It’s estimated that nearly 750,000 students drop out of high school each year in the United States.
It’s also estimated that a high school dropout earns $19,200 less annually than a high school graduate. And $36,424 less annually than those who hold a bachelor’s degree.
The numbers go further.
The unemployment rate on average for high school graduates is 8.5 percent. For high school dropouts? The rate increases 12 percent.
If there is any takeaway from these stats, it’s that earning a high school diploma clearly has its advantages. Here are five:
1. Diploma holders make more money
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who have a high school diploma earn on average $179 more per week than those with a GED. That’s about $9,300 dollars more a year you could earn just by getting that diploma!
2. Those with a diploma find jobs more easily
Despite what many people think, GED actually stands for general education development and not general equivalency diploma. A GED does not hold the same value as a high school diploma, and unfortunately a stigma follows those who have GEDs to be someone who can’t accomplish hard things. According to the Bureau, people who have a GED have a 11% unemployment rate whereas people with a high school diploma are only at 7.5%.
3. They’re also more likely to stay in college
If you are thinking of attending college, you definitely want to make sure you get that diploma. For one reason, it will be much easier to get into college with a diploma versus holding a GED. For another,reports show that 77% percent of people with a GED drop out of college after the first semester versus only 24% of those with a high school diploma.
4. An online diploma with a public school is free
At Valor, you can get your high school diploma online for free! An average GED test costs over $120 and it holds less value, so why not get your education from Valor for free?
5. You miss out on the high school experience
At your traditional school, you may be thinking you don’t like the high school experience. But at Valor, we have student clubs, prom, a live graduation ceremony and several school events for you to enjoy free food and connect with classmates in an inviting, fun way.
