Understanding the Trends in Public High School Graduation Rates

Public high school graduation rates in the United States have shown consistent improvement over the years, with the adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) reaching an all-time high of 85 percent in the 2016–17 school year. This metric provides critical insights into the educational outcomes of various student groups and helps identify disparities in graduation rates among racial and ethnic populations. Understanding these differences is essential for addressing inequities and improving educational opportunities for all students.

Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate for Public High School Students in 2016–17

In the 2016–17 school year, the adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high school students in the United States reached 85 percent, the highest recorded since the ACGR was first measured in 2010–11. The graduation rates for various student groups were as follows:

• Asian/Pacific Islander students: 91 percent.

• White students: 89 percent.

• Hispanic students: 80 percent.

• Black students: 78 percent.

• American Indian/Alaska Native students: 72 percent.

What is the Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate?

The ACGR measures the percentage of public high school students who graduate on time (within four years) with a regular high school diploma. Here's how the ACGR is calculated:

1. Defining the Cohort: The cohort includes first-time ninth-graders in a specific school year.

2. Adjustments to the Cohort:

   • Students who transfer into the cohort after ninth grade are added.

   • Students who transfer out, emigrate, or pass away are subtracted.

3. Final Calculation: The ACGR is the percentage of the adjusted cohort that graduates within four years.

Background Information

• The ACGR data covers public schools in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

• Schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education are not included in the calculation.

• The U.S. Department of Education began collecting ACGR data during the 2010–11 school year.

This measure provides valuable insights into the performance of public high schools across the country and highlights disparities in graduation rates among different student groups.

Trends in Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) for Public High Schools

The U.S. average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for public high school students steadily improved over the first seven years it was measured, rising from 79 percent in 2010–11 to 85 percent in 2016–17. During the 2016–17 school year, state-level ACGRs ranged from 71 percent in New Mexico to 91 percent in Iowa. Most states (40 in total) reported ACGRs between 80 percent and 89 percent.

ACGR by Student Group

• Below the U.S. Average (85 percent):

  • American Indian/Alaska Native students: 72 percent.

  • Black students: 78 percent.

  • Hispanic students: 80 percent.

• Above the U.S. Average (85 percent):

  • White students: 89 percent.

  • Asian/Pacific Islander students: 91 percent.

ACGR by Student Group Across States

• White Students:

  • Range: 76 percent in New Mexico to 95 percent in New Jersey.

  • Above the U.S. average (85 percent) in 37 states and the District of Columbia.

• Black Students:

  • Range: 65 percent in Minnesota to 87 percent in West Virginia.

  • Above the U.S. average (85 percent) in 4 states: Alabama, Maryland, Texas, and West Virginia.

• Hispanic Students:

  • Range: 66 percent in Minnesota to 92 percent in West Virginia.

  • Above U.S. average (85 percent) in 6 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Maine, Texas, Vermont, and West Virginia.

• Asian/Pacific Islander Students:

  • Range: 78 percent in the District of Columbia to 95 percent or higher in Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas, and West Virginia.

  • Above the U.S. average (85 percent) in 43 states.

• American Indian/Alaska Native Students:

  • Range: 50 percent in South Dakota to 92 percent in New Jersey.

  • Above the U.S. average (85 percent) in 6 states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas.

This data highlights variations in graduation rates across different student groups and states, emphasizing disparities that persist among racial and ethnic groups.

Graduation Rate Differences Between White, Black, and Hispanic Students

In the 2016–17 school year, the U.S. average adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) for White public high school students was 89 percent, 11 percentage points higher than the ACGR for Black students, which stood at 78 percent. Key findings include:

• White vs. Black Students:

  • White students had higher ACGRs than Black students in every state and the District of Columbia.

  • The largest gaps were reported in:

    • Wisconsin: 26 percentage points.

    • Minnesota: 23 percentage points.

• White vs. Hispanic Students:

  • The U.S. average ACGR for White students (89 percent) was 9 percentage points higher than that for Hispanic students (80 percent).

  • White students had higher ACGRs than Hispanic students in 46 states and the District of Columbia.

  • In some states, the ACGR for Hispanic students equaled or exceeded that of White students:

    • Hawaii: Both groups had an ACGR of 80 percent.

    • Maine, Vermont, and West Virginia: Hispanic students had higher ACGRs than White students.

These statistics highlight notable disparities in high school graduation rates between racial and ethnic groups across the United States, with significant variations in certain states.

Closing Gaps in High School Graduation Outcomes

The data on public high school graduation rates reveals significant progress in overall student achievement while also highlighting persistent gaps between racial and ethnic groups. Asian/Pacific Islander and White students consistently surpass the national average, while Black, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaska Native students fall below. These disparities emphasize the need for targeted interventions and resources to support underrepresented groups. By addressing these challenges, educators and policymakers can work toward ensuring equitable outcomes for all students across the United States.