South Carolina reports 85% high school graduation rate but only 72% college career ready

The South Carolina Finance Committee convened on April 29, 2025, to discuss critical educational metrics and initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes. The meeting highlighted the state's high school graduation rates and the readiness of graduates for college and careers.

The committee began by reviewing the graduation statistics for the class of 2024, reporting an impressive 85.4% on-time graduation rate. However, concerns were raised regarding the college and career readiness of these graduates, with only 72% deemed ready for the next steps in their educational or professional journeys. This disparity prompted discussions about the effectiveness of current educational standards and the value of a high school diploma.

Committee members expressed frustration over the fact that while a significant number of students graduate, a substantial portion lacks the necessary skills and credentials to succeed in higher education or the workforce. One member pointedly questioned the implications of these statistics, asking, "What in the hell are we doing wrong in South Carolina?" This sentiment underscored the urgency for the committee to address the gap between graduation and readiness.

The committee also discussed ongoing projects, including a new dashboard designed to provide comprehensive data on student performance and needs across various educational stages. This tool aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the education system, allowing stakeholders to analyze spending versus performance at individual schools.

Chronic absenteeism was identified as another pressing issue, with reports indicating that 23% of students were chronically absent during the 2022-2023 school year. This trend is believed to negatively impact academic performance and overall student success.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the need for continued efforts to improve educational outcomes in South Carolina. The committee plans to further explore these issues and engage with stakeholders to develop actionable strategies. Members were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new dashboard to better understand the challenges and successes within the state's education system.