There are a lot of adults in search for a high school diploma for adults online and most of them are looking for high school diploma’s having no cost. Well, You are at the right place.
Not everyone is privileged to get their diploma at a very young age. This isn’t something you should worry about, as there is still opportunity to you get your high school diploma if you are over 18 or 21.
Thanks to technology, there is no need to physically attend a school to get a high school diploma. You can easily enroll for admission, pay your fees, attend classes, access course materials, and take your tests and exams all through your device (mobile or PC).
Not all are high school diplomas listed below are free, but some are affordable for the average adult learner.
Table of Contents
5 Steps Adults Can Take to Complete High School
Step 1: Contact an adult education provider
You can contact an adult education provider by searching online for a provider using America’s Literacy Directory or you can go to a physical school and request to see an adult education provider that’s available.
Step 2: Decide what type of high school completion program to complete.
Your decision at this moment is very important and as adults there is usually at least two options available to earn high school credential.
Usually, it’s either to attend an adult high school completion program or take a high school equivalency test, for example the GED, though there may be other options.
Students who only need to complete a couple of credits to earn their diploma may need to consider an adult high school completion program, in which students take the courses they need to graduate, like an English class, Adults who need many credits would have to take the GED or any similar assessment since it won’t take the students that long to finish.
Step 3: Make sure the program is legit.
There are a lot of people waiting to scam others online. So you as an adults searching online for high school diploma completion programs should be wary of organizations selling fake credentials.
If you are concerned about the legitimacy of a program which you found online should check with a state agency, such as the state board of education or department of education, to make sure the program is legit.
Step 4: Consider the logistics.
Every state offers a low-cost way to earn a high school credential, it could be financial aid or scholarships, but the specific cost will vary. Sometimes, the programs for adults are free.
Adult high school completion programs are commonly held on weekdays and weeknights, but not usually on the weekends.
In addition, Adults who need a high school diploma should obtain transcripts from any high schools they previously attended, so officials can determine how many credits they will need to graduate.
Step 5: Enroll in a program.
It can take as little as a few weeks to a couple of years for adults to earn a high school credential. However, you have to bear in mind not to expect a typical high school experience.
You need to be goal-oriented and willing to put in hard work.
Why You Should Enroll in Accredited Online High School for Adults
1. Flexible schedule
There’s this freedom enjoyed from having to attend high school during regular hours. This is the main advantage of online learning.
It can be quite beneficial for students who are juggling their high school education with a job or other obligations, whether they are adults or teenagers. Online high schools enable students to attend lessons and study only in the evenings or on specific days.
There is also the ability to learn at your own pace. This is another advantage of this flexibility.
2. More class options
There is a greater variety of courses to be selected, unlike traditional high school learning. This is because they are not constrained by a finite number of classrooms or professors as traditional high schools are.
This benefit can help students who want to enroll in particular subjects, such as advanced or AP classes, that are not provided by their regular high school. In addition, specialties and the option to customize the chosen courses to the topics that interest you most are offered by certain online colleges.
3. No traditional school environment
Additionally, some students attend virtual high schools because they perform poorly in traditional settings. This could be a result of issues with peers, issues with learning in a regular classroom setting, or some other cause.
Fewer distractions are another common benefit of attending an online high school. You don’t have to worry about what to wear, or whether your friends are attending the same classes as you.
List of the Best 35 High School Diplomas for Adults Online
Below is a list of the top 35 high school diplomas for adults online:
- Stanford Online High School
- James Madison High School
- The University of Nebraska High School
- Penn Foster Online School
- The Keystone School
- Laurel Springs School
- Alabama Virtual Academy
- Pinnacle Charter High School
- Clintondale Virtual School
- Orion High School
- Park City Independent Online Adult School
- Texas Success Academy
- Excel High School
- GW Online High School
- University of Missouri High School: Mizzou K-12
- Mother of Divine Grace
- University of Texas High School
- Oak Meadow School
- International Virtual Learning Academy
- Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts & Sciences
- International Connections Academy
- New Learning Resources Online
- Smart Horizons Career Online High School (COHS)
- Indiana University High School
- Mizzou Academy
- University of Mississippi High School
- Virtual Learning Academy Charter School
- Brigham Young University Adult Diploma Program
- Franklin Virtual High School
- Middleton Academy Accredited Online High School Diploma for Adults
- The Whitmore School Adult Diploma Program
- Santa Barbara City College
- Liberty High School
- University of Galway
- San Diego Public Library.
