2026 Guide · San Antonio
Both paths open doors to jobs, college, and higher pay. See how they compare, then choose the one that fits your goals.
Both a high school diploma and a GED can open doors to jobs, college, and higher pay, and earning either one is a major step up from finishing neither. The right choice depends on your goals, your timeline, and the kind of support you want along the way. A GED (issued in Texas as the TxCHSE, a Certificate of High School Equivalency) is earned by passing a set of tests, while a diploma is earned by completing coursework for credits. In San Antonio, Restore Education offers both paths: adults ages 18 to 50 can earn a free, TEA-recognized high school diploma, plus industry certifications and college credit, at Restore TECH Academy, or prepare for the GED through Restore Education’s adult programs and continue in our career training or college prep programs. This guide breaks down the differences for jobs, pay, and college so you can decide which path fits you.
What’s the difference between a diploma and a GED?
A high school diploma is the credential you earn by completing high school coursework, while a GED is a set of tests that certify high-school-level knowledge. In Texas, the GED is issued as the TxCHSE, a Certificate of High School Equivalency. The key distinction is simple: a diploma reflects completed coursework, and a GED reflects passing an equivalency exam. Both can qualify you for jobs and college, and both are recognized credentials.
Do employers prefer a diploma or a GED?
Employers widely accept both credentials, and for many jobs they are treated the same way. Some roles and programs specifically ask for a diploma, while others accept a GED without question. What tends to stand out most is pairing either credential with an industry certification, because that combination signals job-ready skills on top of your education. At Restore TECH Academy, adults earn a diploma and stackable certifications together, which can strengthen how graduates compete for jobs. At Restore Education, we offer 10 different pathways for short term industry training as well as college prep programs.
Does finishing high school raise your pay?
Yes, the earnings data is clear. Workers with a high school diploma earn meaningfully more per week than workers without one, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and earnings climb further with college credentials. Because Restore TECH Academy lets students add certifications and dual college credit on top of the diploma, it’s designed to move graduates toward the higher end of that range.
Workers with a high school diploma earned a median of $966 per week in 2025, about $196 more than workers without one.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsWhich is better for getting into college?
Both a diploma and a GED/TxCHSE are generally accepted for college admission, so neither closes the door to higher education. One advantage of an adult high school like Restore TECH Academy is dual credit: students earn college credit while completing their diploma, so they arrive at community college or university already ahead. That head start can save time and tuition later. If you choose the GED path, you can still enroll in college afterward and build from there by participating in Restore’s free college prep and support program.
Which should you choose?
Choose a GED/TxCHSE if you test well, are already close to high-school level, and want to earn your credential as quickly as possible. Choose an adult high school diploma if you want to build job skills and college credit while you study, and you want the structure and support of a classroom program to get there. Both are respected credentials, and in San Antonio, Restore Education makes both paths free, so cost does not have to drive your decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is a GED easier than a diploma?
A GED can sometimes be faster because it is a test rather than a full course of study for earning credits, but “easier” depends on the person. Adults who prefer structure and support often do well in an adult high school program, while confident test-takers may prefer the GED route.
Is a GED looked down on by employers?
No, most employers treat a GED the same as a diploma. A handful of specific roles or programs may still request a diploma outright, so if you have a particular career in mind, it’s worth checking that employer’s requirements ahead of time. Pairing either credential with an industry certification, as students do at Restore TECH Academy and Restore Education, helps you stand out regardless of which path you took.
Can I earn a diploma as an adult instead of a GED?
Yes. Restore TECH Academy lets adults ages 18 to 50 earn a free, TEA-recognized high school diploma. Restore Education also offers GED preparation, so you can choose the path that fits you.
Do colleges accept a GED?
Most colleges accept a GED/TxCHSE for admission. A diploma with dual college credit can give you a stronger application and a head start on your degree, and either credential can open the door to college. It is best to do your research and contact the college of your choice as you make a decision.
Is the diploma really free at Restore TECH Academy?
Yes. RTA is a tuition-free public charter school, so there is no cost for the diploma, certifications, or dual-credit courses.
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