GED vs. high school diploma
The choice between achieving your high school equivalency (GED) diploma or a standard high school diploma depends mainly on your personal requirements and needs.
When making that decision, there are a few important factors for consideration.
If you decide to go the GED track, you may benefit from high-quality online GED prep courses, like the one developed by Onsego GED Prep, to earn your GED fast.
However, online learning is not for everyone as it requires self-discipline. For these students, many GED prep facilities are available across the nation.
Key differences between a high school diploma and a GED
Not everyone has the opportunity to complete their regular high school curriculum, so let’s look at some key differences to guide you when making this critical decision:
| High School | GED | |
|---|---|---|
| Completion Time | Usually, it’s four years. The required time may vary, however, as it depends on how many credits you require to complete your high school diploma.
The time also depends on the number of hours a week you can attend in-person classes, your skill level in math and reading, how fast you can learn new study material, and if you can stay focused throughout the high school program. |
For each student, the amount of time required to get sufficiently prepared for the four GED sub-exams varies.
In general, however, motivated GED applicants need between 2 and 6 months to get ready for the challenging exam. Check here -> for information about GED scoring. |
| Format | In high school, students use textbooks and other resources to study high school academic subjects. They will have to pass subject tests to earn credit toward their diplomas.
To earn their high school diplomas, students need to complete a series of academic courses, and they are required to attend their high school’s lab for coursework. |
The GED test is a state exam. States issue the GED diploma. Students must take and pass four subtests that cover mathematics, science, social studies, and English language.
There are numerous facilities across the nation that provide GED instruction, often at no cost. The GED test is delivered in a computer-based format only, and the exam can be taken at state-designated test centers or online. |
| Cost | High School Diploma Programs are free, and textbooks and study materials are provided by schools. | The cost of the GED test varies slightly by state, but on average, the full exam (four subtests) costs around $144.
There are states that offer the exam at no cost to residents, and in some states, the cost will be slightly higher. On the GED.com website, you can learn more. The GED test can also be taken online in most states. |
| Accommodations | High School students with documented disabilities may qualify for appropriate accommodations. Your school will help you with your application. | GED applicants with verified disabilities may also qualify for special accommodations. Applications should be made in a timely manner on the GED.com website. Your school district, GED learning center, or a test center near you may help you with your application. |
The GED exam (actually four modular, independent subtests) can be taken at state-designated test centers or in an online format, the OP (Online proctored) GED test.
You may write the four GED sub-exams in any order you desire and one (or more) at a time. There’s no need to take the full exam in one session.
You can get all set for the exam at a prep facility or by learning online. Online programs offer lots of flexibility as you decide when, where, and what to learn, but again, self-discipline is required!