If you are planning for graduation or going back to finish school, you have probably wondered what the actual high school diploma requirements are. It can be confusing because every state sets its own rules, and local districts can add extra expectations on top.
The good news is that most states follow a similar pattern. To earn a standard high school diploma, students usually must:
- Earn a minimum number of credits
- Take specific courses in English, math, science, and social studies
- Sometimes meet testing or extra requirements such as projects or community service
This guide gives you a plain language overview of typical high school diploma requirements in the United States, plus a simple table that shows minimum credit requirements for all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
At the end, you will also see what you can do if you already finished high school but no longer have your diploma or transcript.
Core High School Diploma Requirements In The U.S.
While the details vary, most states use a structure similar to this for a standard diploma:
- Total credits
- Most states require somewhere between 20 and 24 total credits for graduation.
- A few states use lower state minimums, but districts often require more than the minimum.
- English / Language Arts
- Usually 4 credits, one course each year of high school.
- Math
- Often 3 or 4 credits.
- Many states require Algebra 1 and at least one additional higher level math course.
- Science
- Commonly 3 credits, often including lab sciences such as biology, chemistry, or physics.
- Social Studies
- Typically 3 or 4 credits, including U.S. history, government or civics, and sometimes economics.
- Other required areas
- Physical education and health
- Fine arts or career and technical education
- In some states, world language, computer science, or personal finance
On top of courses and credits, states may also require:
- Passing certain state tests or end of course exams
- Completing a senior project or portfolio
- Meeting community service or career plan requirements
For a deeper dive into current policies, families can review the Education Commission of the States 50 state comparison on graduation requirements.
Always remember that the numbers below are state minimums for a standard diploma. Local school districts are free to require more.
High School Diploma Requirements By State (Credits)
The table below shows the minimum total credits usually required for a standard public high school diploma in each state or territory, based on recent national comparisons. Some states list local control instead of a fixed number because districts set their own credit requirements.
These totals are a starting point. For exact, up to date details, always check your state’s Department of Education and your local school district.
| State or Territory | Typical minimum credits for standard diploma | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 24 | Includes core English, math, science, and social studies plus electives. |
| Alaska | 21 | Local districts may set higher requirements. |
| Arizona | 22 | State sets minimum; districts can add more. |
| Arkansas | 22 | Includes required core subjects and electives. |
| California | 13 | State minimum is low; most districts require 22 to 26 credits. |
| Colorado | Local control | Credits and course plans set mainly by districts. |
| Connecticut | 20 | Mix of core subjects and required electives. |
| Delaware | 24 | Four English and four math credits are typical. |
| District of Columbia | 24 | Strong emphasis on core academics and electives. |
| Florida | 24 | Includes specific courses and state assessment requirements. |
| Georgia | 23 | Four credits each in English, math, and science. |
| Hawaii | 24 | Includes core subjects plus electives. |
| Idaho | 23 | State minimum; districts may exceed. |
| Illinois | 16.75 | State minimum units; many districts require 22 to 26 credits. |
| Indiana | 20 | Base requirement; additional pathways and diploma types exist. |
| Iowa | 14 | Minimum units; districts usually set higher local requirements. |
| Kansas | 21 | Includes core and 7 elective credits. |
| Kentucky | 22 | Mix of core requirements and electives. |
| Louisiana | 23 | Several diploma pathways with similar or higher totals. |
| Maine | 11 | State minimum; districts often convert to higher credit totals. |
| Maryland | 21 | Includes core subjects and additional required courses. |
| Massachusetts | Local control | State provides frameworks; districts define credit totals. |
| Michigan | 18 | Known as the Michigan Merit Curriculum; districts often require more. |
| Minnesota | 21.5 | Includes required core credits and electives. |
| Mississippi | 24 | Multiple diploma options with similar credit totals. |
| Missouri | 24 | Four English credits plus core math, science, social studies. |
| Montana | 20 | State minimum; local boards may set higher levels. |
| Nebraska | 20 | Defines core course units; districts can exceed. |
| Nevada | 22.5 | Requirements vary slightly by diploma type. |
| New Hampshire | 20 | Includes English, math, science, social studies, and others. |
| New Jersey | 24 | Minimum 120 credits under state rules. |
| New Mexico | 24 | Core plus electives and additional state requirements. |
| New York | 22 | Also requires passing specific Regents exams. |
| North Carolina | 22 | “Future Ready” course of study for a standard diploma. |
| North Dakota | 22 | Core plus electives, with career and college options. |
| Ohio | 20 | Includes course and non course graduation options. |
| Oklahoma | 23 | Includes English, math, science, social studies, and electives. |
| Oregon | 24 | Credits plus essential skills and personalized learning requirements. |
| Pennsylvania | Local control | State sets broad rules; districts define credits and plans. |
| Rhode Island | 20 | Courses plus performance based graduation requirements. |
| South Carolina | 24 | Includes English, math, science, social studies, and other required areas. |
| South Dakota | 22 | Standard diploma and advanced options exist. |
| Tennessee | 22 | Includes 4 English and 4 math credits plus other subjects. |
| Texas | 22 | Foundation program with endorsements; districts may add. |
| Utah | 24 | Core credits plus flexible pathway credits. |
| Vermont | 20 | Often organized through proficiency based graduation requirements. |
| Virginia | 22 | Standard diploma; advanced diplomas require more credits. |
| Washington | 20 | State minimum; many students complete 24 credit programs. |
| West Virginia | 24 | Mix of required and elective credits. |
| Wisconsin | 23.5 | Includes English, math, science, social studies, PE, and electives. |
| Wyoming | 13 | State minimum units; local districts commonly require more. |
| Puerto Rico | 24 | Puerto Rico Department of Education typically requires 24 credits in Spanish, English, math, science, social studies, and other subjects, plus community service and occupational experience. |
Again, these figures are general state minimums for standard diplomas. Local schools can and often do require more.
How To Confirm Requirements For Your Situation
Because policies change and districts add local rules, it is important to confirm your own path.
You can do that by:
- Checking your state Department of Education website for “high school graduation requirements” or “diploma requirements.”
- Using the Education Commission of the States state profiles to jump directly to your state’s official graduation page.
- Reviewing your school district’s graduation checklist or course planning guide.
- Talking with your school counselor to see how state rules apply to your class year.
If you graduated years ago and are not sure which requirements applied at that time, your high school or district records office can usually tell you which diploma plan you completed.
Already Finished High School But Need Proof?
High school diploma requirements matter not only while you are in school, but also years later when you need proof of graduation.
Common situations include:
- Applying to college or trade school
- Joining the military
- Applying for certain jobs or professional programs
- Replacing a lost or damaged diploma
In these cases it helps to understand the difference between:
- Official records
- Official transcripts and verification letters come directly from your high school, school district, or state records office.
- Colleges, licensing boards, and some employers may require these official documents.
- Personal and presentation copies
- A replacement diploma for your wall at home or in your office.
- A clean, easy to read transcript you can keep for your own files and use while filling out applications.
If your school is slow to respond or you want professional looking copies for your own records, you can combine both approaches.
Using A High School Diploma Maker And Transcript Maker
You should always use official records for admissions, licensing, and any situation where an organization needs to verify your education directly with the school.
At the same time, many people want their documents to look complete and professional for everyday life. That is where a replica diploma and transcript service can help:
- For a replacement high school diploma that reflects your real graduation and looks good on display.
- For a replica high school transcript based on your actual academic history, formatted in a clear, professional layout.
These are ideal for:
- Personal records and organization
- Framing or displaying your diploma
- Having a neat summary of your classes and grades when you are filling out forms or talking with advisors
They do not replace official documents sent directly from your high school or district, but they make your day to day life much easier when you need to show your education background in a clear and professional way.