Oregon reaches record 83% high school graduation rate

Oregon's education system takes frequent criticism for its graduation rate, but the rate has been steadily improving for more than a decade.

Oregon's four-year graduation rate hit a record high of 83% in 2025, more than a percentage point improvement from the previous year, according to data released Thursday, Jan. 29.

"We're seeing results because we are leaning into what works," said Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams to a media gathering.

Williams credited supports for school districts to increase graduation rates such as the High School Success Initiative, expanded summer and after-school programs, and clearer math pathways.

She said High School Success grants, which were created by Ballot Measure 98, in particular are helping schools engage students with a vision for life after high school and keeping them on track to get there.

"This graduation milestone is worth celebrating, and at the same time we know there is more work ahead," she said. "We need to double down on the efforts that we know work."

School districts are struggling to maintain those efforts, though, as their budgets are squeezed by falling enrollment, rising costs and erratic federal funding. Oregon's budget has been hit hard by federal tax and spending changes, and legislators are considering whether they need to cut education funding this biennium. On Wednesday, legislators will hear Oregon's latest economic and revenue forecast, giving them an idea what will be needed to stabilize the state budget.

The graduation data, though, was encouraging across the board. The statewide average for all students as well as for nearly every student group rose, and a half-dozen student demographics achieved record highs, including students in special education and students experiencing poverty.

Oregon graduation rates had been rising before taking a dip following the pandemic's disruptions. The class of 2025 was the first class since the pandemic able to have all four years of high school in person.

The benefits of expanded career and technical education opportunities continue to be a bright spot, with 97.8% of students who completed at least two CTE credits graduating.

The state had its second highest level of five-year completers at 87.4%. The five-year completer rate includes students who earn a GED, adult high school diploma or extended diploma.

It's complicated to compare graduation rates among states. States have different means of calculating graduation rates that can raise or lower their rates as well as different definitions of diplomas and varying graduation requirements. Oregon has one of the highest credit requirements for a diploma among states, according to the Education Commission of the States.

As recently as 2017, Oregon was ranked as having the second lowest state graduation rate at 77%. The most current data from the National Center for Education Statistics had Oregon moving up the ranks in 2022 but still in the bottom 10 and below the national average.

The state average doesn't tell the local story, though. Many districts made larger-than-average gains and had graduation rates in excess of 90%. More than a dozen districts with senior classes larger than 10 achieved 100% graduation.

The Oregon legislative session opens Monday, with bills already floating that would deeply affect Oregon's education system.

OSBA Executive Director Emielle Nischik said schools need funding continuity and support for proven education programs to continue improving the state's graduation rate.

"Oregon's true education story is told in the classrooms and school hallways where dedicated teachers and school staff pour their hearts into serving our students," Nischik said. "We know the system needs to be better to do better, but every student who crossed that graduation stage last year is a victory to be celebrated."

- Jake Arnold, OSBA
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