Employment High school graduates typically have better earning and employment opportunities than high school drop-outs . According to the National Center for Education Statistics , “ In 2010 , the median of earnings for young adults with a bachelor ' s degree was $ 45,000 , while the median was $ 21,000 for those without a high school diploma or its equivalent , $ 29,900 for those with a high school diploma or its equivalent , and $ 37,000 for those with an associate ' s degree ." As a high school graduate , your promotion opportunities are greater than those who drop out of high school because you have knowledge and skills to offer employers . Even if you do not have experience , many employers are more likely to offer you employment and provide training if you have a high school diploma because you ' ve demonstrated a certain level of perseverance and competence .