Many states offer more than one kind of high school diploma. A standard diploma meets the basic graduation requirements, while an advanced or honors diploma adds courses, higher grades or exams. On top of either, students can often earn endorsements or seals in areas such as a career field, STEM, the arts, civics or biliteracy. Names and options vary by state, so check with your school counselor.
Common diploma types
- Standard diploma. Meets the state’s basic credit and course requirements. See graduation requirements.
- Advanced, honors or college preparatory diploma. Adds courses such as more math, lab science or world language, and sometimes a minimum GPA or exam results.
- Career or technical diploma. Offered in some states for students who complete a career pathway.
- Alternate diploma. In some states, for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are assessed on alternate standards, usually decided through the IEP. See our IEP and 504 plan guide.
- Certificate of completion or attendance. Not a diploma. It can limit eligibility for federal aid, many colleges and military service, so families should understand it before agreeing to that path.
Endorsements and seals
Endorsements and seals recognize extra work in an area. They usually appear on the diploma or the high school transcript.
- Career or CTE endorsements for completing a pathway, often with an industry credential. See career and technical education.
- STEM endorsements for advanced math and science coursework.
- Arts endorsements for sustained study in visual or performing arts.
- Seals of biliteracy for proficiency in English and at least one other language.
- Civics or service seals for coursework, projects or volunteer hours.
- Academic honors tied to GPA or exam performance.
How advanced diplomas affect college planning
- Advanced diploma requirements often line up with what selective colleges expect anyway, such as more math, lab science and world language.
- Some state scholarships require an advanced diploma or the same core courses. See state merit scholarships.
- In some states, public universities consider diploma type or the matching course set in admission.
- Most colleges do not require a particular diploma; they look at the rigor of your courses and your grades in the context of your school. See AP classes explained and honors vs AP.
- Requirements build over four years, so plan early with a four-year high school plan.
- Weigh the trade-offs. Adding requirements is not worth it if sleep and grades suffer across the board.
When a lower-requirement path is on the table
In some states, students can move to a reduced or personalized graduation path, sometimes with parent permission. That can be the right call, but ask these questions first:
- Does this path still meet admission requirements for public universities in our state?
- Does it affect eligibility for state scholarships?
- Can the student switch back later, and by when?
- For students with an IEP: which diploma is the team working toward, and what does it mean for college, aid and jobs after high school?
These conversations are easier in ninth and tenth grade than in senior year. Our guide to working with the school counselor helps you prepare.
Where families check their options
- Read your school’s course catalog or program of studies, which lists diploma options and requirements.
- Meet with the counselor at least once a year to review progress toward the diploma and any endorsements.
- Check your state education department’s website for current diploma types.
- Use our education by state hub to see which rules states set.
- Review the transcript each year for missing requirements while there is time to fix them.
Where a mentor helps
A mentor is not a school counselor and does not set a student’s course plan. What a mentor does is help a high school student understand the plan the family and counselor chose and follow it week to week: keeping grades steady, tracking endorsement requirements and service hours, and planning ahead for course selection. Parents join the intro call and get regular updates. Learn more about mentoring for high school students and our education guides.
Related
- High school graduation requirements
- How to choose high school courses
- State merit scholarships
- High school guide by grade
- In-State Tuition and Residency: How It Works
- Going Back to College as an Adult: A Practical Plan
Common questions
Do colleges care which type of diploma I earn?
Most colleges care more about the rigor of your courses and your grades than the diploma name, but some state universities and scholarships tie requirements to an advanced diploma or its course set.
Is a certificate of completion the same as a diploma?
No. A certificate of completion or attendance is not a diploma and can limit options for federal aid, college and military service. Ask the school what it means for your student.
What is a diploma endorsement?
An endorsement or seal recognizes extra work in an area such as a career pathway, STEM, the arts or a second language. It usually appears on the diploma or transcript.
Can a student switch diploma types?
Often, if they can still complete the requirements in time. Ask the counselor early, since some requirements take several years.
Get started
Want your teen to stay on track for graduation? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.