Indiana continued its upward graduation rate climb with nearly 92% of 2025 high school seniors earning a diploma, according to results released Monday by the state Department of Education.
State officials said the mark represents a new record, eclipsing the 2024 graduation rate of 90.23%.
It’s also the third consecutive year of increased graduation rates.
The graduation rate of students who didn’t need waivers improved from 87.53% in 2024 to 90.34% in 2025, a 2.81 percentage point improvement.
The state allows students to earn a diploma without completing or passing some graduation requirements if they demonstrate knowledge or skill.
Recently, the state set caps on the percentage of graduation waivers that can be counted toward a school’s graduation rate to lower the reliance on the waivers.
Locally, all nine high schools in Porter County topped the state graduation rate of 91.83%. In Lake County, 12 of 17 schools beat the state average.
The 2025 graduates at Lake Station Edison High posted the biggest traditional school increase, shifting 15 points from 71% in 2024 to 86.14% last year.
Lake Station Edison High Principal Diana Flanagan said: “The increase in our graduation rate reflects a more intentional approach to supporting students early and consistently. By identifying needs sooner, expanding credit recovery, and offering flexible and alternative pathways, we were able to keep more students on track,” she said.
“Most importantly, we shifted our focus toward connection over compliance, maintaining high expectations while building strong relationships and helping students take ownership of their learning. That balance of accountability and support has made a meaningful difference. At the heart of this improvement is truly knowing our students and understanding the barriers they face each day. When students feel seen, supported, and believed in, they rise to meet expectations. When they know you care, they care.”
Gary’s 21st Century Charter School improved more than 18 points from 79% in 2024 to 97.62% last year.
In Porter County, Washington Township posted a 100% graduation rate. Andrean and Illiana Christian, both private schools, also had 100% rates.
Statewide, graduation rates increased for every student population, including:
Black students — from 83.88% in 2024 to 86.90% in 2025.
Hispanic students — from 87.83% to 89.90%.
White students — from 91.89% to 93.36%.
English learners — from 89.48% to 92.38%.
Special education students — from 85.30% 88.05%.
Students receiving free/reduced lunch — from 91.52% to 93.34%.
“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,” said state Secretary of Education Katie Jenner.
The state is preparing new diploma standards that take effect with the Class of 2029 and a new school accountability system.
“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,” said Gov. Mike Braun in the release.
“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.”
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
2025 Indiana graduation rate*
State: 91.83%
Lake County
2024 2025
Hanover Central 94.3% 96.92%
River Forest 89% 97.64%
Merrillville 94% 92.31%
Lake Central 96% 96.51%
Lowell 98% 99.19%
Calumet 94% 97.95%
Crown Point 98% 98.77%
East Chicago 89% 90%
Lake Station 71% 86.14%
Gary West Side 65% 59.42%
Griffith 92% 93.01%
Hammond Central 77% 80.07%
Hammond Morton 74% 75.65%
Highland 98% 95.30%
Hobart 90% 94.54%
Munster 98% 98.07%
Whiting 97% 92.31%
Porter County
Hebron 96% 97.78%
Chesterton 98% 99.16%
Morgan Twp. 93% 98.36%
Kouts 92% 94.12%
Washington Twp. 100% 100%
Boone Grove 100% 97.04%
Wheeler 98% 98.88%
Portage 96% 94.07%
Valparaiso 99% 99.23%
Charter schools
Thea Bowman 95% 71.43%
Gary Lighthouse 85% 82.42%
21st Century 79% 97.62%
HAST 97% 98.44%
Steel City Acad. 69% 80%
Private
Andrean 100% 100%
Bishop Noll 98% 92.97%
Illiana Christian 97% 100%
*Source: Indiana Department of Education
