There are many benefits of having a high school diploma, and one of the biggest advantages is that it creates the possibility of better job opportunities. Many companies won't hire people who haven't graduated from high school. As technology has become more and more integral to everyday life, jobs that didn't used to require a high school degree have begun to do so. This has become increasingly common in manual jobs. One of the reasons employers like to hire high school graduates is because a diploma represents that they have developed strong work habits and skills for a career.
Along with better job opportunities comes higher pay for people who have a diploma. Studies have shown that high school graduates earn more money per year than those who have not graduated from high school. In addition, many government jobs require that employees have a high school degree.
For students who want to continue their education at a college or university, a high school degree is often required. Most post-secondary institutions operate under the belief that a high school diploma will serve as the foundation on which to build the college education. It represents the skills and knowledge that a student has acquired, and because the standards for high school graduation are fairly consistent throughout a country, college admissions offices typically can determine the knowledge and skills that a student possesses.
A high school degree is not the only option for students. Those who have never completed high school might be able to take a test to earn a certification or degree that will be considered the equivalent of a high school diploma. There are some colleges that will not accept this type of degree in lieu of a high school diploma, however, which is another benefit of graduating from high school.
A diploma doesn't just benefit the student receiving it, it also benefits society as a whole. It benefits local economies and taxpayers. High school graduates generally contribute more to the economy, because they generally earn more money and have more disposable income than those who don't graduate from high school. In addition, graduates usually require less government assistance than those who don't have a diploma, which also saves money for taxpayers.
An intangible benefit to having a high school diploma is the pride of achievement. It represents years of work and learning. This personal benefit is in addition to the economic benefits that a diploma provides.