Though high school might seem like kid's stuff to adults in the working world, a high school diploma can make a huge difference in your salary, as well as the stability of your job in the future.

By Amelia Gray
RWM Columnist
July 21, 2006

Though high school might seem like kid's stuff to adults in the working world, a high school diploma can make a huge difference in your salary, as well as the stability of your job in the future.

Accredited Online High Schools:
Penn Foster High School
James Madison High School

A study by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the full-time workers who get a high school diploma or GED are 37.5% less likely to be unemployed than workers with less education. More impressive are the salary statistics: workers with a high school diploma or GED earn an average of $554 a week, compared to the $396 a week earned by workers without that critical education.

The GED vs. a High School Diploma
Though they're often grouped together, there is a difference between the high school diploma and the GED. The GED exam is made up of five parts: writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature, and mathematics. Completion of a GED program will not give you a high school diploma, but most hiring managers look at a GED holder in much the same way as a high school graduate. However, a few colleges may see the GED as inferior to a high school diploma, often if they require specialized courses of study that the GED does not provide.

The high school diploma gives you more options, especially if you're considering more school. Employers view a high school diploma or GED as proof of potential. Beyond the basics of math, science, and literature, a diploma is proof that you are able to commit yourself to an education. As a job candidate, you'll have proof of organizational skills and ability.

Getting a high school diploma could be your key to a brighter future. Fortunately, many options are available, including accredited online high schools such as Penn Foster High School and James Madison High School.

Useful Links
"More Education: Lower unemployment, higher pay," Occupational Outlook Quarterly
The Bureau of Labor Statistics

About the Author
Amelia Gray is a teacher and freelance writer in San Marcos, TX. Amelia earned a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Arizona State University.