West Virginia Tops High School Graduation Rates

What We’re Showing

The percentage of public school students who graduate with a regular diploma in each state. Data is sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics, for the school year 2021–22.

Key Takeaways

• The U.S. average high school graduation rate was 87% in the school year 2021–22
• West Virginia has the highest graduation rate, with 91% of its students graduating
• The District of Columbia has the lowest graduation rate, with 76%

Let's Talk About West Virginia

Given that West Virginia typically struggles in rankings like this, this top placement might be surprising to some. This high graduation rate is part of a concerted effort by the state to increase its graduation rate.

In 2011, West Virginia's graduation rate sat at 72% (which would put them dead last by today's standards). How did the state see such a significant improvement? A data-driven early warning system was put in place to target individuals when they are at most risk of dropping out and using interventions to keep them on pace to graduate.

Alabama, also an early adopter of this system, saw a steep improvement in their graduation rate over the past decade and a half.