State Graduation Requirements

This site provides information about Texas high school graduation requirements. Information about individual graduation committees and alternative graduation requirements for students who entered high school before the 2011-2012 school year can be found on the Individual Graduation Committees webpage.

Announcements

Senate Bill 1888 (87th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2021), establishes the Texas First Early High School Completion Program to allow public high school students who demonstrate early readiness for college to graduate early from high school and earn a scholarship for one or two semesters at certain Texas universities. Information regarding the program is provided on the Texas First Early High School Completion Program webpage.

Financial Aid Application Graduation Requirement

In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature established a new financial aid application graduation requirement. Beginning with students enrolled in 12th grade during the 2021-2022 school year, each student must do one of the following in order to graduate:  

• Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
• Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA); or
• Submit a signed opt-out form.

Additional information regarding the financial aid application graduation requirement is provided on the Financial Aid Requirement webpage.

House Bill 5: Foundation High School Program

The new Foundation High School Program became the default graduation program for all students entering ninth grade beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. Additional information about the Foundation High School Program is provided on the House Bill 5: Foundation High School Program webpage.

Senate Bill 30: Community Safety Education Act

Senate Bill (SB) 30, also known as The Community Safety Education Act, requires the State Board of Education (SBOE) to adopt rules to include the instruction developed under TEC, §28.012, in one or more courses in the required curriculum for students in grades 9-12. The SBOE adopted a new rule in Title 19 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), §74.39, Requirements for Instruction on Proper Interaction with Peace Officers,

that became effective August 27, 2018. This rule requires school districts and charter schools to provide instruction to students in grades 9-12 on proper interaction with peace officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters.

• Senate Bill (SB) 30: Community Safety Education Act Frequently Asked Questions  

Students who entered high school before the 2014-2015 school year have the option to graduate under the new Foundation High School Program or the existing Minimum High School Program (MHSP), Recommended High School Program (RHSP), or Distinguished Achievement Program (DAP). Information on all current graduation programs available at the links below:

• 2014-2015 Graduation Programs Side by Side (PDF, 308KB)
• 2013-2014 Side by Side Graduation Program Requirements (for students entering high school in 2012-2013 and later) (PDF, 120KB)
• 2012-2013 Side by Side Graduation Program Requirements (for students entering high school in 2012-2013 and later) (PDF, 205KB)

The following resources provide additional information related to state graduation:

• Minimum High School Program (MHSP)
• Automatic college admission

Official State Board of Education Administrative Rules Regarding Graduation Requirements  

The State Board of Education (SBOE) has authority over graduation requirements for Texas public school students. To access SBOE rules on graduation, select from the following:

• Graduation Requirements for Students Entering Grade 9 in 2014-2015 and thereafter
• Graduation Requirements for Students Entering Grade 9 in 2012-13 and 2013-2014
• Graduation Requirements for Students Entering Grade 9 in 2007-08, 2008-09, 2009-10, 2010-11, or 2011-12

For information on high school graduation requirements for students who entered high school before 2007-2008, please contact the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division.

Resources

• Individual Graduation Committees
• Texas First Early High School Completion Program