Michigan Set New High School Graduation Record in 2025

Michigan just set another graduation record, and this time it did not sneak past anyone quietly. According to new data released by the Michigan Department of Education, the state's 2025 four-year graduation rate climbed to just over 84 percent. That is up 1.2 percentage points from last year’s record of 82.8 percent.

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The four-year dropout rate dropped to 7.1 percent, down from 7.7 percent. Even the five-year graduation rate rose to 85.8 percent. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, in a press release, called it the highest rate since Michigan adopted the federal formula in 2008.

Which Student Groups Saw Gains

The gains were not limited to one group, either. 14 of 17 student groups saw improvement. The biggest jumps came among homeless students, military-connected students, African American students, economically disadvantaged students, and Hispanic or Latino students.

Career and Technical Education programs, dual enrollment, Early Middle College, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate courses have also seen increases in enrollment. Students in Michigan aren't just graduating. They're graduating with options.

Local Districts Showing Major Improvement

Locally, 16 of the 20 largest districts improved. Detroit Public Schools Community District posted a 5.1 percent increase, and now it's within a point of the state average. Troy School District once again led the pack with a 98.3 percent graduation rate.

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Behind the scenes, tools like the Early Warning Intervention and Monitoring System (EWIMS) and expanded personal curriculum options are helping schools identify struggling students earlier and keep them on track. For Michigan families, that walk across the stage in a cap and gown is more than just a photo op. It's good to hear more families and students are enjoying this rite of passage.