15 Facts About High School Dropout Rates

High school dropout rates are a serious concern in the United States. Too many students are leaving school before they earn their high school diploma, and this is having a negative impact on our economy and society as a whole. In order to address this issue, it is important to understand the facts about high school dropout rates.

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the issue of high school dropout rates in the United States and explore some of the facts surrounding it. We’ll also discuss some possible solutions to this problem.

What is School Dropout?

School dropout is defined as a student who leaves school before earning a high school diploma or equivalent. This can include students who leave school because they are pregnant, have been expelled, are in jail, or have stopped attending.

In the United States, the high school dropout rate is calculated as the percentage of students who drop out within one year of starting high school.

Top Facts About High School Dropout Rates?

High school dropout rates in the United States have been on the decline in recent years. However, there is still room for improvement. In 2021, the high school dropout rate was 5.3%. This means that more than one in ten students in the United States do not graduate from high school. Here are 15 facts about high school dropout rates to gain a better understanding of the issue:

The High School Dropout Rate Is Highest Among Hispanics and Latinos

In 2021, Hispanic and Latino students’ high school dropout rate was 9.4%. This is nearly double the rate for white students, which was 4.5%. Hispanic and Latino students are more likely to drop out of high school than any other demographic group in the United States.

There are a number of factors that contribute to this disparity. First, Hispanic and Latino students are more likely to live in poverty than their white counterparts. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 21% of Hispanic and Latino students live in poverty, compared to just 10% of white students.

High School Dropout Rates Are Higher in Rural Areas Than in Urban Areas

In 2021, the high school dropout rate in rural areas was 6.8%. This is higher than the rate in urban areas, which was 4.9%. There are several factors that contribute to this disparity. First, rural schools tend to be underfunded and have fewer resources than urban schools. This can make it more difficult for students to succeed academically.

In addition, rural areas often have higher rates of poverty than urban areas. This can also make it more difficult for students to succeed in school.

High School Dropout Rates Are Highest Among Students Who Have to Repeat a Grade

Students who have to repeat a grade are three times more likely to drop out of high school than students who do not have to repeat a grade. This is because students who have to repeat a grade are more likely to feel behind their peers. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can cause students to give up on school altogether.

High School Dropout Rates Are Highest Among Students Suspended or Expelled

Students who have been suspended or expelled from school are five times more likely to drop out of high school than students who have not been suspended or expelled.

Such students are often labeled as “troublemakers” and may feel like they do not belong in school. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can cause students to give up on school altogether.

High School Dropout Rates Are Higher Among Minority Students

Minority students are more likely to drop out of high school than white students. In 2021, the high school dropout rate for Hispanic and Latino students was 8%, while the rate for white students was just 5%. Similarly, African American students’ high school dropout rate was 7%.

Minority students in the United States often attend underfunded schools with fewer resources. These schools often have larger classes, less experienced teachers, and fewer extracurricular activities. These factors can make it difficult for minority students to stay engaged in school and earn their diplomas.

Dropping Out of High School Can Lead To Unemployment

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for high school dropouts was 7% in 2020. This is significantly higher than the unemployment rate for high school graduates, which was just 4%. The unemployment rate for college graduates was even lower, at 2%.

The discrepancy is partly due to the fact that employers increasingly require workers to have at least a high school diploma. In the past, many jobs that did not require a high school diploma have been automated or outsourced to other countries. As a result, workers who do not have a high school diploma often compete for jobs that pay minimum wage or are otherwise low-paying.

High School Dropouts Live Shorter and Less Fulfilling Lives

High school dropouts live shorter and less fulfilling lives than high school graduates. They are more likely to die prematurely, have chronic health conditions, live in poverty, and be involved in crime. As a result, they often have shorter lifespans and fewer opportunities to achieve their personal and professional goals.

High School Dropout Rate Has Declined Recently, but It Is Still a Problem

Despite the decline in the high school dropout rate, it is still a problem in the United States. In 2021, an estimated 5% of high school students will drop out. That means that about 1.2 million students will not graduate from high school.

High school dropouts face many challenges, including unemployment, poverty, poor health, and crime. Consequently, schools, families, and communities must work together to support students and help them stay in school.

High School Dropouts Have Lower Incomes Than Graduates

In 2021, the median income for high school dropouts was $28,000. This is significantly lower than the median income for high school graduates, which was $35,000. The median income for college graduates was even higher, at $60,000. High school dropouts are more likely to live in poverty and have difficulty finding good jobs .

High School Dropouts Are More Likely to Be Unemployed Than Graduates

High school dropouts are more likely to be unemployed than high school graduates. In 2021, the unemployment rate for high school dropouts was 8%, while the rate for high school graduates was just 5%.

The unemployment rate for college graduates was even lower, at 3%. High school dropouts often have difficulty finding good jobs, leading to financial instability and poverty.

High School Dropouts Are More Likely to Rely on Government Assistance Than Graduates

High school dropouts are more likely to rely on government assistance than high school graduates. In 2021, the percentage of high school dropouts who were receiving government assistance was 21%, while the percentage of high school graduates was just 14%.

The percentage of college graduates who were receiving government assistance was even lower, at 11%. High school dropouts often have difficulty finding good jobs and supporting themselves, which can lead to them relying on government assistance.

High School Dropouts Are More Likely to Live In Poverty Than High School Graduates

High school dropouts are more likely to live in poverty than high school graduates. In 2021, the poverty rate for high school dropouts was 27%, while the poverty rate for high school graduates was just 16%.

The poverty rate for college graduates was even lower, at 10%. High school dropouts often have difficulty finding good jobs and supporting themselves, which can lead to them living in poverty.

High School Dropouts Are More Likely to Have Health Problems Than School Graduates

High school dropouts are more likely to have health problems than high school graduates. In 2021, the percentage of high school dropouts who reported having fair or poor health was 28%, while the percentage of high school graduates was just 21%.

The percentage of college graduates who reported having fair or poor health was even lower, at 16%. High school dropouts often have difficulty accessing quality healthcare, which can lead to them having poorer health.

High School Dropouts Are More Likely to Be Incarcerated Than High School Graduates

High school dropouts are more likely to be incarcerated than high school graduates. In 2021, the incarceration rate for high school dropouts was 5%, while the rate for high school graduates was just 1%. The incarceration rate for college graduates was even lower, at 0.2%.

High school dropouts often have difficulty finding good jobs and supporting themselves, leading to them committing crimes. They may also be more likely to associate with other criminals. And they may have poor impulse control and cannot plan for the future, leading to impulsive and reckless behavior.

Dropouts Cost the Economy Billions of Dollars Each Year

Dropouts cost the economy billions of dollars each year. In 2021, it was estimated that the total cost of high school dropouts would be $328 billion. This cost results from high school dropouts earning less money, relying on government assistance, and having health problems.

The cost of high school dropouts is borne not only by the individuals but also by society as a whole.

Final Thoughts

Despite the alarming high school dropout rates, there are still many opportunities for students who don’t finish high school. A diploma is not always necessary to be successful in life.

If you or someone you know is struggling in high school, don’t hesitate to get in touch with High School of America today. Our experienced counselors can help you find the right path for your future.

With our online program, it’s never too late to get your diploma and achieve your goals!