8 Online Colleges That Accept a Homeschool Diploma 2025

According to the National Homeschool Education Research Institute, homeschool families have grown from approximately 13,000 in 1973 to over 3,700,000 in 2021. As these children reach high school and college age, many parents and students may have questions about the homeschool college admissions process.

Fortunately, most college admissions requirements include opportunities for homeschooled applicants to take in-person and online courses. Although many schools have pathways for homeschooled learners in their admissions processes, some are more homeschool-friendly than others.

Accredited Online Homeschool-Friendly Colleges

Online students can attend higher education institutions without a traditional high school transcript. These schools were selected because their admissions offices accept high school diploma equivalencies, including homeschool transcripts.

1. Bringham Young University–Idaho

Bringham Young University–Idaho is a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints-aligned university that offers a religious-based academic experience through online college courses. Many homeschooled students have religious affiliations, and BYU allows students to pursue college credits through the lens of their faith.

BYU has 15 associate and bachelor's degrees available fully online. Students who enroll in the BYU-Pathway also have guaranteed scholarship opportunities to help reduce the already low tuition rates.

2. Utah Tech University

Utah Tech University, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as degree completion programs, has no requirement for standardized test scores, making it easier for homeschooled students to apply. UTU accepts traditional high school students and various equivalents, including students who completed a homeschool curriculum, a GED, or other testing.

Learners at Utah Tech can also pursue asynchronous degree programs that provide the same flexibility and self-guided learning as homeschooling.

3. Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers single-degree and dual-enrollment opportunities, including 18 undergraduate degree programs across seven educational colleges. Students are only required to earn a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 2.7 GPA as an incoming freshman or 2.5 GPA for any community college-level transfer credits. Although CSU Online does consider SAT or ACT scores, they aren't required.

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University Online has multiple admission criteria, allowing students from different educational backgrounds to pursue college opportunities. Students are required to either be in the top 25% of their high school class, have a 3.0 GPA, or have qualifying test scores. Students who don't meet these requirements can meet with admissions counselors to pursue alternate admissions routes.

5. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University has a 96% acceptance rate with no application fees or test score requirements. Students must complete an attestation form that proves they have a diploma or an equivalent. After being admitted, SNHU has highly flexible scheduling and self-paced coursework options that allow students to take control of their education.

6. University of Florida

The University of Florida doesn't differentiate between homeschool graduates to those who attended traditional private or public schools. They all must meet the same requirements as freshman or lower-division transfers. Those who are transferring in as a junior or senior and those who are earning a second bachelor's degree aren't evaluated based on high school performance but on their previous college coursework. The University of Florida offers a flexible learning environment through asynchronous coursework.

7. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware welcomes homeschooled students and even has special admission requirements that reflect the potential differences between homeschooled and traditional students. Homeschooled learners applying to UD must submit a transcript of their grades and a portfolio of coursework or a research paper. All students at UD can submit standardized test scores, but it isn't required.

8. Central Michigan University

Central Michigan University has a 79% acceptance rate for undergraduates, including its online programs. Students can submit standardized test scores for review, but CMU doesn't require them. This university has 38 online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, providing a variety of learning opportunities for homeschool graduates.

How We Rank Schools

Many high-quality colleges and universities offer online programs that accept homeschooled students. We selected programs based on several key factors, starting with the National Center for Education Statistics and U.S. Department of Education College Scorecards.

Some of the other factors we considered include:

• Acceptance rates: Higher acceptance rates make it more likely for students to begin their higher education.
• Availability of self-paced/asynchronous courses: Many homeschool students might be more used to self-paced learning, and these schools offer similar experiences.
• School-provided financial aid: Schools that offer scholarships and grants can help make college more affordable for all students.

We also made sure that each accredited online college accepts federal financial aid. To find out if you qualify for this type of student aid, be sure to fill out the FAFSA every year.

FAQs About Online Degrees for Homeschooled Students

Homeschooling is becoming more common, which means that many parents and students may have questions about how to apply for online colleges. Below, we've answered some of the frequently asked questions about this topic.

Do Colleges Accept Homeschool Diplomas?

Yes, many schools accept homeschool diplomas. Most colleges evaluate homeschooled students on grades, SAT or ACT scores, and other factors rather than simply where their diploma is from.

What Makes an Online College Homeschool-Friendly?

Online colleges are considered homeschool-friendly when they either have admissions processes that don't differentiate between traditional and homeschool diplomas or make special concessions for the different experiences of homeschooled students. For example, a homeschooled learner might not have access to letters of recommendation that a public or private school student might.

What Is the College Application Process for Homeschooled Students?

At most online colleges, the application process ensures that students are prepared for college-level learning. Usually, colleges ensure that applying is the same for all students. Students must fill out an application form to start the process. After this form is submitted, students submit some related documents, which vary from school to school. These documents most commonly include letters of recommendation, essays, and portfolios.

Most schools require special documentation from homeschooled students to verify their education and will make a note of this on their website or application form.

Read More: Do Online Colleges Accept All Applicants?

Do Homeschoolers Need To Take the SAT/ACT/CLT?

It will depend on the school you are applying to. Most homeschoolers aren't required to take these standardized tests to complete their programs, but some schools do require a test score from at least one of the three. However, there is a growing trend of schools becoming test-optional, meaning test scores will be reviewed but not required for admission.

Earn Your Degree as a Homeschool Graduate

Homeschooling is becoming a more common way for students to complete elementary, middle, and high school education. Learn more about the admissions requirements of various online schools with our school profiles. Then, reach out to the best schools for your goals.