Top 35 High School Diploma for Adults Online
Now let’s give you a few details about the schools that offer high school diplomas for adults online as stated above
1. Stanford Online High School
- Tuition Fee: $29,850 per year
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS).
Standford Online High School is one of the best high school diplomas for adults online. It was founded in 2006 and it is located at Stanford University. The school offers about 155 courses for prospective students and is very keen on creating a diverse community of highly motivated students worldwide.
If you are interested in studying for free, you can apply for their financial aid program, which will only cover your tuition fee and it is only if you are eligible for the scholarship.
There’s a fee waiver and you can get it if you contact the school management if you can’t get the scholarship & you are in financial hardship.
2. James Madison High School
- Tuition Fee: $1,274 per year
- Acceptance: Cognia and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).
James Madison High School has helped tens of thousands of students achieve their academic and life goals.
You can get your general or college prep diploma at JMHS, which can be completed online at your own pace. To be sincere, this school is not only one of the best high school diplomas for adults online but it is also one of the cheapest online high schools worldwide.
3. The University of Nebraska High School
- Tuition Fee: $27,320 per year
- Accreditation: Cognia and the Nebraska Department of Education
Are you interested in earning a diploma from the University of Nebraska High School? Then it is a great idea. However, you must meet their requirements to be eligible for admission.
Founded in 1929, UNHS is one of the best high school diplomas for adults online. It has more than 100 courses and accepts international students.
You can enroll at any time and finish your course(s) in less than 52 weeks. Isn’t that great?
4. Penn Foster Online School
- Tuition Fee: $1,295
- Accreditation: Arizona Sara Council, Cognia, DEAC, AVMA, IACET, Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools, the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
Getting your high school diploma at Penn Foster will not only help you save money but it will also help you save time while covering subjects like Maths and English and five elective courses of your choice or career-preparation courses. Penn Foster makes it easy for you to earn your online diploma at an affordable cost.
5. The Keystone School
- Tuition Fee: $549
- Accreditation: Cognia and The Commission on Secondary Schools.
The Keystone School has a high school program for adults (those over 18 years). They have a lot of courses suited specifically to adult learners, including all core subject areas & electives, all geared toward specific career fields.
6. Laurel Springs School
- Tuition Fee: $690/semester course or $990/year-long course. Tuition includes full enrollment, all course materials, syllabi, teacher services, semester evaluation, transcript, learning styles profile, and diagnostic assessment for grades 9–11.
- Accreditation: WASC, AdvancED, and SACS CASI
With about 30 years of experience, Laurel Springs School is one of the best high school diplomas for adults online, with a curriculum built around students’ passions, interests, and talents.
They are fully accredited with a proven track record, flexible class schedules, and a comprehensive curriculum.
7. Alabama Virtual Academy
- Tuition Fee: No cost
- Accreditation: CITA
Looking for a free high school diploma for adults online in 2023? Then look no further. This academy offers high-quality education and an individualized approach to learning that helps students reach their maximum potential.
ALVA-ECS is a Eufaula City Board of Education program that accepts enrollment annually. It is one of the best high school diplomas for adults online.
8. Pinnacle Charter High School
- Tuition Fee: Free
- Accreditation: Cognia and approved by NCAA
Pinnacle Charter School is another institution to get your standard diploma as an adult online for free.
They provide tuition-free education for students willing to pursue their academic goals, with personalized teaching methods.
9. Clintondale Virtual School
- Tuition Fee: $200
- Accreditation: NCA CASI, NWAC, and SACS CASI
The Clintondale virtual school provides its students with a world-class, 21st-century education to help them prepare for their careers.
Adults who want to pursue their high school diploma online can apply to this school. However, they need a minimum of 20 credits to pass and graduate.
