A diploma is a document that confirms you completed a course of study. It is usually awarded at graduation. High schools give diplomas. Colleges give diplomas alongside degrees. Trade schools give diplomas for completing specific programs. The diploma is the proof. The degree is the title. The two often go together, but not always.

Diplomas carry weight in the job market. Some employers require a high school diploma for entry-level work. Others accept a GED or equivalent. A college diploma signals commitment and advanced learning. The type of diploma matters: a diploma from a regionally accredited institution is worth more than one from an unaccredited program.

For many people, the diploma is a milestone. It represents years of work. It may be the first in a family. It opens doors, though not all doors equally. The piece of paper is not the end. It is a starting point.

Types of diplomas

• High school diploma
• GED or equivalency diploma
• College diploma (with degree)
• Trade school diploma
• Advanced or specialized diplomas