If you do not have a high school diploma, you might think your only option is to get your GED certificate. You may have heard that GED training holds the key to a better future. But a GED is not your only option! If you are interested in training for a career, you can earn your high school diploma while enrolled in a qualifying career training program at IntelliTec College. Students who enroll in the Adult Education Program (AEP) at IntelliTec work towards earning their high school diploma via our accredited partner, while being concurrently enrolled in one of IntelliTec’s career training programs. Students maintain enrollment in both, take courses for both, and work to achieve both their high school diploma and their IntelliTec College career training certificate at the same time. All with the support of IntelliTec College by their side.
Here’s how it works:
- The Adult Education Program (AEP) is designed for students who do not have a high school diploma or GED, but who wish to enroll in a college or career training program for which it is a requirement.
- AEP students are enrolled in a partner program to work towards their high school diploma, while being concurrently enrolled in one of IntelliTec’s career training programs. AEP students work to achieve both their high school diploma and their IntelliTec certificate at the same time.
- The only requirement for enrolling in the AEP is that you pass an independently-administered, Department of Education-approved Ability to Benefit Assessment. When you enroll with IntelliTec College, our helpful staff will guide you through every step of the process.
That’s right – you can earn your high school diploma while training for a new career at the same time! Unlike a GED, with the AEP you can begin your career training without waiting to complete your GED program first. This means you can get to work in your chosen career path sooner!
Why Is Earning Your High School Diploma Better Than Getting Your GED?
When you enroll in the AEP at IntelliTec College, you have the opportunity to earn your actual high school diploma, not just your GED.
There are powerful reasons to get your get your high school diploma instead of a GED:
- The job market values high school graduates. In today’s world, most employers will not hire anyone who does not have either a high school diploma or a GED. However, employers tend to value a high school diploma over a GED, and studies show that employers often choose to hire applicants with a diploma over those with a GED (U.S. Census Bureau).
- A high school diploma can make a big difference in future earnings. For example, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics revealed a difference of more than $6,800 per year in average earnings between non-graduates and persons who held either a high school diploma or a GED (https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cba). Those who earn a high school diploma, however, tend to earn more per month than those with a GED. Overall, high school diploma holders earned approximately $1,600 more in average monthly earnings compared with GED certificate holders (U.S. Census Bureau).
- The more you learn, the more you can learn. While earning a GED will provide the prerequisite you need for colleges and training programs, it doesn’t provide the learning foundation needed to succeed in those programs, or provide you with the discipline that comes from taking courses to meet requirements. The skills and discipline you gain in studying for your high school diploma, however, create the foundation for you to be successful in your continued studies and your future career.
- Getting your high school diploma helps you meet requirements to go to college. A high school diploma or GED will both make it possible for you to take college or trade courses that expand your choices in life. A high school diploma, however, opens more doors, and doesn’t have the stigma often accompanied by a GED.
- You set an example for others to follow. Family members who are still in school see that education is important. Your determination to earn your high school diploma influences others who are struggling. The ripple effect of your efforts can have far-reaching results, doing much good.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your GED vs. Complete Your AEP At IntelliTec?
How long it takes to get your GED depends on what skills and knowledge you already have and the number of hours you study each week. The time it takes to successfully earn your GED will depend on your knowledge, study habits, and dedication.
At IntelliTec College, you will have the support of the entire IntelliTec community as you work through the AEP program to earn both your high school diploma and complete your career training program. At IntelliTec, our mission is to help you succeed. Many of our career training programs can be completed in 9-12 months. This means that, with IntelliTec’s AEP program, you can earn your high school diploma and complete your career training in less than a year!
Learn The Quickest Steps to Getting Started in a New Career
You may think that if you follow certain steps, you will have your GED faster than you thought possible. But remember, once you earn your GED, you’ll still need to enroll in college or training courses to learn the skills to pursue an actual career. By enrolling in the AEP at IntelliTec, you can earn your diploma and your career training certificate concurrently, so you can get to work in your chosen career path sooner.
Don’t wait any longer to pursue your career goals. Working towards your GED is one option, but with IntelliTec’s AEP program, you can earn both your high school diploma and your IntelliTec diploma or degree at the same time! This will put you that much closer to your goals in a shorter amount of time. Plus, you’ll gain the support of the IntelliTec community, and the services of IntelliTec’s Career Services Department. At IntelliTec, we are here to help you succeed.
Give us a call at 1(800) 748-2282 or click here to get started today!
Additional Resources
- U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics: Education Matters
http://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2016/data-on-display/education-matters.htm - Pew Research Center: The Rising Cost of Not Going to College
http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2014/02/11/the-rising-cost-of-not-going-to-college/ - Colorado Department of Education: GED Participation and Outcomes FY 2014-15 Report http://www.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/geddatafy1415