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Graduating from high school is a milestone that sets the foundation for future academic and professional success. For many students, it's a proud moment symbolizing years of hard work, perseverance, and resilience. Yet, not every student crosses that stage. Across the United States, high school graduation rates vary significantly from state to state, influenced by a complex mix of economic, educational, and social factors.
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National Graduation Trends
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the nationwide high school graduation rate reached an all-time high of 85% during the 2017–2018 academic year. This marked a promising trend, showing that more students than ever were completing their secondary education. However, graduation rates still differ sharply based on geographic location, income level, and disability status. So, let’s look at the states and their graduation rates:
| US State | Graduation Rate |
| Montana | 94.6% |
| Maine | 94.5% |
| Vermont | 94.5% |
| New Hampshire | 94.1% |
| Wyoming | 94.1% |
| Minnesota | 93.9% |
| North Dakota | 93.8% |
| Alaska | 93.5% |
| Wisconsin | 93.4% |
| Utah | 93.3% |
| Iowa | 93.2% |
| South Dakota | 93.0% |
| Hawaii | 92.9% |
| Colorado | 92.8% |
| District of Columbia | 92.8% |
| Washington | 92.2% |
| Nebraska | 92.1% |
| Kansas | 91.9% |
| Michigan | 91.9% |
| Pennsylvania | 91.9% |
| Idaho | 91.7% |
| Oregon | 91.7% |
| Missouri | 91.6% |
| Ohio | 91.6% |
| Delaware | 91.4% |
| Massachusetts | 91.4% |
| Connecticut | 91.3% |
| Virginia | 91.3% |
| Maryland | 91.0% |
| New Jersey | 90.7% |
| Illinois | 90.3% |
| Indiana | 90.2% |
| North Carolina | 89.7% |
| Florida | 89.6% |
| South Carolina | 89.6% |
| Tennessee | 89.6% |
| Rhode Island | 89.5% |
| Arizona | 89.1% |
| Oklahoma | 89.1% |
| Georgia | 89.0% |
| Arkansas | 88.6% |
| West Virginia | 88.6% |
| Kentucky | 88.5% |
| Alabama | 88.1% |
| New York | 87.9% |
| New Mexico | 87.7% |
| Nevada | 87.4% |
| Louisiana | 86.9% |
| Mississippi | 86.6% |
| Texas | 85.7% |
| California | 84.6% |
| United States | 89.4% |
Public vs. Private School Graduation Rates
While the available data primarily covers public schools, it’s widely acknowledged that private schools typically report higher graduation rates. The reasons include smaller class sizes, selective admissions, and often, better access to educational resources. Public schools, bound by law to admit all students within a district, must accommodate diverse student needs, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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Conclusion
Though national graduation rates are climbing, the disparities between states and among student groups highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving educational equity. By studying state-level data and understanding the contributing factors, policymakers and educators can better address the root causes of dropouts and support all students in reaching their academic goals.
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