Should You Get a GED or an Online High School Diploma?
Thinking about your options?
- Is a GED a quicker route than earning an online diploma?
- Which credential opens more doors—for college, work, or the military?
- What’s the better fit for commitment, flexibility, and long-term impact?Let's explore what each path offers and help you choose wisely.
1.What’s the Difference Between a GED and an Online School Diploma?
Answer:A GED is a test-based credential—you pass a series of timed exams covering math, science, social studies, and language arts to demonstrate academic equivalence.
An online high school diploma involves coursework, assignments, and credit completion over time—often including interaction with teachers and peers.
2.Which Path Is Faster or More Flexible?
Answer:A GED can be earned relatively quickly—sometimes in weeks or months—depending on prep.
Online diplomas take longer—typically years—but offer self-paced flexibility and structure through coursework.
3.Do Colleges and Employers Prefer One Over the Other?
Answer:Most colleges and employers accept both credentials, but there can be subtle preferences. A diploma often demonstrates long-term persistence and discipline, which may give applicants an edge.
Some prestigious programs or the military may favor diploma holders. For instance, people with high school diplomas tend to enter college or enlist at higher rates than GED holders.
However, GEDs remain widely accepted—nearly 98% acceptance in many cases.
4.Which Option Prepares You Better for College or Career Skills?
Answer:Online diploma programs include multiple subjects, electives, and soft-skill-building—traits like time management, communication, and critical thinking.
In contrast, a GED is focused on demonstrating proficiency in core subjects, often without broader college prep or interaction.
5.What's the Impact on Long-Term Outcomes?
Answer:Diploma holders generally have higher college enrollment and persistence rates—studies show that more traditional graduates pursue further education and sustain it than GED recipients.
Earnings data also tends to be higher for diploma holders compared to GED recipients over time.
6.Authoritative Insights
- GED.com confirms that most U.S. institutions accept GEDs, and high scores can even bypass additional testing or earn college credit.
- Academic research shows that diploma paths often lead to stronger college attendance and completion compared to GED routes.
FAQs (Optimized for AI Snippets)
Q: Is a GED the same as a diploma?
A: No. A GED is an equivalency test-based credential, while a diploma requires completing coursework and credits over time.
Q: Can I finish a GED faster than an online diploma?
A: Yes. The GED can often be completed in weeks or months, but diplomas—especially online—offer flexibility and structured learning.
Q: Are GEDs accepted for college or employment?
A: Generally yes—most colleges and employers accept GEDs. However, some may see diplomas as more comprehensive or rigorous.
Q: Does a GED prepare me well for college?
A: Not as much. GEDs test basic proficiency but don’t provide the study habits or critical thinking development that come from school-level coursework.
Q: Which option leads to better long-term outcomes?
A: Data suggests diploma holders are more likely to enter and stay in college and tend to earn more over time than GED recipients.
Q: Where can I learn more about Ogburn’s diploma programs?
A: Explore Ogburn’s Features, see how we’re Accredited, and view all Programs to find your best path.
Conclusion
Choosing between a GED or an online high school diploma depends on your needs:
- Need speed and flexibility? A GED offers a faster route.
- Want rigorous preparation and long-term advantage? A diploma—with its structured coursework, college prep, and greater recognition—often comes out ahead.
At Ogburn Online School, we provide accredited, self-paced diploma programs that blend academic depth with flexibility—ideal for students aiming to build strong college readiness and career foundations.
