State Graduation Requirements

This site provides information about Texas high school graduation requirements.

Individual Graduation Committees

Texas Education Code §28.0258 revises the state’s assessment graduation requirements for students enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade during the 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, or 2018-2019 school years. A student who has failed the EOC assessment graduation requirements for no more than two courses may receive a Texas high school diploma if the student has qualified to graduate by means of an individual graduation committee (IGC) determination.

Individual Graduation Committee Frequently Asked Questions--updated March 25, 2020 (PDF)

Alternative Graduation Requirements for Students Who Entered High School Before 2011-2012 School Year

Texas Education Code §28.02541 allows districts to award diplomas to certain students who entered high school before the 2011-2012 school year and did not receive a diploma after failing to meet assessment requirements. Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §74.1027 details the alternative graduation requirements that an individual can meet to qualify for a diploma. 

19 TAC §74.1027 Frequently Asked Questions

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  

Graduation Programs

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

Graduation Requirements for Students Entering Grade 9 in 2004-05, 2005-06, or 2006-07

Graduation Requirements for Students Entering Grade 9 in 2001-02, 2002-03, or 2003-04

For information on high school graduation requirements for students who entered high school before 2001-2002, please contact the Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division.