GITNUXREPORT 2026

Dropout Statistics

Dropout rates have decreased but significant disparities and challenges remain.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2022, US college enrollment rate for recent high school graduates was 61.4%, down from pre-pandemic levels, implying higher effective dropouts from traditional paths

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The 6-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time bachelor's students at public 4-year institutions was 64% in 2018 cohort

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In 2020, 33% of undergraduates who started in 2015 had dropped out by year 5 at public 4-year colleges

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US community college dropout rate after 3 years is about 70% for full-time students starting in 2015

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In 2021, the first-year persistence rate for full-time bachelor's students was 76.5%

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Private nonprofit 4-year colleges had 48% 6-year dropout rate for 2014 cohort

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STEM majors have lower dropout rates: 27% vs 39% for non-STEM at 4-year publics

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In 2020, Black students had 59% 6-year graduation rate at public 4-year, 41% dropout

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Average time to bachelor's degree is 5.1 years, with 40% taking over 4 years and dropping out

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For-profit college 6-year graduation rate was 29% for 2012 cohort, 71% dropout

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Pell Grant recipients have 52% 6-year graduation rate vs 68% for non-recipients

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In 2021, online students had 20% higher dropout rates than in-person

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California community colleges had 32% completion rate within 6 years for 2014 cohort, 68% dropout

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Male college students dropout rate is 10% higher than females in first year

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44% of students who start at 2-year colleges drop out before transferring or completing

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During 2020-21 pandemic, college dropout rates increased by 5-10% across institutions

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Hispanic college students have 51% 6-year graduation rate at 4-year publics

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Part-time students have 75% dropout rate after 6 years at 4-year colleges

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In 2019, 24% of full-time freshmen dropped out after first year at private nonprofits

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Arts and humanities majors have 45% dropout rate vs business 32%

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Texas public universities had 62% 6-year graduation rate in 2020

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First-generation college students dropout rate is 51% after 4 years

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2022 saw 1.2 million fewer college enrollees, boosting dropout trends

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Nursing programs have 20% attrition rate due to rigor

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In 2021, 37% of undergraduates were stopouts, pausing but at risk of dropout

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Public 2-year colleges in New York had 25% 3-year completion rate, 75% dropout

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Engineering majors dropout rate 33% in first two years

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In US, male high school dropouts earn 18% less lifetime than graduates

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Globally, one extra year of schooling increases earnings by 10%, dropouts lose this

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40% of US dropouts cite family responsibilities as reason

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Low-income US students 4x more likely to dropout than high-income

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Hispanic females have lower dropout rates than males by 3%

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Pregnancy accounts for 15% of female high school dropouts in US

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In developing countries, child labor causes 30% of primary dropouts

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US Black students 2x more likely to dropout due to disciplinary actions

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Mental health issues contribute to 20% of college dropouts

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Rural US dropouts 20% higher due to limited opportunities

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Financial difficulties cause 55% of community college dropouts

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First-gen college students 50% more likely to dropout due to lack of guidance

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In US, 25% of dropouts return within 5 years via GED

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Academic struggles account for 35% of high school dropouts

Statistic 42

Immigrant students dropout 2x higher if non-English proficient

Statistic 43

Bullying contributes to 15% of LGBTQ+ student dropouts

Statistic 44

In colleges, poor advising leads to 25% dropout

Statistic 45

Poverty doubles dropout risk globally

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US Native American dropout rate 9%, linked to cultural disconnect

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Transportation issues cause 10% of rural dropouts

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Substance abuse linked to 12% of US high school dropouts

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Lack of engagement causes 40% of college dropouts

Statistic 50

Disability increases dropout risk by 50% in US high schools

Statistic 51

In sub-Saharan Africa, primary school dropout rate in 2020 was 12.5%, affecting 15 million children

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Globally, 258 million children were out of school in 2018, with 60% dropouts from secondary

Statistic 53

India's secondary dropout rate was 17% in 2019-20

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In low-income countries, 53% of children drop out before completing primary education

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Pakistan's primary net enrollment led to 40% dropout by grade 5 in 2021

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Brazil reduced secondary dropout rate from 11.7% in 2015 to 5.9% in 2021

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Nigeria had 10.5 million out-of-school children in 2021, 69% dropout rate post-primary

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Globally, girls' secondary dropout rate is 15% higher than boys in low-income areas

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China's rural primary dropout rate dropped to 0.3% in 2020 from 2% in 2010

