask what degree a high school diploma is, and the answer surprises many of them. A high school diploma is not a degree. A degree is awarded by a college or university, starting at the associate level. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the high school diploma as its own, lower level of educational achievement, below “some college” and the associate’s degree.
What Is the GED in Education?
Now that you know what a diploma is, here’s the alternative route and what it actually involves.
If you’re asking what is GED in education, it stands for General Educational Development. It is a set of four tests that show you have high school-level skills. Pass all four, and your state issues a high school equivalency credential.
Three things are worth knowing:
- GED is a brand name: “High school equivalency” is the general term.
- HiSET is another test: Some states use it instead of, or alongside, the GED.
- Names differ by state: Utah, for example, awards a “High School Completion Diploma” after you pass the GED. Check your state’s wording.
GED vs High School Diploma: Key Differences at a Glance
With both credentials defined, a side-by-side view makes the gaps easier to see. This table covers the main points of the GED vs high school diploma comparison.
| Factor | High School Diploma | GED |
| How you earn it | Coursework and credits | Four subject tests |
| Who issues it | Your school or district | Your state, after you pass |
| Typical timeline | Several years of school | Depends on your prep; subjects can be taken separately |
| Federal student aid | Eligible | Eligible |
| Military tier | Tier I | Usually Tier II |
The sections below explain each row.
How Each One Is Earned?
The biggest practical difference is the path itself. One is a multi-year school journey, while the other is a test-based process you can pace yourself.
The High School Diploma Path
- Enroll in a school that meets your state’s rules. This includes public, private, charter, and approved homeschool programs.
- Complete the required credits in set subjects.
- Meet any extra state requirements, such as exit exams in some states.
The GED Path
- Check your state’s rules. The minimum age is generally 16. Test-takers under 18 often face extra steps.
- Prepare. GED.com offers an official practice test, called GED Ready, to show if you’re ready.
- Schedule your tests. Book through GED.com. You can take all four subjects together or one at a time.
- Pass all four subjects. The tests are Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science.
- Receive your credential. You get a score report and your state’s credential.
If your adult education program holds a ceremony, personalized diploma covers are one way to present the credential.
How GED Scoring Works?
Since the GED is test-based, it helps to understand what the scores mean before you sit for the exam. Each subject is scored from 100 to 200:
- 145 or higher: You pass that subject.
- 165-174 (College Ready): You may skip placement testing or developmental courses in college.
- 175-200 (College Ready + Credit): You may qualify for up to 10 college credit hours.
You must reach 145 in every subject. Scores are not averaged, so a high score in one subject cannot make up for a low score in another. See the official GED Testing Service scoring page for current details.
Which Is Accepted for College, Jobs, and the Military?
Earning the credential is only half the story. What really matters is whether the door you want to walk through will accept it. In most cases, both are accepted. The details differ by goal.
College and Financial Aid
Federal student aid requires a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent, such as a GED. State-authorized exams like HiSET also count. Certificates of attendance or completion do not.
Admission rules belong to each college. Some universities require different GED scores, so confirm with your target school.
Jobs and Pay
Many job listings ask for a “high school diploma or equivalent.” That wording includes GED holders.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for 2025 show the value of finishing high school. Full-time workers aged 25 and over with a high school diploma earned a median of $966 per week and had a 4.3% unemployment rate. Workers without one earned $770 and had a 6.1% unemployment rate.
One caution: BLS reports a single “high school diploma” category. It has labeled that group “including GED” in past editions. So these numbers do not show whether GED holders earn less than diploma holders.
Employers and colleges may also ask for proof of your credential. It helps to preserve your diploma in good condition from the start.
Military Enlistment
This area is where the two credentials differ most. The Department of Defense sorts applicants into education tiers. Regular diploma holders fall in Tier I. The GED is the most common Tier II credential.
GED applicants generally need higher AFQT scores than diploma holders. Branches may also limit how many Tier II recruits they accept. Rules change, so speak with a recruiter before you make a decision.
GED or High School Diploma: Which Should You Choose?
Knowing how acceptance works, you can now match the right credential to your situation. Start with your strictest requirement. Rank your goals by how tough their entry rules are. The military and some competitive programs are usually stricter than general employment. If none of your goals is strict, choose based on timing.
A Simple Decision Guide
Choose the diploma if:
- You’re school-age and can stay enrolled.
- You want to enlist in the military.
- Your target program asks for a traditional diploma.
Choose the GED if:
- You left school and need a faster route.
- You’re an adult balancing work or family.
- You want to move on to college or a job soon.
If you’re still in school and able to finish, staying enrolled is usually the simplest route. Test rules for under-18s add steps in many states.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Once you’ve picked a path, a few avoidable errors can slow you down or cost you money. Watch for these:
- Treating a certificate of completion as a diploma. It does not qualify for federal student aid.
- Paying for an unaccredited online “diploma.” Colleges, employers, and the military may not accept it. Check accreditation first.
- Assuming one college’s rules apply everywhere. Admission and credit policies vary.
- Leaving school before checking your state’s options. Rules for age, testing, and approvals differ.
How to Protect Your Diploma or GED Credential?
After all the effort of earning it, you’ll want to keep your credential safe. Original documents are the hardest to replace, and a few habits keep yours protected:
- Store it flat. Keep it away from moisture, sunlight, and folds.
- Use a protective cover. The diploma covers guard corners and edges. Match the cover to your document’s size.
- Keep a digital scan. It is handy for reference, though some places still ask for the original or an official copy.
- Know where to request copies. Contact your school or district for a diploma.
Final Takeaway
The difference between GED and high school diploma credentials is smaller than most people expect. Most employers, colleges, and federal student aid look at both as proof of skills learned in high school, so neither one really shuts many doors. The military is the main exception, with stricter rules for GED holders. Before you decide, confirm the requirements of your target college program and any branch you hope to join. Then pick the path that fits your timeline, and keep your credential protected once you earn it.
FAQs
How much does the GED cost?
Fees vary by state and are charged per subject. Check GED.com for your state’s price. Retake fees may apply.
What happens if I score below 145 in a subject?
You retake only the subjects you didn’t pass. Some states limit retakes or add waiting periods, so check your state’s policy.
How long does the GED take?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on how much you need to prepare. Because you can test one subject at a time, many people finish in stages.
Is the GED the same as the HiSET?
Both are high school equivalency tests. Which one you can take depends on your state. Passing a state-approved test gives you the equivalency credential in that state.
Can I get college credit with a GED?
Possibly. A score of 175 or higher on a subject may qualify for up to 10 college credit hours. Each college decides what it awards, so ask the admissions office.
