INDIANAPOLIS—Indiana’s 2023 high-school graduation rate was the third highest since the state started collecting data in 2012.
The jump from 2022 was nearly 2.5 percentage points as the rate went from about 87% up to nearly 89% in 2023. This is slightly less than the highest rate, from 2016, which was just above 89%.
Students of all groups saw an increase in graduation rate except for American Indians, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islander students:
Not only has the graduation rate increased, but so has the non-waiver graduation rate. Waivers allow students who have been unsuccessful in completing the requirements needed to graduate by the end of their senior year to have an alternative to graduation if they complete a series of other requirements.
Students who graduated without receiving a waiver improved from a little less than 81% in 2022 to nearly 85% in 2023, which is almost a four-point improvement.
“As a state, we have worked very hard to reduce our waiver rate and keep our focus on ensuring students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life and their career,” Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner said in a press release.
“Looking ahead, we will continue to make improvements to ensure Indiana has a diploma that maintains rigor while also increasing seamless pathways for students as they pursue employment, enrollment, or enlistment leading to service.”
In the 2021-2022 school year, the average U.S. state graduation rate was 79%, with 11 states having a rate of 90% or above, according to U.S. News & World Report.
Sam Maurer is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students. 
