Addressing misconceptions about high school equivalency diplomas

In the workforce, a high school diploma is often considered a basic requirement. While plenty of jobs do not require one, opportunities for advancement and higher pay can be limited. 

If you didn’t graduate from high school, it’s not too late to earn a diploma! Plenty of adults do so each year through what are called equivalency programs. In Tennessee, that’s called HiSET^Ⓡ – although it’s also commonly referred to as a GED (graduate equivalency degree). But are equivalency programs really the same as a traditional high school diploma? Are they valid with employers and higher education programs? 

The short answer is yes. Read on as we discuss (and dispel) a few common misconceptions about high school equivalency diplomas. 

Myth: Employers, trade schools, colleges and other programs prefer traditional diplomas.

This common misconception leads many adults to think the hard work isn’t worth it. But it’s false. HopeWorks partners with many employers, trade schools, colleges and job training programs – and they all treat equivalency diplomas as equal to a traditional high school diploma.

Myth: Equivalency diplomas are easier than earning a traditional high school diploma.

Ask anyone who has earned an equivalency diploma, and they’ll tell you it’s hard work! The program is rigorous, and passing the exams proves that students know everything they should before they get a diploma. 

Myth: I’m too old to pursue a high school diploma.

In Tennessee, there’s an age minimum, but not an age maximum. If you’re 16 years or older, you can enter our program (as long as you’re withdrawn from traditional school) and begin testing for your HiSET when you turn 17. No matter how old you are, the accomplishment is worth it! 

Myth: Pursuing an equivalency diploma is not worth it.

If you polled the hundreds of graduates who earned an equivalency diploma as part of HopeWorks’ Adult Basic Education program last year, they would tell you it’s definitely worth the hard work! Earning a high school diploma – equivalency or otherwise – opens a lot of doors. Consider these statistics:

• According to the state of Tennessee, high school graduates earn, on average, $6,000 more each year than those without a diploma. 
• People who have not completed high school are more likely to be unemployed than those with a diploma (equivalency or otherwise). According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2022, adults without a diploma had a 5.5% unemployment rate, compared to just 4% among those who did have one.

Additionally, earning a diploma provides something that can’t be measured – personal pride and a sense of accomplishment. 

Myth: I don’t have time to earn a high school equivalency diploma.

Equivalency diplomas don’t require going back to high school for a year or more. In fact, HopeWorks helps adults earn a high school equivalency diploma at their own pace. Classes are available at a variety of times to meet your scheduling needs and at locations across Memphis and the Mid-South. 

Myth: Earning an equivalency diploma is too expensive.

All HiSET preparation classes at HopeWorks are free! Although there are test fees once students are ready to sit for the exam, vouchers are available for those in need. 

Looking for more information about earning a high school equivalency diploma with HopeWorks? Click here to access the Adult Basic Education program page on our website. You can also call us at 901-396-8880.