What is the US average graduation rate?

The US national 4-year ACGR reached a record 87% in 2019–20 before COVID-related disruptions. Asian students graduate at 93%; White 89%; Hispanic 82%; Black 80%; American Indian/Alaska Native 74%. Low-income students graduate at approximately 79% nationally.

How does graduation rate relate to lifetime earnings?

High school dropouts earn approximately $10,000/year less than diploma holders and face unemployment rates approximately twice as high. The lifetime earnings cost of non-completion exceeds $300,000 in nominal terms. Each 1 percentage point increase in graduation rate is estimated to save $1.4 billion in public costs (criminal justice, welfare, healthcare).

Graduation Rate Calculator (4-Year and Adjusted Cohort)

Formula Definitions

The Graduation Rate Calculator (4-Year and Adjusted Cohort) works by applying a well-defined formula to the values you enter. Understanding the formula behind the calculation helps you interpret the result and check that your inputs are correct. Below we break down the key components that drive the Graduation Rate.

The core formula used by this calculator is:

Result = f(inputs, settings)

Each variable in the formula has a specific meaning:

inputs — Values entered into the Graduation Rate.
settings — Options, units, or parameters that adjust how the calculation is performed.
Result — Computed output for the chosen inputs and settings.

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the required values. Enter the required values into the Graduation Rate Calculator (4-Year and Adjusted Cohort) input fields.
Adjust settings. Adjust any settings, select applicable options, or choose units as needed.
Calculate the result. Press Calculate to compute the result using the underlying formula.
Interpret the output. Review and interpret your result using the provided context, reference ranges, or explanatory notes.

Glossary and Definitions

Input: A value entered into the calculator to be processed.
Output: The computed result returned by the calculator for the given inputs.
Setting: An option that adjusts how the calculation is performed, such as unit selection or mode.
Graduation rate: A key concept referenced by the Graduation Rate: Calculate 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) per NCLB/ESSA methodology: ACGR = students graduating in 4 years / adjusted cohort (first-time 9th graders ± transfers). The federal accountability metric for US high schools.
ACGR: A key concept referenced by the Graduation Rate: Calculate 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) per NCLB/ESSA methodology: ACGR = students graduating in 4 years / adjusted cohort (first-time 9th graders ± transfers). The federal accountability metric for US high schools.
4-year graduation: A key concept referenced by the Graduation Rate: Calculate 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) per NCLB/ESSA methodology: ACGR = students graduating in 4 years / adjusted cohort (first-time 9th graders ± transfers). The federal accountability metric for US high schools.
Cohort graduation rate: A key concept referenced by the Graduation Rate: Calculate 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) per NCLB/ESSA methodology: ACGR = students graduating in 4 years / adjusted cohort (first-time 9th graders ± transfers). The federal accountability metric for US high schools.
ESSA: A key concept referenced by the Graduation Rate: Calculate 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) per NCLB/ESSA methodology: ACGR = students graduating in 4 years / adjusted cohort (first-time 9th graders ± transfers). The federal accountability metric for US high schools.
High school completion: A key concept referenced by the Graduation Rate: Calculate 4-year adjusted cohort graduation rate (ACGR) per NCLB/ESSA methodology: ACGR = students graduating in 4 years / adjusted cohort (first-time 9th graders ± transfers). The federal accountability metric for US high schools.