GITNUXREPORT 2026

High School Dropout Statistics

Dropout rates have declined overall, but significant disparities remain among vulnerable student groups.

Gitnux Team

Expert team of market researchers and data analysts.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

Our Commitment to Accuracy

Rigorous fact-checking · Reputable sources · Regular updatesLearn more

Statistic 1

In the United States, Black students have a high school dropout rate 1.5 times higher than White students, at 5.9 percent versus 4.1 percent in 2020.

Statistic 2

Hispanic high school students experienced a dropout rate of 8.2 percent in 2019, compared to 4.9 percent for non-Hispanic Whites.

Statistic 3

Female students had a lower dropout rate of 4.2 percent versus 5.8 percent for males among 16-24 year olds in 2021.

Statistic 4

In 2020, Native American students had the highest dropout rate at 9.5 percent for public high schools.

Statistic 5

Low-income students, defined as eligible for free/reduced lunch, dropped out at 7.4 percent in 2018-19.

Statistic 6

English language learners faced a 12.3 percent dropout rate in 2020.

Statistic 7

Students with disabilities had a 21 percent dropout rate in 2019-20, far exceeding the general population.

Statistic 8

In urban areas, Black male students dropped out at 12.1 percent in 2017.

Statistic 9

Asian American students had the lowest dropout rate at 1.9 percent in 2021.

Statistic 10

Immigrant youth from Latin America had a 15.2 percent status dropout rate in 2019.

Statistic 11

In 2022, LGBTQ+ students reported dropout rates 2-3 times higher than straight peers, around 10 percent.

Statistic 12

Rural Hispanic students dropped out at 11.3 percent versus 6.8 percent in suburbs in 2020.

Statistic 13

Male students in poverty-stricken families had a 9.2 percent dropout rate in 2018.

Statistic 14

Pacific Islander students in Hawaii had a 7.8 percent dropout rate in 2021.

Statistic 15

Foster care youth experience dropout rates of 40-60 percent nationally.

Statistic 16

Homeless students have a high school completion rate of only 52 percent.

Statistic 17

In 2019, first-generation college-bound students from low-SES backgrounds dropped out at 8.5 percent.

Statistic 18

Overweight/obese students are 20 percent more likely to drop out, affecting 15 percent of dropouts.

Statistic 19

Students with incarcerated parents have dropout rates 2.5 times the average, 13 percent.

Statistic 20

In 2020, White non-Hispanic students had a 4.1 percent status dropout rate.

Statistic 21

Pregnant/parenting teens drop out at rates 4 times higher, impacting 50,000 annually.

Statistic 22

Military-connected students have slightly higher dropout risks at 6.2 percent.

Statistic 23

Gifted students from low-income backgrounds drop out at 7 percent.

Statistic 24

In 2021, multiracial students had a 5.7 percent dropout rate.

Statistic 25

Juvenile justice-involved youth have 75 percent dropout rates.

Statistic 26

High school dropouts earn $10,000 less annually on average than graduates throughout their lifetime.

Statistic 27

Each high school dropout costs society $260,000 over their lifetime in lost earnings and taxes.

Statistic 28

In 2022, high school dropouts had a median weekly wage of $682 compared to $899 for graduates.

Statistic 29

Reducing dropout rates by 10 percent could save $1.2 trillion in lifetime costs.

Statistic 30

Dropouts are 3 times more likely to be unemployed, with unemployment rates at 12 percent vs. 4 percent.

Statistic 31

Lifetime earnings gap: dropouts earn 27 percent less than high school graduates, $1.2 million vs. $1.6 million.

Statistic 32

Welfare costs increase by $40,000 per dropout due to higher reliance on public assistance.

Statistic 33

Incarceration costs per dropout average $30,000 annually, with dropouts 8 times more likely to be imprisoned.

Statistic 34

GDP loss from dropouts estimated at 1-2 percent annually, or $200 billion.

Statistic 35

Dropouts contribute 75 percent less in taxes over lifetime, $400,000 less per person.

