With all the emphasis on a college degree, the fact that a high school diploma normally precedes entry into a college or university is generally an afterthought. But for tens of thousands of college-age individuals, that high school diploma is something that is definitely not taken for granted. That's because they haven't earned it yet.

Fortunately, the Internet provides the opportunity to earn that high school diploma online.

There are as many reasons for not graduating from high school as there are non-grads. Perhaps the academic requirements were just too challenging or a family circumstance interfered. Economics, health, learning disabilities and maybe just plain old immaturity can trip up even the most well-meaning students. But that is not a reason to sit and watch the rest of the world prosper while you settle for less.

Pursuing a high school diploma online opens the door to greater career options and higher earning potential. Federal government estimates indicate that a high school diploma can be worth as much as $280,000 during a wage-earners lifetime. That alone should be an incentive to investigate the programs that offer the courses and testing online that can result in the award of an accredited high school diploma.

By studying for your high school diploma online, you can fit your classes into a schedule that allows you to continue with your daily obligations. Your spare time is still your spare time. But you will be putting it to much better use. Plus you can work at a pace that is comfortable and not feel pressured to keep up with a class. More than likely, you will be able to earn credit for courses you have already completed plus there is the possibility of receiving credit for work experience.

It is never too late to complete a formal education. Earning a high school diploma online also insures that it will not be too late to earn more, be more and maybe even continue that education into college. That online diploma could lead to an online degree. Who knows what the future holds and what your real potential is!

J. Terrence McDermott is the administrator of Massage Schools Guide at www.massageschoolsguide.com, a website offering a variety of resources for prospective massage therapists. He has developed a national directory of massage schools with program highlights and contact information. He specializes in online continuing education resources and also administers Access Online Degrees at www.accessonlinedegrees.com.