NYS 2023 4-year grad rate = 84%

On Board Online • April 8, 2024

By Paul Heiser
Senior Research Analyst

The graduation rate for students who entered high school in the fall of 2019 and graduated in June 2023 was 84%, according to figures released by the State Education Department (SED). When taking into account students who graduated two months later - in August 2023, the graduation rate rose to 86%.

The June four-year graduation rate was down slightly from 85% in June 2022, but up slightly from five years earlier, when the June 2018 graduation rate was 83%.

Of the students who entered high school in 2019, 36% earned a Regents diploma, meaning they passed at least five Regents examinations in addition to meeting course and credit requirements. The other 48% received Regents with Advanced Designation diplomas, which required them to pass a minimum of eight Regents examinations in addition to meeting course and credit requirements. Less than 1% of graduates earned a local diploma, which is offered only to students with disabilities with an individualized education program or accommodation plan.

The 16% who entered ninth grade in 2019 but did not earn a diploma as of June 2023 fall into these categories: 10% were still enrolled in school, 1% earned a GED and 5% had dropped out of school.

According to SED's website, "data is reported by educational institutions to the State Education Department throughout the school year and available for verification by districts until the close of the state data warehouse in August. District superintendents certify data is accurate in September."

"We are encouraged by the overall graduation rate," said NYSSBA Executive Director Robert Schneider. "However, we need to do more to ensure that economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, and those of all race and ethnicity groups receive the financial resources and supports they need to flourish and graduate with the majority of their classmates."