How To Get A High School Diploma After 21

Dropping out of high school is not the end of the world, it doesn’t matter what age you are now as long as you are above 21, you can still get your high school diploma. In this blog post, I have outlined the steps, in the most basic way, on how to get a high school diploma after 21.

There are many reasons why people drop out of high school and can’t get their diplomas. It could be financial constraints, health issues, or it just seemed like the right thing to do at that point in time. Anyways, it doesn’t matter what the reason could be that made you drop out what matters is that you can still get a high school diploma whether you dropped out of high school last year or 30 years ago.

Yes, you read that right!

The good thing is that the steps to get a high school diploma as an adult are much easier than they would have been years ago had you gone through with completing high school. You may be wondering if you have to go back to high school and sit in a classroom with younger pupils. No, that isn’t happening.

Well, you would sort of go back to high school and, maybe, sit in a classroom if you want but not in the way that you think of it. There are several flexible alternatives for adults who dropped out of high school to get their diploma without breaking a sweat or giving up on their existing responsibilities such as work or spending time with their loved ones.

Don’t worry, this blog post is here to guide you on how to get a high school diploma after 21, without any further ado let’s get into it.

Reasons You May Want To Get A High School Diploma After 21

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, those with a high school diploma earn $9,204 more annually compared to those who do not. In essence, a high school diploma earns you a higher annual income. But this isn’t the only reason why you should consider getting a diploma after 21 years old, the other reasons are:

  • There is little to no chance that you will get a job without a high school diploma. This diploma, without a college degree, can get you a well-paying job and open you to multiple opportunities.
  • Even if you get a job without a high school diploma, trust me, it can never be better than one you’d get if you had a diploma. So, possessing one definitely gets you a better job.
  • If you want to earn a college degree or attend a vocational institution to learn a skill like fashion design or welding, a high school diploma is one of the major requirements.
  • With a high school diploma, there is a lesser risk of you being unemployed
  • The education you get in high school improves your skill and a high school diploma is proof that you have that skill which is something that potential employers and colleges use to assess you before employing you or accepting you in their institution.

Thanks to existing technologies and educational policies, it is easier to earn a high school diploma now if you dropped out, than it was in the past. There are multiple alternatives that you can choose from and get a widely recognized high school diploma.

how to get a high school diploma after 21

How To Get A High School Diploma After 21

But why after 21, you may ask? Well, the thing is, in the United States, you can no longer go to high school above 21 years old. Let’s say you dropped out of high school at 14, you can still come back to finish up if you are still 21 years old, as soon as you cross that age, you will not be allowed into any high school across the US.

That is why this topic says “how to get a high school diploma after 21” because within or before 21 years old you can still get a high school diploma the conventional way which is by attending high school but after that age, you have to seek for alternative. These alternatives are what are discussed in this section.

 Alternative I: Attend An Online High School

Maybe you didn’t know this but there are now many high schools online. Yes, the same high school you know, most of them now offer classes online. They are actually very popular these days and not hard to find at all. A simple Google search will introduce you to a wide range of online accredited high schools.

The benefit of attending an online high school is that you get to complete high school without stepping foot in a traditional brick-and-mortar classroom. Another benefit is that you can learn directly from home, at work, at a café, a public library, or anywhere that is conducive enough for you to learn.

Don’t worry about the schedule, of course, you will be working or have a few responsibilities to carry out, thus the classes are designed to be flexible so they can fit into your schedule. The online classes could either be self-paced or scheduled in the evening or at night times. This could be tough, but with just enough self-discipline, you should be able to pull through. Others have done it you too can do it.

When looking for an online high school, ensure you seek out only the ones that are accredited, especially the ones with regional accreditation. So that you do not end up with an unaccredited high school diploma as it can become an issue for you when you want to get a job or apply for college.

Alternative II: Enroll Into A Night School For Adults

Here is another route for high school dropouts above the age of 21 to consider going to get a high school diploma. They can enroll in a night school for adults. This night school for adults is held at a typical high school where high school kids learn, but in this case, the classes are only at night time when the kids are already home so that it can fit the schedule of most adults who work during the day and that adults, aside from teachers, won’t mix with the kids since that is not appropriate.

Some of the drawbacks of night school are that the classes may not be available in your area and the spots are often limited. The night classes may be taught by one of the teachers in that same school or a teacher that is just employed to teach night classes to adults.

The night classes prepare adults for a GED, which is another alternative that will be discussed soon, or for the adult high school diploma, depending on the route you decide to take. When choosing a night school, there are certain things you must consider or do before seeking enrollment, they include the following:

  1. Visit the school during the day and see for yourself how they operate to ensure it is the best fit for you academically.
  2. Ensure it is an accredited high school
  3. Talk to a teacher or counselor about your goals.
  4. Check if the tuition fits your budget.

Use the tips above to assess the schools you want to attend to ensure they are a good fit for you.

Alternative III: Get a GED

A GED is equivalent to a high school diploma, it is accepted and recognized by most colleges and employers around the world. It is a faster way for adults who didn’t complete high school to get a diploma. The GED test is held online and you can take it anytime. It’d be best to prepare yourself for the test such as taking mock GED tests online, attending online GED prep classes, or enrolling in a night school to prepare for the test.

The GED tests your knowledge in four different subjects: Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts. When you have prepared enough, you can head to an official GED test center to take the test. Getting a GED is the most popular option among adults who didn’t finish high school. It is a faster and cheaper option, so, why not consider it too?

Any of the alternatives are great options that you can consider to get a high school diploma or an equivalent like the GED. What is most important is that you pick an option that works best for you or you think would offer you the most advantage whether in furthering your education or in looking for a job. e

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