Iowa high school graduation rate returns to 88.3%, nearing prepandemic levels

Iowa's high school graduation rate for the class of 2024 has increased to 88.3%, rising by 0.8 percentage points since the previous year, as reported by the Iowa Department of Education. This marks a return to prepandemic levels, a milestone not seen since 2020.

The recent data reveals that a total of 34,158 students graduated within four years, aligning with the numbers from the class of 2019. Education Director McKenzie Snow remarked, "Nearly 900 more students in the class of 2024 earned their high school diploma, positioning them to succeed in postsecondary education and higher-wage, fulfilling careers." Snow also noted significant progress in reducing graduation rate gaps for students with disabilities and those from low-income backgrounds.

The graduation rate for students with disabilities rose by 2.4 percentage points to 70.3%, while the rate for low-income students increased by 1.5 percentage points to 80.2%. However, a slight decline was observed in the graduation rate for English learners, which decreased from 73.7% to 73.4%.

The data also highlights a gender gap, with males graduating at a rate of 86.7%, compared to 89.9% for females. Nevertheless, this gap has reduced from 4.5 percentage points in the class of 2022. Improvement in graduation rates by racial and ethnic backgrounds was noted for several groups, including Black or African American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, two or more races, and white students.

Compared to neighboring states, Iowa's four-year graduation rate surpasses Illinois and South Dakota, which reported rates of 87.7% and 84.0% respectively. Only Missouri and Wisconsin reported higher rates, at 90.8% and 91.1%.

The state's graduation rates are determined using a formula from the U.S. Department of Education, which tracks students through unique identification numbers as they progress through high school. This system accounts for students who change districts during their high school years.

Additionally, the five-year graduation rate, which includes students taking an extra year to complete high school, was 89.9% for the class of 2023. This is a slight increase from the class of 2022 but is below the 90.5% rate seen in the class of 2019.

Iowa's annual dropout rate for the 2023-24 school year decreased to 2.59%, down from 3.02% the previous year. This rate indicates that 4,052 students in grades 9 through 12 dropped out during the school year.

Further information on graduation and dropout rates by district and student group is available on the Iowa Department of Education's website.