In the United States, high school or secondary school is compulsory and free. The ages during which education is compulsory are determined by individual states, but usually a student is required to go through some kind of study until the age of 16. High school in most cases is designed to teach the student basic skills perceived necessary for citizenship and adulthood. These include a level of reading comprehension and writing skills, math skills, as well as some science knowledge usually proven through the completion of a certain number of credit hours in the appropriate subject.
The biggest differences between college and high school degrees are in the kind of education that the student receives. There is no compulsory college education, and in the United States no free college education. Students must apply and be accepted to the school of their choice. Students must then choose their own course of study, and complete a certain level of specialization in that subject to receive a degree. To enter college, a high school degree or equivalent is almost always necessary.
Colleges by nature are more specialized than high schools. While there are usually general requirements that advance basic skills, all students must choose to specialize in a field. In technical or vocational colleges, this is designed to teach the student the necessary skills to prepare them for a specific occupation. In a liberal arts college, oftentimes the specialization has a broader but perhaps less applicable focus.
Completing a course of study at an accredited institution of higher education always grants a degree or a certification. The most common degrees for a two-year course of study are associate degrees, while four-year degrees are usually bachelor's degrees. A bachelor's degree is usually required to pursue graduate and some professional degrees. Graduate and professional programs will often award different degrees, which certify the student to be employed in specific professions. Different programs and occupations require different qualifications, so it's important to be aware of the special requirements.
Many professions require a specific level of education. Additionally, some require very specific training. Additionally, U.S. Census data shows that holding a bachelor's degree usually means earning significantly higher annual income than only a high school diploma. As of 2006, the average income for a high school graduate was $28,645, while the average income for a college graduate was $51,554 per year.