North Dakota High School Graduation Requirements

Graduation planning works best when families separate three layers: the state minimum, district-specific graduation rules, and admissions or scholarship requirements. They overlap, but they are not interchangeable.

Confirm the local graduation checklist

Begin with the student’s counselor and current district course catalog. Ask for a credit audit showing completed credits, courses in progress, remaining categories, and any local additions. Requirements can change by graduating class, and transfer credits may need a district review.

Plan beyond the diploma

A course plan that earns a diploma may not automatically satisfy a particular college, scholarship, military, apprenticeship, or career pathway. Compare the student’s transcript with the destination’s published requirements early enough to adjust junior- and senior-year choices.

Questions to bring to a counselor

• Which requirements apply to this graduating class?
• Does the district require credits beyond the state baseline?
• How are transfer, online, dual-credit, and career-technical courses counted?
• Are there assessment, civics, service, or individualized-plan requirements?
• What is the deadline to correct a transcript or substitute a course?

This guide is a planning aid. The student’s district controls its diploma decisions and should confirm the final course plan in writing.