10. Orion High School
- Tuition Fee: $315 per year
- Accreditation: Texas Private Schools Accreditation Commission (TEPSAC), NCAA, Cognia, and the Association of Christian Teachers and Schools (ACTS).
Orion High School provides a flexible way for students to learn and helps them facilitate their active learning via a purposeful and engaging curriculum in their courses. It is an affordable school so you may want to enroll for your online high school diploma at Orion High School if you are not financially buoyant for now.
11. Park City Independent Online Adult School
- Tuition Fee: $200 – $250 per course
- Accreditation: Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC)
Park City Independent is a legit online high school available to all students worldwide.
Students attending this school will have full access to a virtual campus from the convenience of their home and at their schedule, time, & pace, all with the same accreditation offered through public high schools. This is why Park City Independent Online Adult School is one of the best high school diplomas for adults online.
You can also transfer credits from accredited institutions for your adult high school diploma.
12. Texas Success Academy
- Tuition Fee: $1,060
- Accreditation: SACS CASI accredited school and a TEA Approved school through TEPSAC
Texas Success Academy is another great academy for adults to get online education.
There are no age limits, as anyone (young or old) can earn an accredited high school diploma they can be proud of online. International students can also enroll to study at this academy.
13. Excel High School
- Tuition Fee: No cost
- Accreditation: the Northwest Accrediting Commission (NWAC), the North Central Association CASI, the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools & the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools CASI.
Excel High School is another no-cost (free) school online. They provide affordable & flexible ways to get your diploma online. Their adult high school diploma program is great for adult learners who need an accredited high school diploma.
14. GW Online High School
- Tuition Fee: $12,000
- Accreditation: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools
GW as it is also called, is a private college-preparatory high school that operates entirely online and is one of the nation’s first virtual high schools to be affiliated with a major research university.
GWUOHS serves academically talented students who seek to pursue a college preparatory diploma. For that diploma, the school requires 24 credits to be able to graduate.
15. University of Missouri High School: Mizzou K-12
- Tuition Fee: Each class (half credit) costs $500.
- Accreditation: AdvancED and the NCA CASI
University of Missouri High School: Mizzou K-12 is part of the University of Missouri’s College of Education. The school has the only program in the country supported by a consistently ranked College of Education at a research-intensive flagship university. The program aligns with national and Missouri standards and offers NCAA-approved classes.
16. Mother of Divine Grace
- Tuition Fee: $820 when using one of the three payment plans; otherwise, a one-time payment of $720. There is a menu of extra fees (for things including different courses, Adobe labs, and support) so be sure to review costs carefully.
- Accreditation: ACS WASC
Founded in 1995, Mother of Divine Grace School offers a Catholic, classical approach to schooling and the purpose of the school is to provide parents with the information, resources, and support necessary to educate their children according to the classical tradition.
Dual enrollment credits are an option for students; they need to enroll via their local community college.
17. University of Texas High School
- Tuition Fee: Each course costs $225. For full-time enrollment (12-semester courses), yearly tuition is $2,700
- Accreditation: Texas Board of Education
This is hosted by the University of Texas. UTHS offers online classes for high school students. At present, the school serves more than 300 full-time students and has partnerships with over 250 school districts around the globe. Part-time and full-time students have access to coursework 24/7.
Qualified UTHS students have the benefit of selecting a dual-credit program through University Extension (the University of Texas at Austin online college program), which offers courses and exams in more than 60 subject areas. In addition, students may choose to take online AP classes, NCAA-approved classes, or classes for credit recovery.
18. Oak Meadow School
- Tuition Fee: $1,800
- Accreditation: The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), NCA CASI, WASC, NAAS, SACS, and the New England Association for Schools and Colleges (NEASC) NOTE: Oak Meadow is the first distance-learning school ever to receive such recognition in NEASC’s prestigious 130-year history.
Based in Brattleboro, VT, Oak Meadow School was founded by a group of parents and teachers seeking to reignite their children’s spark for learning. The school takes a progressive, compassionate, and child-centered approach to educating its students.
