Can You Get a Job with an Online High School Diploma

Jumping into online high school can be scary if you’re not sure that online high school can be seen as just as legitimate as a traditional high school. The good news is that the rising popularity of online education has made online high school more commonplace and accepted by students, employers, and higher education providers. However, it’s still important to ask the question, “Can I get a job with an online high school diploma?” This article will answer your questions about what employers will accept, and are looking for, in a modern job market.

Do jobs accept online degrees and high school diplomas?

Yes. Employers won’t know or care if your diploma was earned online. What they will care about are your communication and collaboration skills, and whether or not you have the skills necessary to do the job you’re applying for.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) performed a study that found that between Fall 2019 to Fall 2020, 74% of students nationwide had taken at least one online course, while 45.5% of students were only enrolled in online courses.1

Colleges are also becoming more remote-focused, turning to online options for students. In fact, 1 in 10 postsecondary institutions offer courses primarily online. Although individual employer views may vary, most of society has come to a point where a choice to study online is an acceptable way to pursue your career path without fear.

Do colleges accept online high school diplomas?

For the most part, yes! There are thousands of colleges that accept online high school diplomas as a valid form of high school completion. Students from James Madison High School have reported acceptance to both 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities across the nation.

While going to online school does not guarantee you entry into these colleges—and let’s be real, no school can guarantee you will get into a college—it won’t harm your chances versus going to a regular school. College prep diploma tracks can specifically help you gear up for college and stand out to the admissions teams with more rigorous, college-focused courses.

If you’re unsure if your intended college accepts a diploma from an online high school, giving a quick call or sending an email to their admissions department can clear that answer up for you right away.

Are online degrees and diplomas respected by employers?

Although online degrees and diplomas are quickly becoming more commonly respected by employers, chances are if you don’t tell your potential employer that you went to an online school, they may never know. The word “online” isn’t listed on the diploma, and you won’t have to include “online” in your resume. However, you can definitely use your online education to your advantage when it’s relevant.

Because online education is self-paced, it shows that you are self-motivated and have developed important time management skills in order to crush your goals. Learning independently also demonstrates your ability to learn and work on your own, but still seek out help when needed. These work ethic traits are truly admired by most employers and can help you stand out if you explain them to future hiring managers. You may even be able to showcase additional work skills you have developed along the way—especially if you have worked while you earned your online diploma or degree.

Are online high school diplomas worth anything?

As long as your diploma is accredited, an online high school diploma is worth just as much as a traditional high school diploma. Accreditation is what marks the quality of an education. In order for a school to become accredited, they must meet the demanding requirements of an accrediting agency’s standards.

Those who have earned diplomas, whether from an online or traditional school, can expect to earn more over their lifetime than those without. On average, those that have earned a high school diploma make over $9,500 more per year² than someone that has not yet completed high school. This difference adds up big time. In just ten years, that’s nearly $100,000 more earned.

A high school diploma is important because it can open doors to more, higher-paying jobs and can possibly lead you to getting a raise in your current role. It may also help serve to keep you from unemployment in an approaching recession. In 2021, studies found that diploma holders reported 6.2% unemployment, while those that have less than a high school diploma reported 8.3% unemployment.2

Take control of your education with JMHS.

Honestly, your online degree is just one piece of the puzzle, but it can help you to take the first steps toward a higher paying occupation. James Madison is an accredited, online high school with no age limits that can help you start your journey toward the career that you want. You can start owning your education today by enrolling online at jmhs.com or reach out to an Admissions Specialist at 1-800-349-6861 for more information.