Statistic 36

Unemployment among dropouts rose to 15.5 percent during 2020 recession.

Statistic 37

Health care costs 25 percent higher for dropouts due to poorer health outcomes.

Statistic 38

Each graduate adds $250,000 more to Social Security over lifetime.

Statistic 39

Dropout-heavy communities see 20 percent higher poverty rates.

Statistic 40

Male dropouts face 40 percent lower lifetime earnings than male graduates.

Statistic 41

Reducing dropout by 50 percent could boost GDP by $2 trillion by 2050.

Statistic 42

Dropouts are twice as likely to live in poverty, 25 percent rate vs. 12 percent.

Statistic 43

Corporate training costs rise $50 billion yearly due to skill gaps from dropouts.

Statistic 44

Hispanic dropouts lose $900,000 in lifetime earnings compared to graduates.

Statistic 45

Public assistance spending per dropout family is $17,000 higher annually.

Statistic 46

Dropouts account for 40 percent of food stamp recipients despite being 10 percent of population.

Statistic 47

Long-term unemployment for dropouts averages 27 weeks vs. 19 for graduates.

Statistic 48

Housing instability costs add $10,000 per dropout yearly in evictions and instability.

Statistic 49

High school dropouts are 27 percent more likely to be divorced, impacting family economic stability.

Statistic 50

Dropouts contribute to $17 billion annual crime costs in the U.S.

Statistic 51

High school graduates have 50 percent higher homeownership rates, leading to $100,000 wealth gap.

Statistic 52

In 2021, dropouts had poverty rates of 28 percent vs. 13 percent for diploma holders.

Statistic 53

Early school leaving leads to 15 percent lower labor force participation.

Statistic 54

High school dropouts face 3.5 times higher risk of long-term unemployment.

Statistic 55

Dropout students are less likely to pursue postsecondary education, resulting in a 40 percent lower earning potential in STEM fields.

Statistic 56

Dropouts have literacy rates 20 percent below graduates, limiting further learning.

Statistic 57

Only 10 percent of dropouts pursue GED within 5 years, with 60 percent failing.

Statistic 58

High school dropouts score 50 points lower on average on NAEP reading tests.

Statistic 59

Dropouts are 4 times less likely to enroll in college immediately after high school.

Statistic 60

Chronic truancy before dropout leads to 2-year learning gap.

Statistic 61

Students who drop out miss 30 percent more instructional time in math and reading.

Statistic 62

GED holders have college completion rates 15 percent lower than diploma holders.

Statistic 63

Dropouts from low-performing schools lag 1.5 grades behind in achievement.

Statistic 64

Alternative education programs retain only 50 percent of at-risk students long-term.

Statistic 65

Early dropouts have numeracy skills equivalent to 8th grade level.

Statistic 66

70 percent of dropouts cite academic struggles as primary reason.

Statistic 67

Suspension rates predict dropout, with suspended students 3x more likely to drop.

Statistic 68

Dropouts have 25 percent lower civic knowledge scores.

Statistic 69

Reconnection programs boost completion by 20 percent but only reach 15 percent of dropouts.

Statistic 70

Science proficiency among dropouts is 40 percent below national averages.

Statistic 71

Ninth-grade failure rates correlate with 80 percent dropout prediction.

Statistic 72

Dropout recovery high schools graduate 65 percent of enrollees vs. 85 percent traditional.

Statistic 73

English learners who drop out have English proficiency 2 years behind peers.

Statistic 74

Dropouts miss critical algebra II exposure, limiting STEM paths.

Statistic 75

55 percent of dropouts left due to feeling unmotivated academically.

Statistic 76

Vocational training post-dropout has 30 percent completion rate.

Statistic 77

High school dropouts are twice as likely to repeat grades prior to leaving.

Statistic 78

Arts education reduces dropout risk by 10 percent through engagement.

Statistic 79

Dropout trajectories show 1.8 GPA average in final year.

Statistic 80

Peer tutoring programs cut dropout by 15 percent in trials.

Statistic 81

Online credit recovery succeeds for only 40 percent of dropout credits.

Statistic 82

The national high school graduation rate increased from 79% in 2011 to 87% in 2022, a 10 percentage point rise.

Statistic 83

Dropout rates fell 50% from 1990 to 2020 due to No Child Left Behind accountability.

Statistic 84

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires dropout rate reporting, leading to 5% improvement in tracked districts.

Statistic 85

GED testing volume dropped 30% post-2014 Common Core adoption.

Statistic 86

State graduation rate standards rose from 67% to 90% between 2006-2020.

Statistic 87

Pandemic recovery funds reduced projected dropouts by 300,000 in 2022.

Statistic 88

Credit flexibility policies in 45 states increased graduation by 3-5%.

Statistic 89

Dropout prevention grants under Title I served 1 million students in 2021.

Statistic 90

Ninth-grade transition programs mandated in 20 states cut early dropouts 20%.

Statistic 91

Virtual schooling expanded post-COVID, recovering 10% of potential dropouts.

Statistic 92

Truancy laws strengthened in 30 states reduced chronic absence by 15%.

Statistic 93

Career academies model scaled to 800 schools, boosting graduation 10%.

Statistic 94

Dual enrollment policies in all states increased on-time graduation 12%.

Statistic 95

MTSS frameworks adopted in 40 states lowered dropout risks 18%.

Statistic 96

ESSA's 95% testing participation rule indirectly cut dropouts 4%.

Statistic 97

i3 grants funded 50 dropout interventions, averaging 15% graduation gains.

Statistic 98

State longitudinal data systems tracked 90% of dropouts by 2022.

Statistic 99

PBIS implementation in 26,000 schools reduced suspensions 25%, aiding retention.

Statistic 100

Early warning systems in 70% of districts predict dropouts with 85% accuracy.

Statistic 101

FERPA updates allowed data sharing for interventions, boosting recoveries 20%.

Statistic 102

Apprenticeship programs grew 50% since 2014, diverting 100,000 from dropout.

Statistic 103

SEL curricula mandated in 10 states improved attendance 10%, cutting dropouts.

Statistic 104

Graduation rate accountability shifted to ACGR in 2012, raising rates 8%.

Statistic 105

Trauma-informed practices in 15 states reduced dropout for foster youth 30%.

Statistic 106

College Promise programs correlated with 5% higher HS completion in states.

Statistic 107

From 2000-2020, policy-driven interventions halved Black-White graduation gap.

Statistic 108

Reengagement centers in California recovered 25,000 dropouts annually.

Statistic 109

National Trends: Dropout rates for 16-24 year olds dropped from 14% in 1980 to 5.2% in 2021 due to policy reforms.

Statistic 110

In 2021, the status dropout rate for 16- to 24-year-olds in the United States was 5.2 percent, representing about 2.0 million youth.

Statistic 111

The event dropout rate for grades 9–12 in 2019–20 was 4.3 percent for public school students.

Statistic 112

In 2020, the high school status dropout rate for Hispanic youth aged 16-24 was 7.8 percent, higher than the national average.

Statistic 113

From 2010 to 2021, the adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high schools increased from 78.0 percent to 86.0 percent.

Statistic 114

In 2019, approximately 1.7 million 16- to 24-year-olds who were not enrolled in school had not earned a high school credential.

Statistic 115

The status dropout rate for Black 16- to 24-year-olds in 2021 was 5.4 percent.

Statistic 116

In 2020-21 school year, the ACGR for students with disabilities was 71.0 percent, implying a higher dropout rate.

Statistic 117

Between 2000 and 2021, the overall status dropout rate decreased from 8.0 percent to 5.2 percent.

Statistic 118

In 2018, the event dropout rate for public high school students was 5.1 percent.

Statistic 119

The national average freshman persistence rate, an indicator of dropout risk, was 79 percent in 2020.

Statistic 120

In 2022, about 5.3 percent of 16-24 year olds were status dropouts.

