Homeschool students across the country could soon see long-overdue protections in the college admissions process, thanks to new legislation introduced by Rep. Mark Harris (R-NC). On Wednesday, the North Carolina congressman unveiled the Homeschool Graduation Recognition Act, aimed at closing what he describes as a legal loophole used by universities to discriminate against homeschooled applicants.
“No student should ever face discrimination or disadvantage during the college admissions process simply because they were homeschooled,” Harris said. “Yet, many universities still treat homeschoolers as second-class applicants by requiring excessive documentation and additional testing.”
According to Harris, the issue affects millions of families. Nearly 3 million students are currently homeschooled in the United States, with North Carolina ranking among the leading states in homeschool enrollment. While exact numbers vary, the U.S. Census estimates that around 10% of North Carolina’s nearly 4 million students are homeschooled. The state’s Division of Non-Public Education reported over 165,000 homeschooled students during the 2024–25 academic year.
Harris’s bill seeks to ensure that homeschool graduates are recognized as high school graduates for federal student aid purposes—putting them on equal footing with their peers from public and private schools.
The Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA), a leading advocacy organization, has endorsed the legislation. HSLDA President Jim Mason said the bill would “eliminate ambiguity, prevent ongoing misinterpretation, and ensure equal treatment for homeschool graduates.”
Many homeschool families have reported encountering additional testing requirements, transcript rejections, and unclear financial aid rules. Supporters of the bill argue it’s time for colleges and the federal government to stop marginalizing students based solely on their educational path.
The legislation adds momentum to the broader push by conservative lawmakers and advocacy groups to safeguard parental rights and educational freedom.
