Michigan’s 2025 four-year graduation rate once again improved to the highest level since the state adopted the federal formula for calculating the rate in 2008, according to data released on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026.

The graduation rate increased to just over 84%, up by 1.2 percentage points from 82.8% the previous year. The 2024 rate had been a record-high until the 2025 data released today by the Michigan Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI).

“Michigan’s historically high graduation rate is a reflection of the efforts of Michigan students, educators, families and communities as well as state leaders,” said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. “It takes all of us collaborating to put Students First and support them so they can graduate, be successful in postsecondary endeavors, and realize their dreams. There’s more work to do because we want all students to graduate, but we know we can make further progress while also improving other student outcomes such as literacy.”

Michigan’s four-year dropout rate improved to 7.1%, down from 7.7% in the previous year. The five-year graduation rate improved by nearly 1 percentage point, to 85.8%.

“I know how much hard work students and parents do to walk across the stage and receive a high school diploma,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “That’s why I’m proud to announce Michigan’s graduation rate has risen to 84%. Since I took office, we’ve made record investments in education, from helping schools buy the latest textbooks and technology to delivering free breakfast and lunch to all 1.4 million public school students. Let’s keep working together to boost Michigan’s graduation rate and help every young person ‘make it’ in Michigan.”

Michigan’s four-year graduation rate increased for 14 of 17 student groups. The largest rate increases were for homeless students (4.6 percentage points), military-connected students (3.8 percentage points), African American students (2.6 percentage points), economically disadvantaged students (1.5 percentage points), and Hispanic/Latino students (1 percentage point). 

Progress in graduation rates is driven at the local level, where schools and partners work together to ensure every student has the support needed to succeed.

Graduation and dropout rates can be found on CEPI’s MI School Data website. A bureau within the State Budget Office, CEPI facilitates collecting, managing, and reporting public education data required by state and federal law. CEPI’s MI School Data website is Michigan's official education data portal to help residents, educators, and policymakers make informed decisions that can lead to improved success for our students.

Read more on the state's initiatives and efforts here: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2026/02/20/mi-grad-rate-record-high-again-during-2024-25.

_{Release courtesy of the Michigan Department of Education.}