Home School Graduation Recognition Act

S. 3747 would amend the Higher Education Act to formally recognize homeschool graduates as high school graduates for federal financial aid purposes. The bill addresses confusion stemming from outdated federal language that, despite changes made in 1998, has continued to create problems for homeschool students seeking federal student aid, college enrollment, and employment opportunities.

Currently, homeschool students are technically eligible for federal aid when they complete their secondary education according to state law requirements. However, the section of federal law governing this remains titled "Students Who Are Not High School Graduates," which has caused some colleges, trade schools, and employers to wrongly deny opportunities to homeschool graduates. This bill would change that section's title to "Students from Non-Traditional Settings" and explicitly clarify that homeschool graduates who complete their education in accordance with state law are considered high school graduates for federal aid purposes.

The bill has passed committee review with bipartisan support and is now eligible for a full Senate floor vote. If enacted, it would eliminate ambiguity in federal law and help prevent discrimination against homeschool graduates in higher education admissions and employment.