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In 2020, South Asia had 32% secondary school dropout rate

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Ethiopia's secondary dropout rate was 22% in 2019

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Globally, COVID-19 caused 24 million additional dropouts projected by 2021

Statistic 63

Indonesia's junior secondary dropout rate was 1.5% in 2021

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Middle East and North Africa secondary dropout rate 18% in 2020

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Bangladesh reduced primary dropout to 12% in 2020

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In Latin America, indigenous students have 25% higher dropout rates

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Philippines had 6% secondary dropout rate in 2019 pre-pandemic

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Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 33% of global out-of-school children dropouts

Statistic 69

Vietnam's dropout rate at lower secondary was 1.2% in 2020

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Globally, 132 million girls are out of school due to dropout in 2021

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Egypt's primary dropout rate fell to 2.1% in 2021

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Central Asia secondary dropout rate 8% in 2020

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In 2021, Yemen had over 50% school dropout rate due to conflict

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Morocco reduced dropout rate from 9.5% to 5.2% between 2015-2020

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In 2021, the national high school status dropout rate for 16- to 24-year-olds was 5.2%, down from 5.3% in 2020

Statistic 76

The adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high schools in 2019-20 was 86% nationally, implying a 14% dropout rate

Statistic 77

In California, the 2020 high school dropout rate was 8.9% for grades 7-12

Statistic 78

New Mexico had the highest US high school dropout rate in 2021 at 9.2% for 16-24 year olds

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From 2010 to 2021, US high school status dropout rates declined from 7.4% to 5.2%

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In 2021, the event dropout rate for grades 9-12 was 4.7% in public schools

Statistic 81

Texas reported a 2021 high school dropout rate of 7.5% for the class of 2021

Statistic 82

During 2020-21, Florida's high school graduation rate was 90%, equating to a 10% dropout rate

Statistic 83

US Hispanic high school dropout rate in 2021 was 7.8%, compared to 4.1% for Whites

Statistic 84

From 2000 to 2021, US high school dropout rates halved from 10.4% to 5.2%

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Nevada's 2021 high school dropout rate was 5.8% for 16-24 year olds

Statistic 86

In 2019, the US high school event dropout rate for low-income students was 7.2%

Statistic 87

Oregon had a 2020-21 dropout rate of 4.3% in high schools

Statistic 88

The 2021 national ACGR for economically disadvantaged students was 80%, implying 20% dropout

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Alaska's high school dropout rate in 2021 was 8.1%, highest among states

Statistic 90

In 2020, US male high school dropout rate was 6.1%, female 4.4%

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Indiana's 2021 high school graduation rate was 88.5%, dropout 11.5%

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During COVID-19, US high school dropout rates rose slightly to 5.3% in 2020 from 5.1% in 2019

Statistic 93

Georgia's 2021 dropout rate for grades 9-12 was 6.2%

Statistic 94

In 2021, Black US students had a 5.9% high school dropout rate

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West Virginia's dropout rate was 4.1% in 2021, among lowest

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US Pacific Islander high school dropout rate in 2021 was 6.5%

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Arizona's 2020-21 high school dropout rate was 7.1%

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In 2018-19, US English learners had 12.5% high school dropout rate

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New York's 2021 high school dropout rate was 4.8%

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US Asian high school dropout rate lowest at 2.3% in 2021

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Louisiana's dropout rate was 7.8% in 2021

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In 2021, US rural high school dropout rate was 5.5%, urban 5.0%

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Michigan's 2021 high school graduation rate 82.1%, dropout 17.9%

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Overall US high school status dropout rate for immigrants was 8.4% in 2021

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While the overall high school dropout rate has encouragingly fallen to 5.2%, a closer look reveals a complex web of persistent challenges, from stark racial and economic disparities to alarmingly high college attrition rates that demand our attention.

Key Takeaways

In 2021, the national high school status dropout rate for 16- to 24-year-olds was 5.2%, down from 5.3% in 2020
The adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high schools in 2019-20 was 86% nationally, implying a 14% dropout rate
In California, the 2020 high school dropout rate was 8.9% for grades 7-12
In 2022, US college enrollment rate for recent high school graduates was 61.4%, down from pre-pandemic levels, implying higher effective dropouts from traditional paths
The 6-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time bachelor's students at public 4-year institutions was 64% in 2018 cohort
In 2020, 33% of undergraduates who started in 2015 had dropped out by year 5 at public 4-year colleges
In sub-Saharan Africa, primary school dropout rate in 2020 was 12.5%, affecting 15 million children
Globally, 258 million children were out of school in 2018, with 60% dropouts from secondary
India's secondary dropout rate was 17% in 2019-20
In US, male high school dropouts earn 18% less lifetime than graduates
Globally, one extra year of schooling increases earnings by 10%, dropouts lose this
40% of US dropouts cite family responsibilities as reason

Dropout rates have decreased but significant disparities and challenges remain.

