Thinking of dropping out? Think you don’t need a high school diploma? Think again! Graduating from high school is more than earning credits or passing tests. It is a long-term goal that requires students to show academic mastery while also learning how to navigate challenges, responsibilities, and relationships they may not choose. These are the same skills required in college, careers, and adulthood.
“College, careers, and life in general are full of these situations, so earning a diploma through the traditional route provides opportunities to grow and prepare for the future in ways that the GED is not meant to do,” said counselor Liam Evans.
At Bay View, the graduation rates at 61% as of the 2024 Wisconsin State Report Card, lower than Wisconsin’s state average. While some students may feel discouraged or consider dropping out, counselors stress that students should exhaust all options within Milwaukee Public Schools before considering a GED.
“Make sure to exhaust all of the opportunities available to you in MPS while you are young before considering a GED,” Evans said. “While they provide an alternative option, GEDs are not necessarily easier to obtain, usually provide less support, and still require a serious commitment.”
MPS offers alternative diploma programs for students who are at least 17 years old and behind in credits, allowing them to remain enrolled and still earn a high school diploma.
Support systems in high school
Believe it or not, your teachers are here to help you. A lot of them care about you as a student and would be happy to give you advice or help you in other ways if they can. School has resources for you, like counselors, the College & Career room, and the Violence Free Zone. Those things won’t be available to you if you drop out of high school. Those support systems are here to help and set you up for success.
“Some students think that we are being mean when we badger them about completing work or ask them if they need help. In reality, we are simply trying to ensure that each student understands the content and that they are successful in earning credit for our class. Our job is to teach, but beyond teaching, we truly are invested in the success of our students beyond the classroom,” said Mrs. Elissa Werve
What Life After Dropping Out May Look Like
Minimum wage is $7.25 per hour in Wisconsin. Does that sound liveable to you? Say you work 40 hours a week, for 5 days a week. You’re making 290 dollars a week. According to Zillow, the average rent in Milwaukee is $1,235 for all property types. Some might write this off, “Oh well, I make 10 dollars an hour” or “Well, I make 1,5 this doesn’t apply to me.” You’re working 40 hours a week (Full Time) on $15 per hour, you’re making $600 a week. You’re still not making rent for the week.
Let’s not forget all the other expenses that come with being grown on your own. Groceries, phone, water, electricity, transportation, healthcare, etc. All of this adds up, and you’ll realize very quickly how hard it is to live a decent quality of life on such low pay.
Graduating from high school significantly increases access to higher-paying jobs and long-term stability.
Considering getting your GED over graduating?
Right now, you may be thinking, “Well,l I’ll drop out now and get my GED later”. It’s harder to get a G.E.D than you may think. If you didn’t pay attention in school, you’ll be out of luck for your GED test. For many, graduating high school is actually easier than getting your GED. Getting your General Education Diploma will include a four-part exam covering English, math, science, and social studies. According to MPS data, only 30–40% of students who leave high school without a diploma go on to earn a GED.
Unlike in school, you won’t be given any second chances, any free passes, or any quick classes to make up for it. You’ll just have to pay again to take the tests. In total, to take all the tests, you’ll have to pay a little over $150, which may not be bad if you pass the first time. Chances are you won’t, though, considering many of the concepts you’re being tested on aren’t covered in MPS schooling. You may be able to float through high school without knowing anything, but you must know everything to get your GED.
Research from NPR reports that GED holders, on average, have lower employment stability and earnings than traditional high school graduates, largely due to missed opportunities for long-term skill development and support systems during adolescence.
Conclusion
Getting your High School diploma is better than getting a GED due to the fact that people with GEDs are less likely to be hired than someone with a High School diploma. Dropping out of High School early stunts your opportunities for better job options. NPR 90% of people who get a GED can hold that job down long term.
Before making a decision that could affect the rest of your life, talk to a counselor, teacher, or trusted adult. The support is here, but only if you stay.
