Oregon's High School Graduation Rate Reaches Record High

State still lags behind national average, but sees gains across diverse student groups

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:55pm

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Oregon's high school graduation rate reached an all-time high of 83% for the class of 2025, up 1 percentage point from the previous year and 9 percentage points over the last decade. However, the state's graduation rate still trails the national average, which has hovered around 87% in recent years. The class of 2025 was the first to complete all four years of high school in person since the COVID-19 pandemic, and 19 of 23 student groups saw record graduation rates, including migrant students, special education students, and those experiencing poverty or homelessness.

Why it matters

Oregon's rising graduation rates, despite stagnant student proficiency levels, highlight the state's focus on supporting students to complete high school, even as challenges remain around participation in state assessments. The gains across diverse student groups also signal progress in addressing historical barriers to graduation.

The details

According to data from the Oregon Department of Education, the class of 2025 achieved the state's highest-ever on-time graduation rate at 83%, surpassing the previous record of 82.6% set by the class of 2020. This represents 1,546 more graduates than the previous year. Students who completed at least two credits in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program graduated at a record rate of 97.8%, 15.8 percentage points higher than the statewide average.

  • The class of 2025 was the first to complete all four years of high school in person since the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In November 2024, state education officials shared that a record 86.6% of Oregon's 9th graders during the 2024-25 school year were on track to graduate in four years.

The players

Charlene Williams

Director of the Oregon Department of Education.

Tina Kotek

Governor of Oregon.

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What they’re saying

“Achieving proficiency in core skills and graduating from high school create future possibilities for every child to reach their full potential. I'm grateful to our educators whose hard work is showing progress in these positive trends.”

— Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon

“This graduating class shows what's possible when students are supported and expectations are clear. Earning a diploma opens doors to college, careers, and opportunity, and today's graduation rate reflects the hard work of Oregon's students, families, educators, and communities. But it also reminds us that our work starts much earlier, with strong literacy, steady attendance, and the supports students need to stay on track from their first day of school to their last.”

— Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.