Programs
College & Career Prep High School Diploma
An accredited 24-credit adult high school diploma with added college-preparatory coursework and career-focused electives. Study online, at your own pace.
Program overview
The College & Career Prep program is for adults who want more than the minimum. You complete 24 credits of accredited coursework, including added college and career readiness experiences.
These courses help you build academic confidence and workplace skills for life after graduation. Like all Learn Star programs, it is fully self-paced and online.
Who this program serves
- Adults 18+ planning to apply to college or career training
- Learners who want a stronger transcript for admissions review
- Workers aiming for promotion or a move into a new field
- Anyone who wants to build technology and digital skills
Choosing Between the 24-Credit and 21.5-Credit Diplomas
Both diplomas are accredited, self-paced and designed for adults 18+. The difference is how much coursework you take and what you plan to do next.
The 24-credit College & Career Prep path may fit if you:
- Plan to apply to a college, technical program or training program and want a broader transcript
- Want added college-preparatory and career electives beyond the core requirements
- Have time to complete 2.5 more credits than the Standard Career Ready diploma
The 21.5-credit Standard Career Ready path may fit if you:
- Mainly need a high school diploma for work, a promotion or job training
- Want the fewest credits required to graduate
- Prefer the lower monthly tuition
Admission requirements differ between colleges and employers, so check with the schools you are considering. Transfer credits are reviewed by the Registrar for either program, and at least six credits must be earned at Learn Star Academy.
What you can expect
Flexible online learning designed around adult life.
Self-paced online courses
Study on a computer, tablet or phone. Log in any time, day or night, and pick up where you left off.
Estimated 2–6 months
Some students finish in weeks, while others take several months or longer, depending on accepted transfer credits, motivation, study time, and progress. You have up to 18 months to complete your coursework and earn your diploma.
Skip what you already know
Our courses are competency based. You can test out of lessons or courses you have already mastered.
Simple monthly tuition
Pay only for the months you need, up to a maximum of 10 monthly payments. Courses, materials and BRYTE are included.
Build skills for tomorrow
The College & Career Prep program includes additional elective options designed to help you build practical workplace skills for today's technology-driven world. You may also strengthen your academic foundation with extra college-preparatory coursework.
- Career and college readiness
- Digital skills and data literacy
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial intelligence
- Expanded mathematics and world language coursework
Credit requirements
These subject requirements come from the current Course Catalog.
| Subject area | Credits |
|---|---|
| English Language Arts | 4.0 |
| Mathematics | 4.0 |
| Science | 3.0 |
| Social Studies | 3.5 |
| Health & Physical Education | 1.0 |
| Fine Arts | 1.0 |
| World Languages | 2.0 |
| Electives | 5.5 |
| Total | 24 |
How you study and earn credit
Each course is made up of lessons, quizzes, writing assignments, and a final exam. You work through them online at your own pace. To earn credit for a course, you need a score of at least 60% on the final exam and on all written assignments.
Because courses are competency based, you can show what you already know and move ahead instead of repeating material you have mastered.
Already earned some credits?
Have official transcripts sent directly from your past schools to our Registrar. Up to 75% of the required credits can transfer (up to 18 credits for this program), and at least 6.0 credits must be completed at Learn Star Academy. Passed GED® or HiSET® sections can count for up to 5.0 credits. Every transcript is different, so no credits are promised until the review is done.
Support built for adults
You're never on your own. BRYTE, our AI tutor, is included with every program and available 24/7 to explain concepts, walk you through problems and create practice questions. Our school team also helps with enrollment, accounts and technical questions.
Meet BRYTEWhat it costs
- Tuition starts at $129 per month and covers your courses, digital materials, and BRYTE.
- Pay only for the months you need, up to a maximum of 10 monthly payments.
- A $19.00 domestic diploma and graduation processing fee ($75 international) is due when you finish.
- You may cancel at any time. Refund eligibility is limited to the first 10 days from initial enrollment. No refunds are issued after this initial 10-day period.
See full tuition details or read the Enrollment Agreement.
Is this program a good fit?
This program may suit you if:
- You plan to apply to college or career training and want a fuller transcript
- The school you're aiming for asks for four years of math or two years of a world language
- You want electives such as digital skills, data literacy, cybersecurity, or AI
Completing this diploma does not guarantee college admission, an occupational certification, or a job. Each college, certifying body, and employer sets its own requirements, so check them before you choose. If you mainly need a diploma for work, compare the Standard Career-Ready program.
How to get started
- Complete the short online application.
- Share any past transcripts for a credit review.
- Get your course plan and log in to start learning.
- Finish your courses and earn your accredited diploma.
BRYTE is online · Available 24/7
Frequently asked questions
How many credits do I need to graduate?
The College & Career Prep program requires 24 credits. Eligible credits you have already earned may count toward that total after a transcript review.
How much does it cost?
Tuition starts at $129 per month. You pay only for the months you need, up to a maximum of 10 monthly payments.
How is it different from the Standard Career-Ready program?
It requires 24 credits instead of 21.5 and adds college-preparatory coursework and career electives, such as digital skills, data literacy, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Will this guarantee college admission or a job?
No. Completing this diploma does not guarantee college admission, an occupational certification, or employment. The added coursework can strengthen your transcript, but each college, certifying body, and employer makes its own decisions.
How long will it take?
The program is self-paced, and you have up to 18 months to finish. Your time depends on your starting point and study schedule.
Keep exploring
Standard Career-Ready High School Diploma
Want the most direct path to your diploma? Compare the 21.5-credit program.
Course Catalog
Browse our accredited courses by subject.
Accreditation
Learn about our Middle States accreditation.
Outcomes
See what a high school diploma can mean for adults.
Tuition
See what's included in your monthly tuition.
Talk to Admissions
Questions? Our team is happy to help.
Guides to help you decide
Compare programs
Side-by-side: 21.5 vs. 24 credits, tuition, and electives.
Tuition and costs
Monthly prices, what's included, separate fees, and refunds.
Transfer your credits
How to send transcripts, transfer limits, and your course plan.
Diploma vs. GED
How each is earned, testing options, time, and cost.
Study while working
An example weekly plan and tips for busy adults.
It's not too late. It's your time.
Enroll today and start your first lesson tonight. Or call us — a real person will walk you through it.