In the past, those who didn't complete an approved program of secondary education were virtually barred from any form of higher education. With a GED, a person can pursue post-secondary and university education as well as funding options such as student loans and grants.
According to nscall.net, high school dropouts with low academic levels and skills tend to benefit highly from earning their GED. Research conducted by John Tyler on behalf of Brown University reveals that high school dropouts with low skill levels can increase their earning potential from 5 to 25 percent by earning a GED. Although the changes occur over time, these high school dropouts do eventually benefit.
Tyler's study did reveal that less than 12 percent of GED holders go on to pursue university-level education. However, it also revealed that opportunities for other forms of post-secondary education and training do increase for those who earn a GED. According to John Tyler's study, further post-secondary training opportunities are as numerous for GED holders as they are for those who graduate from high school.
According to Steve Steurer of the Correctional Education Association, earning a GED can reduce crime. Several studies over the past 10 years have revealed that increasing the education level of prisoners reduces their likelihood of committing further crimes. In fact, the further a prisoner went in his education while incarcerated, the less likely he was to commit new crimes.
Education programs in prisons save society money. Steve Steuer of the Correction Education Association cites a study of 3000 prisoners who pursued education programs in prison and were observed for three years after their release. These prisoners showed a 29 percent drop in recidivism compared to other prisoners. The 29 percent drop means $2.00 is saved in terms of correction costs when compared to every $1.00 spent on prison education. Further savings are passed on to society in the form of reduced police and court costs.