Iowa high school graduation rates reach five-year high, exceed prepandemic rates

DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) - Iowa’s high school graduation rate climbed to 88.8% in 2025, marking the highest rate in five years, according to new data from the Iowa Department of Education.

The rate increased 0.5 percentage points from 88.3% for the class of 2024. About 35,116 students graduated in 2025, nearly 1,000 more than the previous year.

This marks the first time since 2020 the rate has exceeded prepandemic levels. In 2019, the rate was at 88.3%.

“In our class of 2025, nearly 1,000 more Iowans earned their high school diploma–a powerful accomplishment positioning them to learn more and earn more,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow.

Several student groups achieved graduation rate increases that outpaced the state average. Students with disabilities saw a 1.6 percentage point increase, students with low-income backgrounds saw a 1.0 percentage point rate increase, and students experiencing homelessness saw a 4.9 percentage point rate increase.

“Through the hard work of our students, families and educators, Iowa significantly narrowed graduation rate gaps experienced by students with disabilities, low-income backgrounds, and experiencing homelessness,” Snow said. “These gains reflect Iowa’s collective focus on accountability for learner outcomes and our unwavering commitment to empowering all students to meet high expectations.”

For more information on Iowa’s graduation rates and dropout rates, visit here.