Graduation rules vary a lot: most states are course/credit-based with no exit exam, but a handful still require passing tests, and some (like New York) are actively changing. Each guide covers that state’s credits, required assessments, diploma types & honors, and alternative pathways — cross-linked to that state’s education, testing, and financial-aid guides. A living reference, updated as states revise their rules.
All states & D.C.
24 credits; exit exam eliminated (2015)
21-credit minimum; no exit exam; readiness assessment
22 credits; no exit exam but a civics test
Smart Core (22); LEARNS Act (CS & finance)
No exit exam; required courses + district credits
Local credits + a menu of readiness demonstrations
25 credits + mastery-based diploma assessment
24 credits + career pathway & Success Plan
24 credits + Grade 10 ELA & Algebra I EOC
23 units; no exit exam (Milestones count as grades)
Statewide 24 credits; senior project; diploma honors
46 semester credits; college-entrance exam + senior project
Required courses, civics & consumer education
Diploma + flexible Graduation Pathways
Core courses set by state; credits by district
21-credit minimum; no exit exam
22 credits + reading/math graduation qualifiers
TOPS University & Jump Start; LEAP EOC exams
State minimums; proficiency mandate repealed
Credits, MCAP & 75 hours of service-learning
MCAS grad test repealed; districts certify
Michigan Merit Curriculum; no exit exam
~21.5 credits; MCA not required to pass
24 units + endorsements; subject-area options
24 units; civics/constitution tests required
20-unit minimum; strong local control
State minimums + strong local control
Standard/Advanced/CCR diplomas; no passing gate
Competency-based; 20-credit minimum
120 credits + the NJGPA graduation assessment
24 units; competency via multiple measures
22 units + Regents — phasing out the exam
Future-Ready Core (22); no exit exam
22 units; the Choice Ready framework
20 credits, competency demonstration & two seals
23 units; no exit exam; ICAP required
24 credits; Essential Skills proficiency suspended
The Act 158 pathways (incl. Keystone Exams)
~20 units; proficiency via multiple pathways
24 units; EOC count 20% of course grade
22 units + Advanced/Career endorsements
22 credits; EOC as grades; ACT/SAT required
Foundation program, endorsements & 5 STAAR EOC
24 credits; financial literacy & digital studies
Proficiency-based diploma; no exit exam
Standard/Advanced diplomas + verified credits (SOL)
24 credits + a graduation pathway (choose one)
24 credits + 100 hours of community service
~24 credits + Personalized Education Plan
22 credits; no exit exam but a civics test
Required courses + Hathaway Success Curriculum