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Minnesota’s Graduation Rates Continue to Rise

Rates at the highest level on record, gaps between student groups shrink

MINNEAPOLIS – More Minnesota high school seniors than ever before graduated in 2024, with 59,720 students—84.2 percent of the 2024 graduating class overall, the highest graduation rate Minnesota has ever recorded—earning their diploma and going on to careers or college. The graduation data show increases for students in the American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino and white student groups. Graduation rates also increased for English learners, students from low-income families, and students receiving special education services. Achievement gaps narrowed for many groups in both the one-year and five-year trends.

“The students of the Class of 2024 worked hard and overcame challenges to achieve this milestone,” said Commissioner Willie Jett. “I am thrilled to see the success of many of our student groups—especially those most at risk—and a closing of the achievement gap as we work to make sure every student, of every background, zip code, and ability has access to a world-class education. I am also grateful for the educators, families and communities who stood behind these graduates and supported their needs and encouraged their successes. Their achievement is evidence that investing in kids pays off.”

The news comes as the federal government threatens to dissolve the U.S. Department of Education (ED), uproot federal education investments, and roll back essential supports for Minnesota's most vulnerable students. ED investments play an important role in ensuring Minnesota students receive the support they need to learn and thrive each year, including:

• $256 million for students with disabilities
• $192 million for students from low-income backgrounds
• $27 million for academic enrichment
• $6 million for students in rural schools
• $38 million to support children living on military bases or Native American reservations
• $100 million for Career and Technical Education workforce development programs

In the face of instability from the federal government, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) remains committed to supporting students and schools as they implement transformational investments passed as part of the One Minnesota Budget in 2023. Among a variety of key efforts, this includes nation-leading literacy legislation, policies and funding to ensure safe and nurturing learning environments, investments in the educator workforce, and greater access to opportunities in high school.

Graduation Rates by Student Group

More About the Data

Find graduation data on the Minnesota Report Card, presented in an easy-to-read, mobile-friendly layout that includes charts and graphs illustrating trends and results for all student groups.

View the complete statewide, district, school and county graduation rates in an Excel spreadsheet by visiting our Data Reports and Analytics' Student webpage. In the Category field, select Graduation Rate to access graduation indicator files for each year. In the Year, Subcategory and Level fields, select the desired data, if needed. Click List files to view the spreadsheet.

View data on enrollment in developmental education in Minnesota colleges and universities on the Minnesota Statewide Longitudinal Education Data System (SLEDS).

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