Statistic 121

For American Indian/Alaska Native students, the ACGR in 2020-21 was 70 percent.

Statistic 122

In 2017, the dropout rate for 16-24 year old males was 6.3 percent compared to 4.4 percent for females.

Statistic 123

The chronic absenteeism rate, linked to dropout, affected 26 percent of students in 2021-22.

Statistic 124

In 2019-20, the ACGR for English learners was 65 percent.

Statistic 125

Status dropout rate for Pacific Islander youth was 5.5 percent in 2021.

Statistic 126

From 2012 to 2022, high school graduation rates rose by 5 percentage points overall.

Statistic 127

In 2020, the event dropout rate for low-income students was 7.2 percent.

Statistic 128

National dropout rate for public schools in 2015-16 was 2.3 percent annually.

Statistic 129

In 2021, 93.8 percent of Asian/Pacific Islander students graduated on time.

Statistic 130

The holding power index for U.S. high schools averaged 85.5 percent in 2019.

Statistic 131

In 2018-19, 5.6 percent of 16-24 year olds were neither enrolled nor high school completers.

Statistic 132

ACGR for economically disadvantaged students was 77 percent in 2020-21.

Statistic 133

Dropout rate in rural areas was 6.1 percent for 16-24 year olds in 2019.

Statistic 134

In 2022, the four-year graduation rate reached 87 percent nationally.

Statistic 135

Status dropout rate declined from 14 percent in 1980 to 5.2 percent in 2021.

Statistic 136

In 2019, 1.2 million students dropped out of high school.

Statistic 137

Freshman on-track rate nationally was 81 percent in 2021.

Statistic 138

The 2020 pandemic increased dropout risks by 10-15 percent in some districts.

Statistic 139

In 2016, the status dropout rate for foreign-born youth was 12.1 percent.

1/139

Sources

Trusted by 500+ publications

+497

While high school graduation rates have risen to a promising 87%, the harsh reality is that over a million young people still slip through the cracks each year, facing a future where they are eight times more likely to be imprisoned and will earn nearly a million dollars less over their lifetimes.

Key Takeaways

In 2021, the status dropout rate for 16- to 24-year-olds in the United States was 5.2 percent, representing about 2.0 million youth.
The event dropout rate for grades 9–12 in 2019–20 was 4.3 percent for public school students.
In 2020, the high school status dropout rate for Hispanic youth aged 16-24 was 7.8 percent, higher than the national average.
In the United States, Black students have a high school dropout rate 1.5 times higher than White students, at 5.9 percent versus 4.1 percent in 2020.
Hispanic high school students experienced a dropout rate of 8.2 percent in 2019, compared to 4.9 percent for non-Hispanic Whites.
Female students had a lower dropout rate of 4.2 percent versus 5.8 percent for males among 16-24 year olds in 2021.
High school dropouts earn $10,000 less annually on average than graduates throughout their lifetime.
Each high school dropout costs society $260,000 over their lifetime in lost earnings and taxes.
In 2022, high school dropouts had a median weekly wage of $682 compared to $899 for graduates.
Dropout students are less likely to pursue postsecondary education, resulting in a 40 percent lower earning potential in STEM fields.
Dropouts have literacy rates 20 percent below graduates, limiting further learning.
Only 10 percent of dropouts pursue GED within 5 years, with 60 percent failing.
The national high school graduation rate increased from 79% in 2011 to 87% in 2022, a 10 percentage point rise.
Dropout rates fell 50% from 1990 to 2020 due to No Child Left Behind accountability.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires dropout rate reporting, leading to 5% improvement in tracked districts.

Dropout rates have declined overall, but significant disparities remain among vulnerable student groups.

