Education and the Economy: The Economic Benefits of Helping High School Dropouts Earn Both High School Diplomas and College Degrees
A previous study by the Alliance for Excellent Education on the economic benefits of reducing high school dropout rates uncovers a surprising finding: Nationally, only 27 percent of recovered dropouts are expected to complete a postsecondary degree after earning a high school diploma. This is an unacceptably low rate given that in today’s knowledge-based economy, a high school diploma just is not enough for workers looking to fill a job that can comfortably support a family.
The state-by-state and national data below builds on the previous work that estimates the economic benefits if half of the high school dropouts from the Class of 2010 were to have graduated. This new data goes to the next level and illustrates the significant economic benefits that the nation and each state could see if 60 percent of those “new graduates” were to earn a degree beyond high school, meeting the national goal for postsecondary completion.
The data demonstrates that the best economic stimulus package is a diploma and underscores the need to ensure that all students graduate from high school ready for college and a career.
To access the economic benefits profile for your state or the District of Columbia, click on it in the list below. Read the national analysis.
State-Specific Information
Supplemental Materials:
- Press Release (December 14, 2011)
- National and State Findings for High School Completion State Profiles (March 2011)
- Metro Area Findings for High School Completion 200+ MSA Profiles (April 2011)
- Findings for Students of Color and Native Students for High School Completion (PDF) Issue Brief (May 2011)