Indiana’s New High School Diplomas Further Equal Access to Higher Education for Hoosiers

Recently, Governor Mike Braun and State Senator Jeff Raatz unveiled Indiana’s new high school diploma system. This new diploma system, which will be implemented across the state by 2029, comes after Raatz sponsored a law in 2023 that directed the Indiana State Board of Education to create new diploma requirements. These new requirements include various “seals” or pathways, which will help students prepare for higher education, entering the workforce, or enlisting in the military.

One of the most significant aspects of the new system is the Enrollment Honors Plus seal. This seal, which is the first of its kind in the nation, provides automatic acceptance into all seven major public universities in Indiana for students who earn it. This initiative takes a major step in guaranteeing equal access to higher education for all Hoosier applicants, regardless of where they come from or the type of school they attend.

Indiana is already a leader in higher education affordability and success. The state ranks sixth in the nation for holding down tuition costs and also ranks sixth for the percentage of students who complete their degree within six years. These factors are important for the 53% of Hoosiers who choose to attend college. However, Indiana faces challenges in retaining college graduates, ranking 40th in the nation for graduate retention. Part of this issue is due to the state’s success in attracting out-of-state students, many of whom return to their home states after graduation.

The Enrollment Honors Plus seal addresses this challenge by ensuring that all in-state students are automatically accepted into the state’s public universities. This ensures Hoosiers have equal access to Indiana colleges while also helping universities attract top local academic talent.

Other states, such as Texas, have implemented systems that automatically accept the top 10% of high school students into their state universities. Indiana’s approach differs by offering objective, attainable criteria for all in-state students, ensuring equal access to higher education for students from all backgrounds.

By 2029, the new diploma system will provide equal opportunities for all Hoosier students, whether they come from large urban schools or small rural ones. This initiative strengthens Indiana’s educational system and ensures the state’s universities remain focused on serving Indiana students, preparing them for a wide range of career opportunities.