Last updated May 24, 2025
1 |  | Montana | 94.0% |
2 |  | Wyoming | 93.6% |
3 |  | Vermont | 93.5% |
4 |  | Minnesota | 93.4% |
5 |  | New Hampshire | 93.3% |
6 |  | Maine | 93.2% |
7 |  | Alaska | 93.1% |
7 |  | North Dakota | 93.1% |
9 |  | Utah | 93.0% |
10 |  | Wisconsin | 92.6% |
11 |  | Hawaii | 92.5% |
11 |  | Iowa | 92.5% |
13 |  | South Dakota | 92.2% |
14 |  | Colorado | 92.1% |
15 |  | Washington | 91.7% |
16 |  | Nebraska | 91.6% |
17 |  | Kansas | 91.4% |
18 |  | Michigan | 91.3% |
18 |  | Idaho | 91.3% |
20 |  | Oregon | 91.1% |
20 |  | Massachusetts | 91.1% |
22 |  | Pennsylvania | 91.0% |
23 |  | Connecticut | 90.9% |
24 |  | Ohio | 90.8% |
25 |  | Missouri | 90.6% |
25 |  | Delaware | 90.6% |
25 |  | Maryland | 90.6% |
28 |  | New Jersey | 90.3% |
28 |  | Virginia | 90.3% |
30 |  | Illinois | 89.7% |
31 |  | Indiana | 89.3% |
32 |  | Rhode Island | 89.2% |
33 |  | Oklahoma | 88.6% |
34 |  | Florida | 88.5% |
34 |  | North Carolina | 88.5% |
36 |  | South Carolina | 88.3% |
37 |  | Tennessee | 88.2% |
38 |  | Arizona | 87.9% |
38 |  | Georgia | 87.9% |
40 |  | West Virginia | 87.6% |
41 |  | New York | 87.2% |
41 |  | Kentucky | 87.2% |
41 |  | Arkansas | 87.2% |
44 |  | Alabama | 86.9% |
44 |  | Nevada | 86.9% |
46 |  | New Mexico | 86.5% |
47 |  | Louisiana | 85.9% |
48 |  | Mississippi | 85.3% |
49 |  | Texas | 84.4% |
50 |  | California | 83.9% |
Navigating the critical pathway from adolescence to adulthood is marked by many milestones, among which high school graduation is undoubtedly a pivotal event. It signifies a launchpad for future opportunities, opening gateways to higher education and empowering personal and professional development. However, not all young adults in the United States reach this landmark due to a potpourri of reasons ranging from familial responsibilities to economic hardship, trailing a wake of lost potential.
Leading the pack, Montana displays a high school completion rate of 94.0%, edging out other states to secure the number one position.
Closely following Montana in this respect, Wyoming, with a completion rate of 93.6%, Vermont, with 93.5%, Minnesota, with 93.4%, and New Hampshire, with 93.3%, complete the top five states in the list.
Further down the list but still amongst the high performers in high school completion are Maine (93.2%), Alaska (93.1%), North Dakota (93.1%), Utah (93.0%), and wrapping up the top ten is Wisconsin at 92.6%.
States with the Highest High School Graduation Rates:
Topping the list, with the lowest graduation rate in the country, is California - the state reports a high school completion rate of only 83.9%. Following closely is Texas, the state known for its extensive public school system provides diplomas to 84.4% of its students. Mississippi, with an 85.3% graduation rate, occupies the third position in this list - its education challenges underscoring the broader struggles faced by southern states in this regard.
Louisiana, another southern state, has the fourth-lowest high school graduation rate at 85.9%. Faring marginally better is New Mexico at 86.5%, just shy of Nevada's completion rate of 86.9%. Alabama too has a graduation rate of 86.9%, reflecting the similar education-related challenges these states grapple with.
Even some states with prominent universities and colleges struggle with ensuring high school graduation. A case in point being New York, with a graduation rate of 87.2%. Matching this figure are Kentucky and Arkansas, again accentuating the challenges faced by some parts of the south in ensuring high school completion.
States with Lowest High School Graduation Rates:
