INDIANA — Youth enrollment in Indiana’s education system reveals that the state is facing a decline in high school attendance and college enrollment. This trend falls below national averages. While the reasons for this are complex, they are linked to a combination of financial pressures, mental health challenges, and issues with school engagement.
The analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Education Data Initiative were used to identify the U.S. states with the largest high school dropout rates and their connection to student loan debt.
Declines in Attendance and Enrollment
High school attendance from 2019 to 2021 ranked Indiana among the top 10 states for the most significant decline in daily school attendance. The study cited factors such as mental health challenges, bullying, and logistical issues. The problem is particularly acute among high school students, with nearly one-third of Indiana seniors being chronically absent during the 2022-2023 school year.
The percentage of Indiana high school graduates enrolling directly in college has also been on a steady decline since 2012, reaching a historic low of 51.7% with the graduating class of 2023. This figure is notably lower than the national average and poses a threat to the state’s future economic growth.
Factors Contributing to the Decline
- Financial Pressures: Economic issues are a significant reason for students leaving formal education. Low-income students are more likely to drop out, often due to financial hardship or the need to support their families. Rising rates of youth homelessness in Indiana also impede academic performance.
- Disengagement and Relevance: Many young people leave school because they feel disengaged or find the curriculum irrelevant to their future goals. As the state places a greater emphasis on career credentials and work-based learning, some students may view a traditional college path as less essential.
The issue of “hidden dropouts” has also been a concern. A 2019 investigation by Chalkbeat revealed how some schools masked their actual dropout rates by marking struggling students as having left for homeschooling due to lax regulations. The state has since taken steps to close this loophole.
State Initiatives and Alternative Pathways
In response to these trends, Indiana has been developing and expanding alternative education options and support systems.
- High School Diploma Overhaul: The Indiana State Board of Education approved changes to the high school diploma in late 2024, which will take full effect in 2029. The updated requirements will focus on work-based learning and career readiness to provide students with practical, high-value skills.
- Alternative Schools: The state offers a variety of alternative education programs for students who fail in a traditional school environment. These can be online, embedded within a school, or on separate campuses, and include programs such as the Indiana Digital Alternative School.
- Out-of-School Programs: Community programs, such as those funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, provide academic enrichment and social development activities outside of regular school hours, including mentoring and other college and career readiness initiatives.
