Michigan’s statewide high school
graduation rate increased for the second year in a row in 2023 according to
data released last Friday by the Michigan Center for Educational Performance
and Information. This is the second highest graduation rate in the state’s
history, behind only 2020, when graduation requirements were temporarily
relaxed due to the pandemic.
The 2023 four-year graduation rate was 81.77%, an increase of 0.76 from the prior year. The four-year dropout rate fell slightly to 8.13%. Graduation rates also increased in all 17 tracked subgroup categories. In 13 of 17 categories, the 2023 rates are higher than 2019 pre-pandemic graduation rates.
“Rising four-year graduation rates in all categories, above pre-pandemic levels in almost all cases, are a welcome sign that student achievement is rebounding and a tribute to the hard work of Michigan students, educators, support staff, and communities,” said State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice.
Rice added, “While our progress has been significant over the last two years, we have more work to do to address graduation rate gaps. Local school districts and the department will continue focusing efforts to support students and staff in this regard.”
CEPI also reports graduation rates for students who remain in high school five and six years. The five-year rate increased 0.29 percentage points to 84.14%. The six-year rate declined slightly to 84.64%.
This year marked a change in how the state calculates district- and school-level rates. Previously, students were not included at the district and building level until they were enrolled and reported as “continuing” for at least one and two count days, respectively. Per guidance from USED, this count day requirement has been eliminated. Note that this change has zero impact on state-level rates.
Graduation and dropout rates can be found on CEPI’s MI School Data website (www.mischooldata.org), along with information about subgroups and methodology. Under the site’s K-12 Grade Students section, visitors can select a school or district or compare one district to another.
A bureau in the State Budget Office, CEPI facilitates the collection, management and reporting of public education data required by state and federal law. CEPI’s MI School Data website is Michigan's official education data portal to help residents, educators and policymakers make informed decisions that can lead to improved success for our students.
