GED vs High School Diploma

High School Diploma: Earned by completing the required coursework and credits at a high school. Employers, colleges, and institutions widely recognize it as evidence of a primary education.

 

GED: A certificate that signifies the holder has passed a series of tests demonstrating high school-level academic skills. Many employers and colleges accept it as equivalent to a high school diploma, but some institutions might favor a traditional diploma.

High School Diploma: Students typically follow a curriculum that includes English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, and electives, among others. The exact courses and their rigors can vary by school and district.

 

GED: Covers four main subject areas: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science.

High School Diploma: Students are evaluated through coursework, homework, projects, and sometimes standardized state or national exams.

 

GED: Consists of a series of exams in the four subjects mentioned above. Students must pass all four tests to earn the GED certificate.

High School Diploma: Typically takes four years of full-time study from grade 9 to grade 12. Our Independent Study program allows students to progress through the required Kern High School District coursework at their own pace. 

 

GED: Preparation time can vary greatly depending on the individual. Some might need several months of study, while others require only a few weeks. The tests can be completed in days or weeks, depending on the testing schedule and the candidate's preparedness.

 

High School Diploma: Public high schools in the U.S. are funded by taxpayer dollars, so there's no tuition for attending. 

 

GED: The GED test costs around $41 per subject or about $165 for the complete battery of tests. Additionally, there might be costs associated with preparatory materials. The GED preparation program does not include the fees for the tests. Students must pay for the test themselves.

High School Diploma: Generally perceived as the traditional route of education. Students have academic and social experiences, extracurricular involvement, and other holistic educational experiences.

 

GED: Sometimes perceived as a route taken when traditional high school wasn't completed, whether due to personal challenges, alternative education paths, or other reasons. Some might view it as less prestigious than a high school diploma, but many employers and colleges recognize it as equivalent.