College Dropouts

In 2022, US college enrollment rate for recent high school graduates was 61.4%, down from pre-pandemic levels, implying higher effective dropouts from traditional paths
The 6-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time bachelor's students at public 4-year institutions was 64% in 2018 cohort
In 2020, 33% of undergraduates who started in 2015 had dropped out by year 5 at public 4-year colleges
US community college dropout rate after 3 years is about 70% for full-time students starting in 2015
In 2021, the first-year persistence rate for full-time bachelor's students was 76.5%
Private nonprofit 4-year colleges had 48% 6-year dropout rate for 2014 cohort
STEM majors have lower dropout rates: 27% vs 39% for non-STEM at 4-year publics
In 2020, Black students had 59% 6-year graduation rate at public 4-year, 41% dropout
Average time to bachelor's degree is 5.1 years, with 40% taking over 4 years and dropping out
For-profit college 6-year graduation rate was 29% for 2012 cohort, 71% dropout
Pell Grant recipients have 52% 6-year graduation rate vs 68% for non-recipients
In 2021, online students had 20% higher dropout rates than in-person
California community colleges had 32% completion rate within 6 years for 2014 cohort, 68% dropout
Male college students dropout rate is 10% higher than females in first year
44% of students who start at 2-year colleges drop out before transferring or completing
During 2020-21 pandemic, college dropout rates increased by 5-10% across institutions
Hispanic college students have 51% 6-year graduation rate at 4-year publics
Part-time students have 75% dropout rate after 6 years at 4-year colleges
In 2019, 24% of full-time freshmen dropped out after first year at private nonprofits
Arts and humanities majors have 45% dropout rate vs business 32%
Texas public universities had 62% 6-year graduation rate in 2020
First-generation college students dropout rate is 51% after 4 years
2022 saw 1.2 million fewer college enrollees, boosting dropout trends
Nursing programs have 20% attrition rate due to rigor
In 2021, 37% of undergraduates were stopouts, pausing but at risk of dropout
Public 2-year colleges in New York had 25% 3-year completion rate, 75% dropout
Engineering majors dropout rate 33% in first two years

College Dropouts Interpretation

While American higher education still sells the dream of a four-year cruise to a cap and gown, the data paints a far grittier reality: the path is more of a perilous obstacle course where nearly half the participants stumble, with the hurdles being highest for those the system was supposedly built to uplift.

Demographics and Causes

In US, male high school dropouts earn 18% less lifetime than graduates
Globally, one extra year of schooling increases earnings by 10%, dropouts lose this
40% of US dropouts cite family responsibilities as reason
Low-income US students 4x more likely to dropout than high-income
Hispanic females have lower dropout rates than males by 3%
Pregnancy accounts for 15% of female high school dropouts in US
In developing countries, child labor causes 30% of primary dropouts
US Black students 2x more likely to dropout due to disciplinary actions
Mental health issues contribute to 20% of college dropouts
Rural US dropouts 20% higher due to limited opportunities
Financial difficulties cause 55% of community college dropouts
First-gen college students 50% more likely to dropout due to lack of guidance
In US, 25% of dropouts return within 5 years via GED
Academic struggles account for 35% of high school dropouts
Immigrant students dropout 2x higher if non-English proficient
Bullying contributes to 15% of LGBTQ+ student dropouts
In colleges, poor advising leads to 25% dropout
Poverty doubles dropout risk globally
US Native American dropout rate 9%, linked to cultural disconnect
Transportation issues cause 10% of rural dropouts
Substance abuse linked to 12% of US high school dropouts
Lack of engagement causes 40% of college dropouts
Disability increases dropout risk by 50% in US high schools

Demographics and Causes Interpretation

The staggering dropout statistics paint a portrait of a system where the price of leaving school is a personal, lifelong tax, levied heaviest on those already burdened by poverty, prejudice, or circumstance, from financial strain and family duties to cultural alienation and bureaucratic indifference.

Global Dropouts

In sub-Saharan Africa, primary school dropout rate in 2020 was 12.5%, affecting 15 million children
Globally, 258 million children were out of school in 2018, with 60% dropouts from secondary
India's secondary dropout rate was 17% in 2019-20
In low-income countries, 53% of children drop out before completing primary education
Pakistan's primary net enrollment led to 40% dropout by grade 5 in 2021
Brazil reduced secondary dropout rate from 11.7% in 2015 to 5.9% in 2021
Nigeria had 10.5 million out-of-school children in 2021, 69% dropout rate post-primary
Globally, girls' secondary dropout rate is 15% higher than boys in low-income areas
China's rural primary dropout rate dropped to 0.3% in 2020 from 2% in 2010
In 2020, South Asia had 32% secondary school dropout rate
Ethiopia's secondary dropout rate was 22% in 2019
Globally, COVID-19 caused 24 million additional dropouts projected by 2021
Indonesia's junior secondary dropout rate was 1.5% in 2021
Middle East and North Africa secondary dropout rate 18% in 2020
Bangladesh reduced primary dropout to 12% in 2020
In Latin America, indigenous students have 25% higher dropout rates
Philippines had 6% secondary dropout rate in 2019 pre-pandemic
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 33% of global out-of-school children dropouts
Vietnam's dropout rate at lower secondary was 1.2% in 2020
Globally, 132 million girls are out of school due to dropout in 2021
Egypt's primary dropout rate fell to 2.1% in 2021
Central Asia secondary dropout rate 8% in 2020
In 2021, Yemen had over 50% school dropout rate due to conflict
Morocco reduced dropout rate from 9.5% to 5.2% between 2015-2020

Global Dropouts Interpretation

While the map of global education is spotted with bright successes like China’s near-perfect rural attendance, it's stained by a stubborn and staggering crisis where, for every step forward like Brazil’s, there are heartbreaking realities like millions of children—especially girls and those in conflict zones—being shown the exit door before they can even read their own future.

US High School Dropouts

In 2021, the national high school status dropout rate for 16- to 24-year-olds was 5.2%, down from 5.3% in 2020
The adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high schools in 2019-20 was 86% nationally, implying a 14% dropout rate
In California, the 2020 high school dropout rate was 8.9% for grades 7-12
New Mexico had the highest US high school dropout rate in 2021 at 9.2% for 16-24 year olds
From 2010 to 2021, US high school status dropout rates declined from 7.4% to 5.2%
In 2021, the event dropout rate for grades 9-12 was 4.7% in public schools
Texas reported a 2021 high school dropout rate of 7.5% for the class of 2021
During 2020-21, Florida's high school graduation rate was 90%, equating to a 10% dropout rate
US Hispanic high school dropout rate in 2021 was 7.8%, compared to 4.1% for Whites
From 2000 to 2021, US high school dropout rates halved from 10.4% to 5.2%
Nevada's 2021 high school dropout rate was 5.8% for 16-24 year olds
In 2019, the US high school event dropout rate for low-income students was 7.2%
Oregon had a 2020-21 dropout rate of 4.3% in high schools
The 2021 national ACGR for economically disadvantaged students was 80%, implying 20% dropout
Alaska's high school dropout rate in 2021 was 8.1%, highest among states
In 2020, US male high school dropout rate was 6.1%, female 4.4%
Indiana's 2021 high school graduation rate was 88.5%, dropout 11.5%
During COVID-19, US high school dropout rates rose slightly to 5.3% in 2020 from 5.1% in 2019
Georgia's 2021 dropout rate for grades 9-12 was 6.2%
In 2021, Black US students had a 5.9% high school dropout rate
West Virginia's dropout rate was 4.1% in 2021, among lowest
US Pacific Islander high school dropout rate in 2021 was 6.5%
Arizona's 2020-21 high school dropout rate was 7.1%
In 2018-19, US English learners had 12.5% high school dropout rate
New York's 2021 high school dropout rate was 4.8%
US Asian high school dropout rate lowest at 2.3% in 2021
Louisiana's dropout rate was 7.8% in 2021
In 2021, US rural high school dropout rate was 5.5%, urban 5.0%
Michigan's 2021 high school graduation rate 82.1%, dropout 17.9%
Overall US high school status dropout rate for immigrants was 8.4% in 2021

US High School Dropouts Interpretation

Despite cheering that national dropout rates have impressively halved since 2000, the persistently stubborn gaps between states, incomes, and ethnicities reveal an education system still acing the test of inequality while barely passing the one for universal success.

Sources & References

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