10 States With the Lowest High School Graduation Rate

At 81%, the nation’s high school graduation rate is the highest it’s ever been – and the number just keeps increasing. But not all states measure up – find out which states have the lowest high school graduation rate.

9. Mississippi

In 2013, 76% of high school students graduated in Mississippi – a 1% increase since 2011.

Mississippi and Washington are tied.

8. Arizona

In 2013, 75% of high school students graduated in Arizona – a 3% decrease since 2011.

The downwards trend doesn’t look good for the state.

7. Louisiana

In 2013, 74% of high school students graduated in Louisiana – a 3% increase since 2011.

We hope to see the state continue improving in the future.

6. Georgia

In 2013, 72% of high school students graduated in Georgia – a 5% increase since 2011.

With numbers trending up, we hope to see this state move further down the list.

5. Alaska

In 2013, 72% of high school students graduated in Alaska – a 4% increase since 2011.

This state comes in at #5 on our list.

4. Nevada

In 2013, 71% of high school students graduated in Nevada – a 9% increase since 2011.

The whopping 9% increase looks good for the state’s future.

3. New Mexico

In 2013, 70% of high school students graduated in New Mexico – a 7% increase since 2011.

This state takes our third place for the lowest high school graduation rate.

10. Washington

In 2013, 76% of high school students graduated in Washington.

It’s not the worst but definitely not the best.

1. District of Columbia

In 2013, 62% of high school students graduated in District of Columbia – a 3% increase since 2011.

The District of Columbia has the lowest high school graduation rate in the United States.

2. Oregon

In 2013, 69% of high school students graduated in Oregon – a 1% increase since 2011.

Although any increase is positive, the 1% doesn’t look promising.