One of the biggest surprises students face in their senior year of college—or even high school—is realizing they’re missing a requirement to graduate. Staying on top of graduation requirements from the very beginning can help you avoid delays, extra classes, and unnecessary stress.

Why Graduation Requirements Matter

Every school sets its own criteria for earning a diploma or degree. Missing even one requirement could mean pushing back your graduation date, which costs both time and money.

Common Graduation Requirements in High School

• Credits in Core Subjects (English, Math, Science, Social Studies)
• Electives (arts, technology, world language, etc.)
• Minimum GPA
• State Tests or Assessments (varies by state)
• Community Service Hours (required by some districts)

Common Graduation Requirements in College

• Credit Hours – Most bachelor’s degrees require 120 credits.
• General Education/Core Curriculum – Classes outside your major (math, writing, science, humanities).
• Major/Program Requirements – Courses specific to your field of study.
• Minimum GPA – Often a 2.0 overall, but some majors require higher.
• Capstone/Thesis/Internship – Final project or practical experience.
• Residency Requirement – You may need to complete a certain number of credits at your institution (not just transfer them in).

Pro Tips to Stay on Track

✅ Meet with your advisor every semester – Confirm you’re meeting all requirements.
✅ Use a degree audit tool – Many schools offer online checklists showing what you’ve completed and what’s left.
✅ Track deadlines – Some requirements (like applying for graduation) have specific due dates.
✅ Don’t assume – Just because you’re “close” doesn’t mean you’ve hit every box. Double-check!

Bottom Line

Graduating on time takes planning. Know your requirements early, check them often, and don’t wait until senior year to find out you’re missing a credit. Staying informed now means you’ll be ready to walk across the stage later!