A high school diploma is a formal document issued to certify a candidate's successful completion of a prescribed secondary school program of studies.

It takes four years to complete the high school diploma program. The eligibility criteria for high school diploma vary from state to state. A high school diploma is the minimum qualification for higher education and government jobs in the United States. The opportunities for a better job are extremely limited for one who has not earned a high school diploma. To be more specific, the high school diploma can qualify one for fruitful careers in science, education, health care, travel industry, and the legal profession.

In some states, high school diplomas are differentiated by type such as a general diploma, an academic diploma, or a vocational diploma. High school diploma is regarded as the minimum admission requirement for post-secondary education programs. When applying for a green card or a US visa, a high school diploma is a valuable asset for immigrants into the United States.

There are several ways to achieve a high school diploma. One can get the diploma through traditional classroom study. It is best suited for individuals who enjoy face-to-face interaction with their teachers and classmates. In the United States, opportunities are provided for getting high school diploma without attending classes at school. One can earn a high school diploma at home through a combination of online and correspondence classes.

Generally, the high school diploma programs do not have minimum age requirements. In order to get the high school diploma, the students must complete the coursework dictated by their school district. Curriculum varies from district to district. Before enrollment, a counseling session is recommended for most students.