high school degree

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "high school degree" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a diploma earned from completing high school. For example, "To get a job as a receptionist, you will need at least a high school degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This population of young adults has a high school degree but no college degree.

The Guardian - Money

A high school degree, however, will only get you so far.

The Guardian - Money

That is double the disparity experienced by black women with only a high school degree.

The Guardian

She was middle-aged and broke, with a high school degree.

The New York Times

Yet, one in four students fails to attain a high school degree.

The Washington Post

"Here, to sell hamburgers at McDonald's, they ask you for a high school degree," Zuniga said.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

You have to have a high-school degree.

The New Yorker

And about 70percentt of New York's parolees do not have a high-school degree.

The New York Times - Magazine

Learning English was considered as valuable as a high-school degree anyway.

The New York Times - Magazine

In 1996 underemployment rates among those with less than a high-school degree were over 20%.

The Economist

In 2007 graduates earned 77% more per hour than those with only a high-school degree.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational requirements for a job or program, use "high school degree" to clearly specify the minimum level of education needed.

Common error

Don't assume a "high school degree" is sufficient for roles requiring specialized skills or advanced knowledge. Always verify if a bachelor's or master's degree is necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "high school degree" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. It identifies a specific level of educational attainment. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "high school degree" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to denote the completion of secondary education. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. It is often used to specify minimum educational requirements for jobs or further studies. While "high school diploma" is a direct synonym, other related phrases can add nuance depending on the specific context. Remember to avoid confusing it with higher education qualifications and always verify the required educational level. Understanding its proper usage ensures clear and effective communication in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

High school diploma

Synonymous and perfectly interchangeable.

Secondary education qualification

Formal rephrasing that emphasizes educational level achieved.

Certificate of secondary education

Focuses on the certification aspect.

Completion of secondary schooling

Highlights the action of finishing school instead of the credential itself.

Secondary school leaving certificate

More common in some international contexts.

Successful completion of high school

Highlights the success in finishing the education.

Graduation from high school

Emphasizes the event of graduating.

Attainment of high school level education

A formal and somewhat verbose alternative.

Equivalent of a high school education

Refers to alternative qualifications like a GED.

General educational development (GED)

Specifically refers to the GED qualification.

FAQs

What is another term for "high school degree"?

A common synonym for "high school degree" is "high school diploma". They are generally interchangeable.

How does a "high school degree" compare to a GED?

A "high school degree" is earned by completing a standard high school curriculum. A GED (General Educational Development) is an alternative credential for those who did not finish high school. It's considered the "equivalent of a high school education".

Is a "high school degree" enough to get into college?

While a "high school degree" is typically a minimum requirement for college admission, most colleges also consider factors like GPA, standardized test scores, and extracurricular activities.

What jobs can I get with only a "high school degree"?

Many entry-level positions are available with a "high school degree", such as administrative assistant, retail sales associate, customer service representative, and various trades apprenticeships. Further education or training may be needed for career advancement.