Key Takeaways
- Chronic absenteeism linked to 20% lower graduation odds
- Students with 30+ absences graduate at 55% rate vs 90% for regular attenders
- Poverty correlates with 15% lower ACGR nationally
- In 2021-22, the national adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high school students was 87%, representing 3.4 million graduates from a cohort of 3.9 million students
- The average freshman graduation rate (AFGR) in the US peaked at 84.1% in 2019 before the pandemic, compared to 73.9% in 2006
- During 2020-21, the ACGR dipped to 86% nationally due to COVID-19 disruptions, affecting over 500,000 potential graduates
- California ACGR was 87.2% in 2021-22 for public high schools
- Texas reported 90% four-year graduation rate in 2022
- New York ACGR at 81% in 2021-22 amid urban challenges
- ACGR rose from 79% in 2010-11 to 87% in 2021-22 nationally
- From 2006 to 2019, AFGR increased by 10.2 percentage points to 84.1%
- Pre-pandemic peak ACGR was 87.3% in 2019-20
Chronic absence, poverty, and discipline risks can sharply lower graduation chances, while strong supports boost them.
Influencing Factors Statistics
Influencing Factors Statistics Interpretation
National Statistics
National Statistics Interpretation
State Statistics
State Statistics Interpretation
Trend Statistics
Trend Statistics Interpretation
How We Rate Confidence
Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.
Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.
AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree
Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.
AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree
All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.
AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
Karl Becker. (2026, February 13). High School Graduation Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/high-school-graduation-statistics
Karl Becker. "High School Graduation Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/high-school-graduation-statistics.
Karl Becker. 2026. "High School Graduation Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/high-school-graduation-statistics.
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