Demographics

In the United States, Black students have a high school dropout rate 1.5 times higher than White students, at 5.9 percent versus 4.1 percent in 2020.
Hispanic high school students experienced a dropout rate of 8.2 percent in 2019, compared to 4.9 percent for non-Hispanic Whites.
Female students had a lower dropout rate of 4.2 percent versus 5.8 percent for males among 16-24 year olds in 2021.
In 2020, Native American students had the highest dropout rate at 9.5 percent for public high schools.
Low-income students, defined as eligible for free/reduced lunch, dropped out at 7.4 percent in 2018-19.
English language learners faced a 12.3 percent dropout rate in 2020.
Students with disabilities had a 21 percent dropout rate in 2019-20, far exceeding the general population.
In urban areas, Black male students dropped out at 12.1 percent in 2017.
Asian American students had the lowest dropout rate at 1.9 percent in 2021.
Immigrant youth from Latin America had a 15.2 percent status dropout rate in 2019.
In 2022, LGBTQ+ students reported dropout rates 2-3 times higher than straight peers, around 10 percent.
Rural Hispanic students dropped out at 11.3 percent versus 6.8 percent in suburbs in 2020.
Male students in poverty-stricken families had a 9.2 percent dropout rate in 2018.
Pacific Islander students in Hawaii had a 7.8 percent dropout rate in 2021.
Foster care youth experience dropout rates of 40-60 percent nationally.
Homeless students have a high school completion rate of only 52 percent.
In 2019, first-generation college-bound students from low-SES backgrounds dropped out at 8.5 percent.
Overweight/obese students are 20 percent more likely to drop out, affecting 15 percent of dropouts.
Students with incarcerated parents have dropout rates 2.5 times the average, 13 percent.
In 2020, White non-Hispanic students had a 4.1 percent status dropout rate.
Pregnant/parenting teens drop out at rates 4 times higher, impacting 50,000 annually.
Military-connected students have slightly higher dropout risks at 6.2 percent.
Gifted students from low-income backgrounds drop out at 7 percent.
In 2021, multiracial students had a 5.7 percent dropout rate.
Juvenile justice-involved youth have 75 percent dropout rates.

Demographics Interpretation

America's dropout statistics paint a damningly predictable portrait: your odds of finishing high school seem to depend far less on your potential than on the demographic lottery of your birth, where the jackpot is simply the chance to run the same race as everyone else.

Economic Impacts

High school dropouts earn $10,000 less annually on average than graduates throughout their lifetime.
Each high school dropout costs society $260,000 over their lifetime in lost earnings and taxes.
In 2022, high school dropouts had a median weekly wage of $682 compared to $899 for graduates.
Reducing dropout rates by 10 percent could save $1.2 trillion in lifetime costs.
Dropouts are 3 times more likely to be unemployed, with unemployment rates at 12 percent vs. 4 percent.
Lifetime earnings gap: dropouts earn 27 percent less than high school graduates, $1.2 million vs. $1.6 million.
Welfare costs increase by $40,000 per dropout due to higher reliance on public assistance.
Incarceration costs per dropout average $30,000 annually, with dropouts 8 times more likely to be imprisoned.
GDP loss from dropouts estimated at 1-2 percent annually, or $200 billion.
Dropouts contribute 75 percent less in taxes over lifetime, $400,000 less per person.
Unemployment among dropouts rose to 15.5 percent during 2020 recession.
Health care costs 25 percent higher for dropouts due to poorer health outcomes.
Each graduate adds $250,000 more to Social Security over lifetime.
Dropout-heavy communities see 20 percent higher poverty rates.
Male dropouts face 40 percent lower lifetime earnings than male graduates.
Reducing dropout by 50 percent could boost GDP by $2 trillion by 2050.
Dropouts are twice as likely to live in poverty, 25 percent rate vs. 12 percent.
Corporate training costs rise $50 billion yearly due to skill gaps from dropouts.
Hispanic dropouts lose $900,000 in lifetime earnings compared to graduates.
Public assistance spending per dropout family is $17,000 higher annually.
Dropouts account for 40 percent of food stamp recipients despite being 10 percent of population.
Long-term unemployment for dropouts averages 27 weeks vs. 19 for graduates.
Housing instability costs add $10,000 per dropout yearly in evictions and instability.
High school dropouts are 27 percent more likely to be divorced, impacting family economic stability.
Dropouts contribute to $17 billion annual crime costs in the U.S.
High school graduates have 50 percent higher homeownership rates, leading to $100,000 wealth gap.
In 2021, dropouts had poverty rates of 28 percent vs. 13 percent for diploma holders.
Early school leaving leads to 15 percent lower labor force participation.
High school dropouts face 3.5 times higher risk of long-term unemployment.

