{"id":799,"date":"2026-10-14T06:59:54","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T06:59:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/?p=799"},"modified":"2026-10-14T06:59:54","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T06:59:54","slug":"difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/","title":{"rendered":"Difference Between GED and High School Diploma: A Simple Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not sure if a GED is &#8220;as good as&#8221; 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;ll see how each one works, where they differ, and how to choose.<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_87_1 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#What_Is_a_High_School_Diploma\" >What Is a High School Diploma?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#What_Is_the_GED_in_Education\" >What Is the GED in Education?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#GED_vs_High_School_Diploma_Key_Differences_at_a_Glance\" >GED vs High School Diploma: Key Differences at a Glance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#How_Each_One_Is_Earned\" >How Each One Is Earned?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#Which_Is_Accepted_for_College_Jobs_and_the_Military\" >Which Is Accepted for College, Jobs, and the Military?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#GED_or_High_School_Diploma_Which_Should_You_Choose\" >GED or High School Diploma: Which Should You Choose?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\" >Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#How_to_Protect_Your_Diploma_or_GED_Credential\" >How to Protect Your Diploma or GED Credential?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#Final_Takeaway\" >Final Takeaway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/difference-between-ged-and-high-school-diploma\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_High_School_Diploma\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is a High School Diploma?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s start with the more familiar option, since it&#8217;s the standard the GED is measured against.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A high school diploma is a credential issued by a school. It shows you met your state&#8217;s and school&#8217;s graduation requirements. Most students earn one by completing required courses over several years. Exact requirements vary by state and district.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is a High School Diploma a Degree?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 &#8220;some college&#8221; and the associate&#8217;s degree.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_GED_in_Education\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Is the GED in Education?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now that you know what a diploma is, here&#8217;s the alternative route and what it actually involves.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Three things are worth knowing:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GED is a brand name: &#8220;High school equivalency&#8221; is the general term.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">HiSET is another test: Some states use it instead of, or alongside, the GED.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Names differ by state: Utah, for example, awards a &#8220;High School Completion Diploma&#8221; after you pass the GED. Check your state&#8217;s wording.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GED_vs_High_School_Diploma_Key_Differences_at_a_Glance\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GED vs High School Diploma: Key Differences at a Glance<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Factor<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High School Diploma<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GED<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How you earn it<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coursework and credits<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Four subject tests<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Who issues it<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your school or district<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your state, after you pass<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical timeline<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several years of school<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depends on your prep; subjects can be taken separately<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Federal student aid<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligible<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligible<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Military tier<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tier I<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Usually Tier II<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sections below explain each row.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Each_One_Is_Earned\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Each One Is Earned?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The High School Diploma Path<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enroll in a school that meets your state&#8217;s rules. This includes public, private, charter, and approved homeschool programs.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Complete the required credits in set subjects.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meet any extra state requirements, such as exit exams in some states.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The GED Path<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check your state&#8217;s rules. The minimum age is generally 16. Test-takers under 18 often face extra steps.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prepare. GED.com offers an official practice test, called GED Ready, to show if you&#8217;re ready.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schedule your tests. Book through GED.com. You can take all four subjects together or one at a time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pass all four subjects. The tests are Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematical Reasoning, Social Studies, and Science.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Receive your credential. You get a score report and your state&#8217;s credential.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your adult education program holds a ceremony, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/blog\/personalized-diploma-covers\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">personalized diploma covers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are one way to present the credential.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How GED Scoring Works?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">145 or higher: You pass that subject.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">165-174 (College Ready): You may skip placement testing or developmental courses in college.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">175-200 (College Ready + Credit): You may qualify for up to 10 college credit hours.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ged.com\/about-test\/scores.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GED Testing Service scoring page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for current details.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Which_Is_Accepted_for_College_Jobs_and_the_Military\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which Is Accepted for College, Jobs, and the Military?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">College and Financial Aid<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Admission rules belong to each college. Some universities require different GED scores, so confirm with your target school.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jobs and Pay<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many job listings ask for a &#8220;high school diploma or equivalent.&#8221; That wording includes GED holders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One caution: BLS reports a single &#8220;high school diploma&#8221; category. It has labeled that group &#8220;including GED&#8221; in past editions. So these numbers do not show whether GED holders earn less than diploma holders.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employers and colleges may also ask for proof of your credential. It helps to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/goto?url=CAESlgEB6zswFesCgM7JL4p28ow5KMV_jPFKerag8g0QshsuO6CV7Hr2047qVzLdnuwmPflttJPYPvZv1yklgOL2TxetD46Vc1KXlhwfs390KGX07bHvMbAOn5AclV5YAUqThVqfTqsakFpFBWXgxMCB1bmLdfd7H9UhctCu2Czh9jLLLaT1husXOEkQ77FD1GO4rhFCaMwwEKw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">preserve your diploma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in good condition from the start.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Military Enlistment<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"GED_or_High_School_Diploma_Which_Should_You_Choose\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">GED or High School Diploma: Which Should You Choose?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A Simple Decision Guide<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose the diploma if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;re school-age and can stay enrolled.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want to enlist in the military.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your target program asks for a traditional diploma.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose the GED if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You left school and need a faster route.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You&#8217;re an adult balancing work or family.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You want to move on to college or a job soon.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Mistakes_to_Avoid\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&#8217;ve picked a path, a few avoidable errors can slow you down or cost you money. Watch for these:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treating a certificate of completion as a diploma. It does not qualify for federal student aid.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paying for an unaccredited online &#8220;diploma.&#8221; Colleges, employers, and the military may not accept it. Check accreditation first.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assuming one college&#8217;s rules apply everywhere. Admission and credit policies vary.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Leaving school before checking your state&#8217;s options. Rules for age, testing, and approvals differ.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Protect_Your_Diploma_or_GED_Credential\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Protect Your Diploma or GED Credential?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After all the effort of earning it, you&#8217;ll want to keep your credential safe. Original documents are the hardest to replace, and a few habits keep yours protected:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Store it flat. Keep it away from moisture, sunlight, and folds.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use a protective cover. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.diplomacovers.net\/diploma-covers.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">diploma covers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> guard corners and edges. Match the cover to your document&#8217;s size.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep a digital scan. It is handy for reference, though some places still ask for the original or an official copy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know where to request copies. Contact your school or district for a diploma.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Takeaway\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Final Takeaway<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FAQs<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How much does the GED cost?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fees vary by state and are charged per subject. Check GED.com for your state&#8217;s price. Retake fees may apply.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What happens if I score below 145 in a subject?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You retake only the subjects you didn&#8217;t pass. Some states limit retakes or add waiting periods, so check your state&#8217;s policy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How long does the GED take?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is the GED the same as the HiSET?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can I get college credit with a GED?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [{\n    \"@type\": \"Question\",\n    \"name\": \"How much does the GED cost?\",\n    \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n      \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n      \"text\": \"Fees vary by state and are charged per subject. Check GED.com for your state's price. 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