In 2024, Minnesota saw 84.2% of high school seniors – 58,293 students – graduate from high school, setting the state’s record for highest graduation rate.

The graduation data shows increases for students in the American Indian, Asian, Black, Hispanic or Latino and White student groups. Graduation rates also increased for English learners, students from low-income families and students receiving special education services.

Achievement gaps narrowed for many groups in both the one-year and five-year trends.

“The students of the Class of 2024 worked hard and overcame challenges to achieve this milestone,” said Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett. “I am thrilled to see the success of many of our student groups — especially those most at risk — and a closing of the achievement gap as we work to make sure every student, of every background, zip code and ability has access to a world-class education. I am also grateful for the educators, families and communities who stood behind these graduates and supported their needs and encouraged their successes. Their achievement is evidence that investing in kids pays off.”

The jump in last year’s graduation rates were reflected locally. New Ulm High School has historically had higher than average graduation rates, consistently graduating over 90% of student, but in 2024 the school hit a five-year high, graduating 97.6% of students. NUHS’s lowest graduation rate in the last five years was 92.3% in 2021 a year after COVID. The high school rallied back to 95.3% in 2022 and 95.5% in 2023.

New Ulm Superintendent Sean Koster credited higher graduation rate to different options available for students.

“I honestly believe that high schools around the state and especially here are benefiting from looking at different pathways to graduation,” Koster said.

He explained that the school has the Career and Technical Education (CTE) alternatives another other trade pathways.

“Students are able to decide what type of education is real for them,” Koster said. “They are not necessarily being pushed down the four-year college pathway.”

Koster believed by offering paths students are interested in can save their academic careers.

“The high school also works hard at credit recovery,” he said. “This means less kids are dropping out.”

Nicollet High School has also seen a strong graduation rate. Nicollet Superintendent and High School principal Robin Courrier said the average graduating class at Nicollet is 34 students. The lowest graduation rate in the last five years was after COVID hit. In 2020, graduation rate fell to 84%. In 2021 and 2022 it bounced back to 100% and was at 100% last year.

“Our Dean of Students (Sam Cotton) does a great job of tracking the students starting in ninth grade,” Courrier said “And we work with any student is struggling.”

Governor Tim Walz celebrated the graduation rate record, saying “Minnesota’s highest graduation rates on record are a testament to the historic investments we made to provide free school meals, support teacher training, expand mental health resources, and promote technical training opportunities for Minnesota high schoolers. The state is proud to celebrate the graduating class of 2024 and remains committed to supporting Minnesota students, setting them up for success beyond the classroom.”