Students of this school must complete 22 credits for the diploma and it provides plenty of pathways to earn those credits, some of which are unique to this school.
For example, because Oak Meadow School supports the education of the whole person, the school offers credit for students’ work experiences and extracurricular participation (music, sports, arts, etc.).
19. International Virtual Learning Academy
- Tuition Fee: Annual tuition is $3,779 with a $150 yearly registration fee
- Accreditation: AdvancED
IVLA as it is also called, is a year-round, online, private K-12 school that’s based in California. Students may enroll and begin courses at any time, and all course material is delivered online, optimizing flexibility for students and their families.
The self-paced coursework accommodates a diverse learning environment, as do the 6 different curriculum options: Accelerate, Alpha Omega’s Ignitia, Apex Learning, GradPoint, Odesseyware, or Plato Learning. The school offers 5 different diploma plans: Standard, College Prep, Honors, STEM, and Career.
The school also offers AP and Honors courses. In addition, IVLA elective courses are designed to let students experience a wide range of life learning experiences to earn elective credit. A maximum of two credits will be awarded for outside activities or life experiences.
IVLA welcomes adult learners; in fact, the school offers an entire Adult High School online program that’s tailored for non-traditional students.
20. Christa McAuliffe Academy School of Arts & Sciences
- Tuition Fee: $8,495 per year
- Accreditation: AdvancED/NWAC, NCAA-Approved
CMASAS upholds a personalized education philosophy, using curriculum and teaching methods based on current brain and educational research. This institution also offers several high school diploma options that are based on student goals: standard, college prep, and career prep.
CMASAS has an active and thriving National Honor Society as well as a credit recovery program and counseling services.
21. International Connections Academy
- Tuition Fee: Yearly tuition for upper school: $6,880 (8% discount if paid in full) for academic year. Other discounts are available; monthly payment plans with 0% financing are available. Tuition covers all course materials.
- Accreditation: MSACS, AdvancED, NCAA-Approved.
This is an online school that serves students around the globe. Students may choose from honors and AP courses or dual enrollment classes through ICA’s College Acceleration program. This program allows students to complete a high school diploma and an associate degree at the same time. Isn’t that wonderful?
22. New Learning Resources Online
- Tuition Fee: $169
- Accreditation: Cognia
There’s no age limit in enrolling in this online academy, you can take part in the high school diploma program. There is also no upper age limit for participation in their programs.
New learning online resources provide distance learning classes taught by state-licensed instructors & subject-area experts.
Online learning options that are brand-new to the market also provide open enrollment all year long. It is also one of the best high school diplomas for adults online.
23. Smart Horizons Career Online High School (COHS)
- Tuition Fee: No cost
- Accreditation: Cognia, SACS, NCA, and NWAC.
They offer career certificates in addition to a high school diploma from a recognized institution. Their professional credentials signify to companies that they have the qualifications needed for a certain field. Any student can graduate from this online high school more quickly because it accepts transfer credits.
Also, COHS collaborates with libraries across the nation to give free high school programs to adults, and they offer Military discounts to eligible children.
24. Indiana University High School
- Tuition Fee: $11,790 per year
- Accreditation: Cognia
This school offers a few self-paced courses with a minimum six-month completion requirement. Among other subjects, students may provide math, science, social studies, health education, directed electives, and free electives.
Additionally, the school provides standard graduation and college readiness pathways. It also offers financial aid to its students.
25. Mizzou Academy
- Tuition Fee: $500 per course
- Accreditation: The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and Cognia
Mizzou Academy has its headquarters in Columbia, Missouri. This school possesses alternatives for students in elementary school through high school, over 200 courses, and creative co-teaching partnerships.
26. University of Mississippi High School
- Tuition Fee: $9,210 per year
- Accreditation: Cognia, SACS, NCA, and the National Study of School Evaluation
It is located within the University of Mississippi. Here, students are required to complete a minimum of 6.25 credits. Some of the subjects students can offer include Business and Technology, English Language, Social Studies, Mathematics, Foreign Languages, Arts, Health and Physical Education, and a combination of others.
