Difference Between Diploma And GED

It is true that both Diploma and GED certify students to achieve a set of knowledge, but they differ significantly in several ways, including the amount of time to complete each qualification, work opportunities, prospects, etc. Being a student, you may want to know the difference between Diploma and GED.

There are several differences between a diploma and a GED as they represent two types of students and qualifications. As you read this article, I hope to provide you with an explicit knowledge of the differences and help you make an informed decision.

What Is A Diploma?

Diplomas are more prestigious than GED. They are courses on specific topics with a maximum of 2 years duration. It teaches practical skills that students can apply to their jobs. So, diploma courses are designed as a combination of practical and theoretical.

Universities, colleges, educational institutions, polytechnic institutions, etc., offer diploma courses. They make students work-ready for specific jobs or professions. You will see two types of diplomas: graduate diplomas and postgrad diplomas.

You can attend diploma courses online as well. Many reputed online platforms offer popular diploma courses that save you time and money.

Advantages of Diploma Courses

Many students want to join professions after high school. They can attend diploma courses to gain knowledge about a job. Apart from that, students and professionals can take diploma courses to switch jobs and attend higher studies.

Let’s see some advantages of diploma courses:

• These are short courses with 6 months to 2 years duration.
• More prestigious than GED.
• Diplomas are cheaper than degree courses.
• It allows you to change professions quickly. 
• Helps you learn practical skillsets for your jobs.
• Flexible class schedules.
• Does not require any prerequisite.
• Fast and easy enrollment process.
• Have better job opportunities.
• Will help you earn more salary and benefits.

Disadvantages of Diploma Courses

Diploma courses have a few disadvantages as well. Let’s see some of their disadvantages:

• They are focused on specific topics.
• Takes more time to complete.

What Is A GED?

GED meaning in education is General Education Development Test. It’s a computer-based course evaluating high school-level knowledge and skills. Students who cannot complete high school studies for personal and financial reasons can take GED tests and attend universities for higher studies.

But to attend the test, you have to have specific eligibility. Let’s see some GED requirements:

• 16 years of age or above.
• Cannot be currently enrolled in a high school.
• You have to have valid IDs.
• Cannot have high school graduation.
• Won’t be able to take the test more than 3 times in a year.

After passing the GED test, you can join workforces or apply for higher studies in universities and colleges. It's an excellent opportunity for students to resume their study who had to keep high school unfinished.

Advantages of GED

GED is like a second chance for students who cannot complete high school. Let's check out its advantages:

• It allows high school dropouts to resume their study.
• Does not require your attendance in prep classes.
• The test has only 4 subjects to pass.
• It's a computer-based test, so you can take it online from home.
• It costs only around $120, which is much cheaper than Diploma courses.

Disadvantages of GED

There are quite a few cons of GED qualification. Let’s check them out:

• GED is not as prestigious as a Diploma.
• Has many social stigmas associated with the qualification.
• Fewer career opportunities with limited benefits.
• You won’t be able to join many services with GED.

What Are The Difference Between Diploma And Degree?

Is it bad to get a GED instead of a diploma? I’ve already shown GED vs diploma pros and cons.

The following table shows the difference between GED and Diploma:

Requirements

Students who drop out during high school only can sit for GED tests. No student with high school graduation or during high school can take the GED exam. So, the requirement for GED is that you have to have an incomplete high school degree.

On the other hand, you must complete your high school to enrol in a diploma course. It requires your high school certificate.

Duration

GED is a computer-based test. It takes about 7.5 hours to take the exam at once. But you will need about 3 months of preparation to appear before the exam.

In contrast, diploma courses last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the credit hours and course contents.

Cost

A GED test costs much less than a diploma degree. You will have to spend around $120 for the GED exam. But a diploma course will cost much higher than that.

Learning Intensity

GED is just a test. So, the learning scope is very narrow here. You have to study a few subjects in a limited manner.

But diploma courses have many credit hours. So, you will learn practical and theoretical aspects of your chosen subject in a diploma course.

Expected Salary

A diploma course will help you earn more salary compared to a GED qualification. You will have wider job opportunities with a diploma course.

Must Read:

• Benefits of Studying Business Management
• What Is The Difference Between A Certificate And A Diploma?
• Difference Between Diploma And Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a GED and a diploma?

GED is a computer-based exam to assess the knowledge level of a high school graduate should have. On the other hand, a diploma is a vocational course for high school graduates to learn specific skills.

Why is a GED not as good as a diploma?

GED is just an exam for students who cannot complete their high school on time. That's why it's not as good as a diploma, as diploma courses are more prestigious.

What is easier to get GED or diploma?

A GED qualification is much easier to take compared to a diploma. You need to pass only a few subjects and require much less time to complete them.

Final Thoughts

I hope now the difference between diploma and GED is clear to you. If you are not a high school dropout, you cannot take the GED exam. In that case, a diploma is your only option.