College Credits Needed to Graduate

Applicants may seek to obtain a New York State High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma based on their having earned 24 college credits (or the equivalent) in a degree or a certificate granting program at a college located within the United States or accredited by a United States institution of  higher education.

The High School Equivalency Office cannot recognize, nor evaluate, transcripts nor credits obtained in foreign secondary or post-secondary institutions. All credits evaluated for the purpose of obtaining an HSE diploma must comply with 24 credit course distribution requirements, as indicated on the second page of the College Credit Pathway application.

Applicants must currently reside in New York State (for a minimum of 30 days) and may not have graduated from high school nor already have qualified for a NYS HSE diploma.

All applicants must have reached maximum compulsory school attendance age (MCSAA) prior to being awarded a NYS HSE diploma. Applicants reach MCSAA if they turn age 16 on or before June 30^th of the school year in which they can legally drop-out of high school.  In New York City, and in some other public-school districts throughout the State, applicants reach MCSAA on June 30^th of the school year in which they turn 17 years of age.  

Applicants who send in documentation which meets all program requirements will receive a NYS HSE diploma with an official transcript certifying that they were awarded the diploma through the provision, evaluation and acceptance of earned college credit.  

To have your credits reviewed:

1. Complete Section A of College Credit Pathway Application:
2. Affix to the application a $10.00 money order or certified check made payable to the NYS Education Department. We cannot accept cash or personal checks.   
3. Mail or drop off the completed application (Section A, only) with the money order or certified check to the college registrar’s office where the credits were earned.
4. The certifying college must complete Section B of the application and submit with the applicant’s official transcript to the HSE Office. To ensure accurate and timely evaluation, the entire application should be sent as a single submission. Mail application and transcript to: