What Degree Do You Get When You Graduate High School?

When it comes to college, you can choose to earn an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctoral degree. All of these options beg the question: What degree do you get when you graduate high school?

In this article, we will answer this question and more by focusing on education in the United States. We’ll share information about a high school degree, along with describing the differences between a high school diploma, a high school certificate, and a GED.

Key Takeaways

• When you finish high school in the U.S., you earn a high school diploma or, in some cases, a certificate of completion, not a college degree.

• A GED is an alternative credential for students who did not graduate from high school and is recognized as equivalent to a diploma.

• Graduation requirements vary widely by state, but most students complete coursework in English, math, science, social studies, and electives to earn a diploma.

• A high school diploma improves long-term outcomes: graduates earn about 25 percent more per week and have lower unemployment rates than adults without a diploma.

• Completing high school opens the door to college admissions, job opportunities, and career growth, including affordable pathways like University of the People.

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Do You Get a Degree When You Graduate High School?

When you graduate from high school, you receive either a high school diploma or, in some cases, a high school certificate. While people sometimes casually refer to this as a “degree,” in the U.S., the word degree is usually reserved for college-level qualifications like associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.

Let’s break down the difference between a high school diploma and a high school certificate.

High school diploma

A high school diploma is awarded to a student who completes all the educational requirements deemed by the school, district, city, and state. This is the standard recognition of high school completion.

High school certificate

A high school certificate (sometimes called a “certificate of completion”) is given to students who finish high school but do not meet all the requirements for a standard diploma. The exact meaning and use of certificates vary by state and school district.

GED (General Educational Development Test)

For students who couldn’t attend or finish high school, a GED is an alternative. The GED is a series of tests that, when passed, provide a credential equivalent to a high school diploma.

What are General High School Graduation Requirements?

High school graduation requirements vary by state, school district, and even by individual school. That said, most U.S. students complete a similar mix of core subjects and electives to earn a diploma. A typical high school graduation plan includes:

• 4 years of English
• 3–4 years of math
• 3–4 years of science
• 3–4 years of social studies
• 1–2 years of physical education and/or health
• 1–2 years of arts or career/technical education (CTE)
• World language courses (required in some states and for many colleges)
• Additional electives

Your exact course requirements depend on where you live, so it’s always a good idea to check with your school counselor or state education department.

Benefits of Finishing High School

There’s a lot of work and time that goes into earning a high school diploma, but the benefits make it all worthwhile. Here are some key advantages of graduating from high school:

Attend College

It’s safe to say that almost every institute of higher education beyond high school will require completion of high school to attend. Even the University of the People, which is purposely made to be accessible with its low barriers to entry, will ask for proof of high school completion (or a GED as an alternative). Finishing high school will lead you to be able to further your education, which can help you to achieve your career goals and life’s ambitions.

Become educated and learn skills

High school teaches foundational skills in both subject matter and life. By attending high school, you become educated and can master transferable skills. Some skills that you’ll hone during high school include working in groups, working independently, study skills, time management skills, analytical skills, problem-solving, and more.

Higher pay

The more education you complete, the higher your earning potential tends to be. Recent stats show that U.S. adults with a high school diploma but no college earned a median of about $930 per week, compared with $738 per week for adults without a high school diploma. That’s roughly 25% more in weekly earnings, on average.

Employability

A high school diploma also improves your chances of finding and keeping a job. Adults without a high school diploma had an unemployment rate of 6.2%, compared with 4.2% for high school graduates with no college. In other words, finishing high school is linked to better job prospects and more stability in the labor market.

Satisfaction

Along with education, higher earning potential, and increased employability, you stand to gain pure satisfaction by completing the four years of high school. High school isn’t always an easy time for every student, but as they say, “smooth seas don’t make skillful sailors.” It’s in the moments of struggle that you grow the most. And, even if there isn’t a struggle during your high school career (which we hope is the case), you will still grow immensely in terms of your knowledge, social relationships, and skill set.

That’s why when you earn that diploma, you’ll feel a sense of pride and satisfaction for all the hard work you put in to make it to the finish line.

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Go a Step Further

Once you earn your high school diploma, don’t stop there! Now, you’ve opened the door to continue your education and earn an undergraduate degree. After that, depending on your career prospects, you can go even further with a graduate degree.

Unlike high school, you’ll have to pay your own way through college. Fortunately, there are many affordable options. You can obtain financial aid, apply for scholarships and grants, or choose an affordable institution like the University of the People, which is tuition-free.

Once you finish high school, your opportunities are virtually endless as to what you can continue to accomplish.

The Bottom Line

Rather than asking, “What degree do you get when you graduate high school?” focus on what you truly gain from earning a high school diploma. High school lays the foundation for your future, both professionally and personally. It offers a chance to grow, learn, and build lasting relationships. Plus, it opens doors to higher education and better job opportunities. 

As you cross that milestone, remember that high school is just the beginning. The skills, knowledge, and confidence you acquire will serve as stepping stones for even greater accomplishments in the future.

FAQs

What degree do you receive when you graduate from high school?

You do not receive a degree when you graduate from high school. Instead, you earn a high school diploma or a high school certificate, depending on whether you meet all the graduation requirements.

What’s the difference between a high school diploma and a GED?

A high school diploma is awarded to students who complete all educational requirements for graduation. A GED (General Educational Development) is a test-based credential for those who didn’t finish high school but want to demonstrate high school-level academic skills.

What can I do with a high school diploma?

A high school diploma opens many doors, including the opportunity to attend college, gain employable skills, and increase your earning potential. It’s often the minimum requirement for most jobs and post-secondary education.

Can I go to college with a high school certificate?

A high school certificate shows that you completed high school but didn’t meet all the requirements for a diploma. Some colleges may accept students with a certificate, but it’s generally more challenging. A GED may be a better option for those looking to attend college.

How much more can I earn with a high school diploma than without one?

Recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that adults with a high school diploma but no college earn a median of about $930 per week, compared with $738 per week for adults without a high school diploma. That works out to roughly 25% higher weekly earnings for high school graduates.