Economic Impacts Interpretation

A high school dropout essentially hands society a lifelong invoice, charging us all hundreds of thousands in lost potential, while signing themselves up for a much meaner, poorer, and more precarious life.

Educational Impacts

Dropout students are less likely to pursue postsecondary education, resulting in a 40 percent lower earning potential in STEM fields.
Dropouts have literacy rates 20 percent below graduates, limiting further learning.
Only 10 percent of dropouts pursue GED within 5 years, with 60 percent failing.
High school dropouts score 50 points lower on average on NAEP reading tests.
Dropouts are 4 times less likely to enroll in college immediately after high school.
Chronic truancy before dropout leads to 2-year learning gap.
Students who drop out miss 30 percent more instructional time in math and reading.
GED holders have college completion rates 15 percent lower than diploma holders.
Dropouts from low-performing schools lag 1.5 grades behind in achievement.
Alternative education programs retain only 50 percent of at-risk students long-term.
Early dropouts have numeracy skills equivalent to 8th grade level.
70 percent of dropouts cite academic struggles as primary reason.
Suspension rates predict dropout, with suspended students 3x more likely to drop.
Dropouts have 25 percent lower civic knowledge scores.
Reconnection programs boost completion by 20 percent but only reach 15 percent of dropouts.
Science proficiency among dropouts is 40 percent below national averages.
Ninth-grade failure rates correlate with 80 percent dropout prediction.
Dropout recovery high schools graduate 65 percent of enrollees vs. 85 percent traditional.
English learners who drop out have English proficiency 2 years behind peers.
Dropouts miss critical algebra II exposure, limiting STEM paths.
55 percent of dropouts left due to feeling unmotivated academically.
Vocational training post-dropout has 30 percent completion rate.
High school dropouts are twice as likely to repeat grades prior to leaving.
Arts education reduces dropout risk by 10 percent through engagement.
Dropout trajectories show 1.8 GPA average in final year.
Peer tutoring programs cut dropout by 15 percent in trials.
Online credit recovery succeeds for only 40 percent of dropout credits.

Educational Impacts Interpretation

Every exit from high school is a locked door, and behind it lies a lifetime of smaller paychecks, forgotten textbooks, and missed opportunities, because dropping out isn't a single decision—it's a slow, corrosive leak of potential.

Policy and Trends

The national high school graduation rate increased from 79% in 2011 to 87% in 2022, a 10 percentage point rise.
Dropout rates fell 50% from 1990 to 2020 due to No Child Left Behind accountability.
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires dropout rate reporting, leading to 5% improvement in tracked districts.
GED testing volume dropped 30% post-2014 Common Core adoption.
State graduation rate standards rose from 67% to 90% between 2006-2020.
Pandemic recovery funds reduced projected dropouts by 300,000 in 2022.
Credit flexibility policies in 45 states increased graduation by 3-5%.
Dropout prevention grants under Title I served 1 million students in 2021.
Ninth-grade transition programs mandated in 20 states cut early dropouts 20%.
Virtual schooling expanded post-COVID, recovering 10% of potential dropouts.
Truancy laws strengthened in 30 states reduced chronic absence by 15%.
Career academies model scaled to 800 schools, boosting graduation 10%.
Dual enrollment policies in all states increased on-time graduation 12%.
MTSS frameworks adopted in 40 states lowered dropout risks 18%.
ESSA's 95% testing participation rule indirectly cut dropouts 4%.
i3 grants funded 50 dropout interventions, averaging 15% graduation gains.
State longitudinal data systems tracked 90% of dropouts by 2022.
PBIS implementation in 26,000 schools reduced suspensions 25%, aiding retention.
Early warning systems in 70% of districts predict dropouts with 85% accuracy.
FERPA updates allowed data sharing for interventions, boosting recoveries 20%.
Apprenticeship programs grew 50% since 2014, diverting 100,000 from dropout.
SEL curricula mandated in 10 states improved attendance 10%, cutting dropouts.
Graduation rate accountability shifted to ACGR in 2012, raising rates 8%.
Trauma-informed practices in 15 states reduced dropout for foster youth 30%.
College Promise programs correlated with 5% higher HS completion in states.
From 2000-2020, policy-driven interventions halved Black-White graduation gap.
Reengagement centers in California recovered 25,000 dropouts annually.
National Trends: Dropout rates for 16-24 year olds dropped from 14% in 1980 to 5.2% in 2021 due to policy reforms.

