Maryland High School Graduation Rates Decline as Hispanic Student Dropouts Rise

State education leaders cite Trump-era immigration policies as a contributing factor to the troubling trend.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:47am

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Maryland education officials report a more than 1% drop in the state's high school graduation rate, which they attribute to an increase in Hispanic and multilingual student dropouts. The 4-year graduation rate in 2025 fell to 86.4%, while the dropout rate jumped to nearly 10%, with Hispanic and multilingual students accounting for over half of those who left school.

Why it matters

The decline in graduation rates, particularly among vulnerable student populations, raises concerns about educational equity and the long-term impacts on Maryland's workforce and economy. Education leaders believe restrictive immigration policies enacted during the Trump administration have contributed to the troubling trend.

The details

According to state data, the increase in Hispanic and multilingual student dropouts was a key factor behind Maryland's overall graduation rate dropping by more than 1% in 2025. Baltimore City Public Schools had the lowest graduation rate in the state at 71.7%. While the specific reasons for the higher dropout rates are not fully clear, Maryland State Board of Education President Joshua Michael suggested the Trump administration's immigration policies have played a major role.

  • Maryland's high school graduation rate dropped to 86.4% in 2025.
  • The state's dropout rate jumped to nearly 10% in 2025.

The players

Joshua Michael

President of the Maryland State Board of Education.

Baltimore City Public Schools

The school district with the lowest graduation rate in the state at 71.7%.

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What they’re saying

“While the state does not have data to indicate what caused the dropout, Maryland State Board of Education President Joshua Michael said the immigration policies of the Trump administration are playing a major role.”

— Joshua Michael, President, Maryland State Board of Education

The takeaway

The decline in Maryland's high school graduation rates, particularly among Hispanic and multilingual students, underscores the need for policymakers to address educational equity and the impacts of restrictive immigration policies on vulnerable student populations.