A high school diploma is becoming more and more important in today's working world as a necessary step towards achieving success. In fact, according the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average high school graduate in 2002 earned approximately $717 per month more than the average person who has not completed high school. And that gap is widening: in 1979, a typical high school graduate could expect to earn an average of $444 per month more than someone without a high school diploma.

You can see the value of a high school diploma, looking at job listings today, many of which require a minimum of completion of high school. In 2004, high school graduates were 70% more likely to be employed than those without a high school diploma (BLS). Naturally, no educational program can guarantee a future salary or employment upon completion; however, having a high school diploma opens up plenty of new employment opportunities that are closed to those without a high school diploma.

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

The GED is an exam comprising five areas: writing skills, social studies, science, interpreting literature, and mathematics. Completion does not give you a high school diploma; you are a "GED holder". Completion of an accredited high school program, including meeting credit requirements, results in the granting of a high school diploma; you are a "high school graduate".

What's best, completing the requirements for a high school diploma is easier than ever. Online programs can offer you the convenience of taking courses through the Internet, at your convenience, and from home. Of course, it's important to verify the accreditation of any school you're considering, to make sure your new high school diploma is worth all the work you've put into it.