Michigan’s high school graduation rate in 2024 increased to a record high of nearly 83%, according to data released Friday by the state Department of Education.

The Center for Educational Performance and Information reported a four-year graduation rate of 82.8% for 2024, up from 81.8% in 2023 and the highest level since the state adopted a federal formula to calculate the rate in 2008.

Meanwhile, the state’s dropout rate decreased from 8.1% in 2023 to 7.7% last year, CEPI reported.

State officials attributed the improved figures in part to growing student interest in specialized career and technical education (CTE) programs, which provide opportunities for work-based learning in fields like skilled trades, agriculture, public safety and technology.

“I’m proud of the hard work of Michigan students, educators, support staff, families, and communities to increase the percentage of students who are graduating from high school,” said State Superintendent Michael F. Rice.

In the 2023-24 school year, 112,156 students enrolled in CTE programs, the third year of increases totaling more than 9,000 students since the 2020-21 school year. Rice said participation in CTE and other rigorous program like advanced placement classes and courses that offer college credit have helped improve overall graduation rates.

“When students are exposed to courses of study that interest them, they are more likely to graduate — and at the same time are preparing for rewarding careers,” Rice said.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said the higher graduation rate is reflective of her administration’s policies that have increased per-pupil funding, invested in educators and improved school infrastructure.

“As a mom of two high school graduates, I know how many soccer games, flashcards, and ACT prep courses go into getting your child across the stage to receive their diploma,” Whitmer said. “Since I took office, we’ve made record, bipartisan investments into our children’s education and I’m committed to working with anyone to make sure Michigan parents and students have the support they need to make it to the finish line.”

Most improved subgroups and areas of concern

Michigan’s four-year graduation rates increased from 2023 in 14 of the 17 student subgroups identified in the CEPI report. The largest increases were for multiracial students (up 3.5%, from 75.3% to 78.78%), American Indian or Alaskan Native students (up 3.4%, from 72.2% to 75.6%) and English language learners (up 3.4%, from 75.1% to 78.5%).

The highest rates for 2024 were among Asian students (93.9%), students in the early middle college programs (87.1%) and military-connected youth (86.4%).

The most significant drop was seen in migrant students, from a 71.4% four-year graduation rate in 2023 to 66.2% last year.

Rates dropped for Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, from 76.6% to 75.7%, and youth in foster care, who have the lowest rate by a wide margin at 40.8%, down from 44% a year prior.

“While Michigan is showing noteworthy progress, we still have room for improvement,” Rice said. “Local school districts, intermediate school districts, and the department will redouble efforts to improve graduation rates, particularly in schools that need more support to close these gaps.”

Schools in Metro Detroit

A look at how some of the largest public school districts in Metro Detroit fared in four-year graduation rate in 2024, compared to 2023:

Detroit Public Schools Community District improved from 74.26% to 78.09%.

Utica Community Schools improved from 93.71% to 93.88%.

Dearborn City Schools improved from 89.93% to 93.83%

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools improved from 92.91% to 92.98%.

Warren Consolidated Schools declined from 86% to 85.89%.