High School Dropout Rates

On average, only 58% of students in America’s 50 largest cities make it to commencement. Though suburban students graduate at much higher rates, overall, close to 10% of 16- to 24-year-olds in the U.S. do not have diplomas.

Dropping out has long-lasting effects. The average income of a worker without a high school diploma is about $20,100—a third less than the salary of a worker with a diploma—and dropouts report more health problems than graduates, regardless of income. Increasing the high school graduation rate by just 1% would save the U.S. $1.4 billion in health care costs. Prevention is key: methods such as mentoring, on-site day care, and alternative schooling can help reverse the trend.

source: www.takepart.com