High School Equivalency vs Diploma

A high school diploma is earned by completing a school’s required courses and credits; a high school equivalency credential is earned by passing a state-approved test of high school level skills. Both are generally accepted for most jobs, community college and federal financial aid, but some employers, colleges and military branches prefer a diploma. Before a teen leaves school, look at every way to finish.

How the two differ

Diploma. Earned through courses, credits and grades, recorded on a transcript and issued by a school under state graduation requirements. See graduation requirements.
High school equivalency. Earned by passing tests in core areas, usually reading and writing, math, science and social studies. Issued by the state, which chooses the approved test or tests. There is no course transcript, only scores.
Adult high school diploma programs. Some districts and community colleges let older students finish an actual diploma. This is different from equivalency, and worth asking about.
Time. Equivalency can be faster for a strong reader and test taker. The diploma route depends on how many credits are left.

Who is eligible to test and when

States set the rules, so check with your state education department or adult education office. Common patterns include:

A minimum age, often 16, with extra steps for 16 and 17 year olds such as proof of withdrawal from school and parent consent. Some states set the minimum at 18 unless an exception applies.
Not being currently enrolled in high school.
State residency in some places.
A practice test or preparation class in some states before the official test.
Fees that vary by state, with some states covering part of the cost.

How colleges, employers and the military view each

Community colleges generally accept a high school equivalency for admission. See starting community college.
Four-year colleges often accept it, but may look closely at scores, ask for SAT or ACT results, or expect courses such as world language. Check each college.
Federal financial aid accepts a recognized equivalency credential as high school completion; studentaid.gov has the details.
Employers commonly list ‘diploma or equivalent’, and most treat them the same for entry-level jobs.
Apprenticeships usually require a diploma or equivalency. See how to get an apprenticeship.
The military strongly prefers a diploma and limits how many recruits it accepts without one. Applicants with an equivalency may face higher test score requirements. A recruiter can explain current rules.

What to try before leaving school

A teen who wants to leave usually has a specific reason, and that reason often has a fix short of leaving.

Find the real reason. Falling behind on credits, anxiety, conflict with peers or staff, a job, family needs or a sense that school is pointless. Our guide for when a teen wants to drop out helps start that conversation.
Meet the counselor for a credit audit. Many students are closer to graduating than they think.
Ask about credit recovery to make up failed courses.
Consider a different setting, such as an alternative high school or online high school.
Look at schedule changes, work-study, or career and technical education for students who need school to feel useful.
If school avoidance, anxiety or depression is part of it, a licensed professional is the right step. See school refusal. In a crisis, call or text 988.

If equivalency is the right choice

Take an official practice test to see which sections need work.
Use the free or low-cost preparation many adult education programs offer.
Set a target test date and a weekly study schedule.
Plan the next step now, whether community college, an apprenticeship or a job, so the credential leads somewhere.
Keep the momentum. The weeks after a teen leaves school are when drifting starts.

Where a mentor helps

A mentor is not a teacher, tutor or clinician. A mentor gives a teen weekly structure during a hard stretch: working through the reasons, keeping a credit recovery or study plan on track, and building toward a next step. Parents join the intro call, agree on goals and get regular updates. Learn more on our page for families and about mentoring for high school students, or see our hub on paths after high school.

Common questions

Is a high school equivalency as good as a diploma?

For most jobs, community colleges and federal aid it is treated the same. Some four-year colleges, employers and military branches prefer a diploma, so check the specific plans you have.

Can a 16 year old take the high school equivalency test?

In some states, yes, usually with proof of withdrawal and parent consent; others require students to be older. Check your state’s adult education office.

Can you go to college with a high school equivalency?

Yes. Community colleges generally accept it, and many four-year colleges do too, though they may ask for test scores or specific courses.

Can you get federal financial aid with a high school equivalency?

Yes. A recognized equivalency credential meets the high school completion requirement for federal student aid.

Get started

Worried your teen is thinking about leaving school? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.

High School Equivalency vs Diploma: Options for Teens Who Leave