50-State Comparison: High School Graduation Requirements

This resource provides an overview of state high school graduation requirements. Nearly all states require students to complete a certain number of units per course to earn a standard diploma in the state; but courses, units and assessments outside of exit exams and diploma options vary. Education Commission of the States researched a range of policies — including state statute, state regulations, department guidelines, state standards and state board rules — to create this 50-State Comparison.
Click on the questions below for 50-State Comparisons showing how all states approach specific policies. Or choose to view a specific state’s approach by going to the individual state profiles page.
50-State Comparisons

1. What are the state’s course requirements for high school graduation?
2. What are the state’s non-course requirements for high school graduation?
3. How many total course units does the state require for high school graduation?
4. What are the other diploma types offered by the state?

Key Takeaways

• Forty-seven states and the District of Columbia have minimum statewide high school graduation requirements. Colorado, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania leave high school graduation requirements up to local districts; but all three have statewide assessment or recommended graduation requirements.
• Sixteen states offer diploma options other than the standard diploma type, and six states offer multiple standard diploma options.
• Of the states that specify it, the total units required varies from 13 to 24.
• Seventeen states specify non-course requirements as a condition of graduation in state policy.