It’s the third straight year of improvement, following a pandemic-era low. Photo from Unsplash.

By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Indiana Capital Chronicle

INDIANAPOLIS — Nearly 92% of Indiana’s high school seniors graduated in 2025, setting the highest graduation rate on record, the Indiana Department of Education announced Monday.

“Today’s record-high graduation rate is a testament to the hard work of Indiana’s students, families, and educators,” Gov. Mike Braun said in a news release.

“While high school graduation marks the end of a student’s K-12 journey, our schools play an essential role in preparing students for all that comes next, whether that’s going to college, starting a career, or joining the military,” he continued. “This strong improvement in our state’s graduation rate shows that when we focus on academic excellence and establish clear, personalized pathways, our students thrive.”

The 91.83% graduation rate bested the 90.23% record set in 2024 by 1.6 percentage points.

It represents the third straight year of post-pandemic improvement kicked off in 2023, when 88.98% graduated. Seniors recorded a decade-low graduation rate of 86.65% in 2022.

Indiana Education Secretary Katie Jenner speaks at the annual Dentons Legislative Conference on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, held at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle.

“As we continue to scale the new Indiana diploma and readiness seals statewide, we will not only strengthen the value of high school and help more students graduate, we will ensure that they are prepared to succeed in whatever path they choose for their future,” state Education Secretary Katie Jenner said.

Numerous student populations improved in the results released Tuesday, Jan. 6.

Almost 87% of Black students graduated in 2025, up 3 percentage points from the previous year, along with nearly 90% of Hispanic students, in a boost of 2 percentage points. White students improved to 93%, or by about 1.5 percentage points, and their multiracial classmates logged a graduation rate of 88%, up by 1 percentage point.

Seniors learning English, receiving free and reduced-price meals, and in special education also graduated at higher rates than the year prior – but still lagged their native speaker, paid lunch and general education peers.

The rate of students who graduated without waivers additionally cleared 90%. Students who do not complete or pass some graduation requirements can still qualify for a diploma if they demonstrate knowledge or skill.

The waivers are intended to help students with special circumstances, like those who’ve transferred to a new school or who have attempted to pass competency tests at least three times.