10 Online Colleges That Accept High School Diplomas 2025

In recent years, online high school programs have become more popular, but are diplomas from these types of distance-learning schools acceptable during the college admissions process? If the diploma is from an accredited school, then yes; most colleges accept it.

Students must ensure their high school courses meet college admission requirements, which typically include several years of English, math, science, and social sciences. Below, we explore top online colleges that accept high school diplomas, whether from a traditional or online program.

Online Colleges That Accept Online High School Diplomas

Online colleges accept students who have completed a high school diploma, including those obtained through online programs. The growing acceptance of online education has led many institutions to recognize the legitimacy of diplomas earned through accredited online high school programs.

Do Colleges Accept Online High School Diplomas?

Online high school diplomas are similar to traditional high school diplomas, signifying a student has met the educational standards required for graduation. Colleges acknowledge the validity of online high school diplomas, as long as the institution is recognized by an accrediting agency.

While the acceptance of online high school diplomas is generally widespread, students must ensure their online program meets the standards set by the colleges they wish to attend. Some colleges may have specific requirements or preferences regarding the type of online high school program completed, so researching individual college policies is crucial for a smooth transition to higher education.

Colleges That Accept Online High School Diplomas

If you're ready to enroll in an undergraduate degree online, the following schools offer affordable and diverse programs. We discuss admissions requirements, including diploma verification, high school curriculum standards, and more.

1. Bellevue University

Bellevue University in Nebraska offers numerous online degree programs. Full-time and part-time students can choose from over 80 undergraduate or graduate degrees in fields such as:

• accounting
• behavioral science
• business analytics
• criminal justice

Applying to these programs is simple and easy since it is an open-admissions college. Students need only a high school diploma or its equivalent to enroll and must submit proof, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, homeschool letter of completion, or transcripts.

2. National University

Though based in San Diego, CA, National University offers various fully online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Due to its open admissions policy, these educational programs are accessible to students of diverse academic backgrounds.

The application process is free and takes only several minutes to complete. Students need a high school diploma or a proficiency certificate from their state's Department of Education.

3. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public research institution offering online degree programs, in which students receive the same top-quality education as on-campus students. First-time students must meet the minimum admissions requirements, including SAT or ACT scores and GPA standards. Students must also have a high school diploma, which, for homeschoolers, can be from an accredited online school.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University has a physical campus; however, in recent years, it's most well-known for its robust and varied selection of online higher education programs. The application process for an undergraduate is fast and free. Students only need to sign a form stating they've graduated from an accredited high school or an equivalent, such as passing the GED test.

5. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public school offering affordable online degrees in over 300 academic disciplines. To enroll in one of these programs, applicants need only a diploma from a traditional high school or an accredited online high school.

For homeschoolers, transcripts or an Affidavit of Completion of Secondary School Education is necessary for the application. Coursework requirements include four years of English, four years of math, and three years of lab sciences.

6. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school rooted in the Christian tradition. It offers numerous online college degrees. To gain entry into one of these programs, students need to possess a high school diploma from an accredited school or a GED certificate. The high school curriculum should include English, math, science, and electives, though the school doesn't have strict requirements concerning coursework.

7. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus offers many affordable online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The application process is simple and admissions officers are available to help.

The school doesn't require SAT or ACT scores; however, students must meet certain academic requirements, including graduation from a high school with regional accreditation or a GED certificate. The diploma can be from a traditional school or an alternative high school for homeschoolers and online learners.

8. American Public University

American Public University is a distance learning institution offering online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Due to its open admissions policy, students can enter these programs quite easily with only an online high school diploma. Transcripts aren't typically required, but applicants may be asked to verify their education with a copy of their diploma.

9. Fort Hays State University

Fort Hays State University in Kansas offers hundreds of online degree programs. The admissions requirements are low; students need only a 2.25 GPA from a traditional or virtual high school with a standard curriculum. Nontraditional students and adult learners can submit GED test scores for admittance consideration.

10. Nicholls State University

Nicholls State University in Louisiana offers numerous online degrees in fields such as nursing, psychology, and health sciences. Students must meet admissions requirements to enroll in an undergraduate program. These requirements include the completion of the Regents' Core 4 Curriculum, which includes four years of English, math, science, and social sciences. Homeschoolers, out-of-state students, and those pursuing an online high school program must still meet these educational requirements.

Our Selection Criteria

To narrow this list, we used several ranking factors that are supported by information provided by the National Center for Education Statistics. Our criteria prioritized:

• Online learning: All chosen schools offer fully online degree programs at the undergraduate level.
• Accreditation status: We chose respectable schools that are accredited and offer superb learning opportunities.
• High school diploma acceptance: We chose schools that accept online high school diplomas.

College Admission Requirements for Students in Online High School Diploma Programs

College admission requirements for students who have completed online high school diploma programs are generally similar to those for traditional high school graduates. Most colleges require applicants to submit their high school transcripts, which should reflect the completion of a recognized online diploma program.

Some schools, like Nicholls State University, may have strict curriculum requirements that mirror a public high school education. Additionally, standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, may be required, although many institutions have adopted test-optional policies.

Homeschool Students

Homeschool students typically receive their high school diplomas through a process that varies by state. In many cases, parents or guardians who oversee the homeschooling process can issue a diploma once the student has completed the required coursework and met any state-specific educational standards; however, some families may choose to enroll in online programs that provide formal diplomas.

Colleges generally recognize diplomas from homeschool programs, but the acceptance can depend on the institution's policies. Many online colleges that accept homeschool diplomas require students to submit a detailed transcript outlining the online courses taken, grades earned, and any standardized test scores.

FAQs for High School Students Pursuing Online Learning

Below, we discuss several top questions about online high school programs. Keep reading to learn about these educational opportunities.

Is an Online High School Diploma Valid?

Yes, an accredited online high school diploma, such as one earned through the U.S. Career Institute, is valid during the college admissions process. Online learners participate in the same core courses as traditional high schools, which ensures they are ready to enroll in higher education.

Is a GED the Same as a High School Diploma?

Yes, a GED certificate is the equivalent of a high school diploma. Those who didn't complete their traditional high school education but wish to demonstrate their knowledge and skills at a high school level can take multiple tests that assess proficiency in subjects, such as math, science, social studies, and language arts.

How Do Online Colleges Verify High School Diplomas?

Online colleges can use various methods to determine the validity of a high school diploma. The most typical approach is to request official transcripts directly from the high school or the institution that issued the diploma. Some schools on this list also ask for copies of the original diploma or ask students to self-verify their academic credentials.

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