US School Drop Out Rate 11-22-25

The high school dropout rate for 2025 has not been officially released, but recent data from 2022 showed a status dropout rate of 5.3% for 16- to 24-year-olds. The college dropout rate is higher, with a 2024 statistic showing around 32.9% of undergraduate students dropping out each year. The primary reasons for leaving college include financial challenges, motivation, and mental health issues.  

High school dropout rate

The most recent available data is from 2022, showing a 5.3% status dropout rate for 16- to 24-year-olds, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Despite a decreasing trend, disparities persist across different groups. For instance, the dropout rate is higher for some groups, such as American Indian/Alaska Native students. 

College dropout rate

While high school graduation rates are at an all-time high, the college dropout rate is a significant concern, with some reports citing a yearly rate of around 32.9% of undergraduate students, notes Research.com.

Financial challenges are a major factor, with 46% of college students from low-income households considering leaving, compared to 31% from middle-income households and 24% from high-income households, says Research.com.

Other significant factors include lack of motivation and mental health struggles.

First-generation students are also at a higher risk of dropping out. 

The United States high school dropout rate for 2025 is projected to be around 6%, based on the latest available data trends. The most recent official data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported the "status dropout rate" for 16- to 24-year-olds was 5.3% in 2022. 

Key Dropout Statistics

Dropout rates have trended downward over several decades, reaching historic lows in recent years. The current high school graduation rate is at an all-time high of approximately 85.3%. 

The "status dropout rate" refers to the percentage of 16- to 24-year-olds who are not enrolled in school and have not earned a high school diploma or equivalent credential. 

The most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for 2022 shows:

Overall status dropout rate: 5.3%.

Males: 6.3%. Females: 4.3%. 

Dropout Rates by Demographics (2022 Data)

Dropout rates vary across different demographic groups: 

American Indian/Alaska Native: 9.9%

Pacific Islander: 9.1%

Hispanic: 7.9%

Black: 5.7%

White: 4.3%

Students from low-income families are also more likely to drop out of high school than their higher-income peers, a gap that persists despite narrowing over time. 

Resources for Completion

For individuals seeking to complete their education, various resources are available. Information on obtaining a high school equivalency credential, such as a GED certificate, can be found through state education departments or on the official GED website. 

For additional data and trends on high school education, you can visit the National Center for Education Statistics website. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+us+school+drop+out+rate+in+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader