The Excel Center

15.2% of adults in the U. S. lack a high school diploma. In 2011, the unemployment rate for high school dropouts was 14.1%, compared with 9.4% for high school graduates. Since the early 1970s, the share of jobs for high school dropouts has plunged from about 33% to 11%. As a result, high school dropouts struggle to maintain employment and are more likely to live in unstable families, to receive public assistance, and to be incarcerated. On average, compared with high school graduates, each dropout costs the U.S. economy $260,000 in lost earnings, taxes, and productivity over his/her lifetime. Future outcomes (e.g. annual income, unemployment rate) of GED recipients are no better than for high school dropouts. Median earnings of a high school graduate are 41% higher than for a dropout. Adding an industry-recognized certificate to a high school diploma will boost average earnings an additional 27%.