Benefit All Americans One Kid at a Time

**The High Cost of Dropping Out: The Far-Reaching Consequences of Failing to Complete High School**

Dropping out of high school is a decision that carries significant long-term consequences, both for individuals and society as a whole. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017 Current Population Survey (CPS) reveals stark differences in the financial and social outcomes between high school dropouts and those who achieve higher levels of education.

One of the most immediate impacts of not completing high school is on earning potential. The CPS data shows that the median earnings of full-time workers aged 25 to 34 who did not finish high school were just $26,000 per year. In contrast, those with a high school diploma earned a median of $32,000 annually, while individuals with an associate's degree earned $39,000. The most significant difference is seen among those with a bachelor’s degree or higher, whose median earnings reached $55,000. This clear income disparity underscores the importance of completing high school as a critical step toward financial stability and upward mobility.

Employment prospects are also considerably affected by educational attainment. The unemployment rate for high school dropouts in the 25 to 34 age group was 13 percent, nearly double the 7 percent unemployment rate for those with a high school diploma. This difference highlights the challenges that dropouts face in securing steady, well-paying jobs, which further exacerbates income inequality and economic instability.

Beyond financial implications, dropping out of high school is linked to poorer health outcomes. Research indicates that adults who did not complete high school report worse health than their peers who graduated, regardless of income level. This suggests that the lack of a high school diploma is a significant factor in long-term health disparities.

The societal costs of high school dropouts are also substantial. Dropouts are overrepresented in the nation's institutionalized population, including prisons and detention centers. Moreover, each high school dropout costs the economy approximately $272,000 over their lifetime. This figure includes lost tax revenue, increased reliance on public assistance programs like Medicaid and Medicare, higher rates of criminal activity, and greater dependency on welfare.

In summary, the decision to drop out of high school has profound negative consequences that extend well beyond individual financial hardship. It affects employability, health, and overall quality of life while placing a significant economic burden on society. These findings highlight the critical importance of supporting educational attainment and providing resources to keep students in school, as doing so benefits not only the individual but society at large.