Utah High Schools Near 90% Graduation Rate, Reflecting Growth

Utah high schools are approaching a significant achievement, with the state’s graduation rate reaching an impressive 89.8 percent for the 2025 cohort. This figure, reported by the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), reflects a notable increase from the previous year’s rate of 88.8 percent and is part of a continuous upward trend since 2017. The rise of just one percentage point represents the hard work of 49,442 students who successfully graduated, underscoring a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Molly Hart expressed her optimism regarding these developments. She emphasized the unwavering dedication of students, families, and educators throughout Utah. In her statement, Hart remarked, “Utah’s students, families, and educators continue to demonstrate what is possible when high expectations are paired with strong support,” highlighting the concerted efforts made to ensure student success.

Focus on Equity and Diverse Student Demographics

The decline in the statewide dropout rate—from 16.2 percent in 2017 to the current 8.5 percent—further illustrates the state’s effective initiatives aimed at improving graduation rates. This ongoing decrease aligns with targeted strategies designed to support students facing historical challenges.

The report provided a detailed look at the progress of various student groups. Notably, African American/Black students experienced the largest improvement, with graduation rates rising from 80.6 percent in 2024 to 83.9 percent in 2025. Pacific Islander students and American Indian students followed closely, achieving graduation rates of 85.0 percent and 80.1 percent, respectively. The upward trend for Hispanic/Latino students also continued, increasing from 81.8 percent to 83.2 percent.

An encouraging development was observed among English learners, whose graduation rate surged by over 12 percentage points since 2017, now standing at 79.5 percent. The largest declines in dropout rates were recorded among American Indian and African American/Black students, contributing to the overall reduction to 8.5 percent, down from 9.4 percent.

New Data on Vulnerable Student Groups

For the first time, the USBE report included data regarding foster care students, students experiencing homelessness, and military-connected students. Remarkably, military-connected students achieved a graduation rate of 97.0 percent, reflecting the ongoing efforts to provide differentiated support for diverse demographics within Utah’s education system.

These statistics not only highlight the strides made in educational equity but also point to the state’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. The dedication of educators and the support from families continue to play a crucial role in driving these positive outcomes. As Utah approaches the milestone of a 90 percent graduation rate, the focus remains on sustaining this momentum and ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed.