Many colleges and employers will accept what is known as a GED as the equivalent of a high school diploma.

VOA: special.2009.08.20

"In the United States, one is expected to go to high school for four years and you get a diploma just for showing up or attending.

VOA: special.2010.02.25

They will also receive a gold medal and a diploma from the Swedish king on December 10,the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death in 1896.

VOA: standard.2009.10.12