27. Virtual Learning Academy Charter School
- Tuition Fee: $95 for a four-week subscription to each course
- Accreditation: Advanced
We cannot list the best high school diploma for adults online without mentioning this school. VLACS provides a flexible and accessible high school graduation program and it is offered entirely online. This shows that students can participate in and finish their education online from any part of the world.
Additionally, their classes are self-paced and created to fit the learning preferences of their students.
To allow students who enroll in VLACS’ high school diploma program to have a more customized learning experience, the school also provides direct instructor contact throughout the program.
28. Brigham Young University Adult Diploma Program
- Tuition Fee: $1,950 per semester
- Accreditation: The Middle States Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools and Cognia
They provide a full-time, online diploma course offered to students all over the world and in the United States.
They also provide financial aid to all enrolled students. The institution has over 250 courses, licensed teachers, and 145 years of experience and service.
29. Franklin Virtual High School
- Tuition Fee: $289 per course
- Accreditation: Cognia
You can sign up for a course or to study full-time at any time of the year. Also, they offer discounts to military families and siblings.
30. Middleton Academy Accredited Online High School Diploma for Adults
- Tuition Fee: $350 for full credit course
- Accreditation: Cognia/SACS CASI. SACS/CASI granted initial certification to Middleton Academy.
The Middleton Academy is a Woodbridge, Virginia-based, Catapult Learning, Inc.-run high school graduation program that is certified.
31. The Whitmore School Adult Diploma Program
- Tuition Fee: $1,599 per year
- Accreditation: Cognia
Based in Morgantown, West Virginia. Whitmore School offers several online diploma programs to meet the needs of each student, including athletes, artists, adults, and international students.
32. Santa Barbara City College
- Tuition Fee: No cost
- Accreditation: Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, which is part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Students meet with an advisor to create an individual learning plan and work one-on-one with faculty and in small groups with other students. Subjects include reading comprehension, vocabulary and grammar, spelling, writing, mathematics, and other subjects.
Credit towards the high school completion program can be transferred from other accredited high schools or colleges. They offer free classes, student support services such as transcript analysis, assessment, orientation, registration support, academic advising/counseling career counseling, and a flexible class schedule.
33. Liberty High School
- Tuition Fee: $700
- Accreditation: Vermont State Board of Education and The Better Business Bureau
Their headquarters are in Vermont’s Brattleboro. For its high school diploma, the Vermont State Board of Education typically requires 20 credits before graduation.
Four English credits, three math credits, three science credits, and three social studies credits are required from the four core disciplines.
34. University of Galway
- Tuition Fee: $422
- Accreditation: The University of Galway
The University of Galway Centre for Adult Learning & Professional Development has a 50 year experience, offering an extensive range of Professional, Part-time and Evening courses.
They have flexible courses that allow you to study at your own pace in a wide range of subject areas, whether you are upskilling for employment or for your own personal development.
35. San Diego Public Library
- Tuition Fee: Free
- Accreditation: Cognia
San Diego Public Library is proud to offer adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma online.
They offer two diploma programs: Career Online High School and Gale Excel Adult High School. Adults who are looking to continue their education, expand their career opportunities or apply to enter the military are welcome to benefit. These programs are offered entirely online with 24/7 access to fit busy schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can adults get their diplomas online for free?
Yes! Adults can get their diplomas online at no cost. They can be obtained from accredited institutions that offer these programs for free and we listed some of the institutions above
2. Are online high school diplomas valid?
Yes! Online diplomas are 100% valid. They can be used for the same purposes as normal high school diplomas.
3. How do you get your diploma after you are 21?
You can take the GED examination or apply to study at any adult high school of your choice to get your diploma.
4. Can I do online school for free?
Yes, you can do online school without paying a dime. There are some public schools that are tuition-free or sponsored by some organization, so students don’t have to pay anything.
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Conclusion
It doesn’t matter the age you’ve decided to start high school as an adult especially if you dislike classroom study, there’s always a school waiting for you with open arms. You can choose from any and start your academic experience online.
In addition, all the schools mentioned in this article are accredited and legitimate, their websites are linked to the names of the school if you want to learn more about them.
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