In New Mexico, high school students are generally required to earn 24 credits to graduate and receive a New Mexico Diploma of Excellence

. These credits must be aligned with state academic content and performance standards.

Key Credit Requirements:

• English: 4 credits
• Mathematics: 4 credits, including Algebra II or equivalent or higher
• Science: 3 to 4 credits, with at least two lab sciences
• Social Studies: About 3.5 to 4 credits, including U.S. History, World History, Government, Economics, and New Mexico History
• Physical Education: 1 credit
• Health: 0.5 credit
• Electives: Around 6.5 to 8.5 credits, which may include fine arts, career technical education, or other approved courses
• Additional Requirements: At least one credit must be earned through an Advanced Placement (AP), honors, dual-credit, or distance learning course

Notes:

• Some districts may have slight variations, and starting with the 2025-2026 school year, districts have more flexibility to require two additional credits tailored to their programs

• Students must also demonstrate competency in core academic areas like math, reading, writing, science, and social studies to graduate

In summary, 24 credits is the statewide standard for high school graduation in New Mexico, with specific course distributions and some flexibility depending on the district and cohort year