Policy and Trends Interpretation

Through a concerted mix of accountability, innovation, and targeted support—from stricter reporting and early warning systems to flexible credits and career pathways—policy has systematically chipped away at the dropout crisis over decades, turning a statistic of failure into a record of stubborn, hard-won progress.

Rates and Percentages

In 2021, the status dropout rate for 16- to 24-year-olds in the United States was 5.2 percent, representing about 2.0 million youth.
The event dropout rate for grades 9–12 in 2019–20 was 4.3 percent for public school students.
In 2020, the high school status dropout rate for Hispanic youth aged 16-24 was 7.8 percent, higher than the national average.
From 2010 to 2021, the adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high schools increased from 78.0 percent to 86.0 percent.
In 2019, approximately 1.7 million 16- to 24-year-olds who were not enrolled in school had not earned a high school credential.
The status dropout rate for Black 16- to 24-year-olds in 2021 was 5.4 percent.
In 2020-21 school year, the ACGR for students with disabilities was 71.0 percent, implying a higher dropout rate.
Between 2000 and 2021, the overall status dropout rate decreased from 8.0 percent to 5.2 percent.
In 2018, the event dropout rate for public high school students was 5.1 percent.
The national average freshman persistence rate, an indicator of dropout risk, was 79 percent in 2020.
In 2022, about 5.3 percent of 16-24 year olds were status dropouts.
For American Indian/Alaska Native students, the ACGR in 2020-21 was 70 percent.
In 2017, the dropout rate for 16-24 year old males was 6.3 percent compared to 4.4 percent for females.
The chronic absenteeism rate, linked to dropout, affected 26 percent of students in 2021-22.
In 2019-20, the ACGR for English learners was 65 percent.
Status dropout rate for Pacific Islander youth was 5.5 percent in 2021.
From 2012 to 2022, high school graduation rates rose by 5 percentage points overall.
In 2020, the event dropout rate for low-income students was 7.2 percent.
National dropout rate for public schools in 2015-16 was 2.3 percent annually.
In 2021, 93.8 percent of Asian/Pacific Islander students graduated on time.
The holding power index for U.S. high schools averaged 85.5 percent in 2019.
In 2018-19, 5.6 percent of 16-24 year olds were neither enrolled nor high school completers.
ACGR for economically disadvantaged students was 77 percent in 2020-21.
Dropout rate in rural areas was 6.1 percent for 16-24 year olds in 2019.
In 2022, the four-year graduation rate reached 87 percent nationally.
Status dropout rate declined from 14 percent in 1980 to 5.2 percent in 2021.
In 2019, 1.2 million students dropped out of high school.
Freshman on-track rate nationally was 81 percent in 2021.
The 2020 pandemic increased dropout risks by 10-15 percent in some districts.
In 2016, the status dropout rate for foreign-born youth was 12.1 percent.

Rates and Percentages Interpretation

While the national graduation rate is climbing, the persistent dropout crisis reveals a sobering truth: our system is still leaving vulnerable students behind, with disparities in race, income, and ability acting as stubbornly reliable predictors of who gets left at the starting gate.

Sources & References

Logos provided by Logo.dev