Indiana's graduation rate reaches all-time high, latest 'Kids Count' data report shows

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Indiana saw progress in education and early literacy rates among kids and its its highest graduation rate on record, new data released Monday showed

Each year, the "Kids Count" data book takes a deeper look at how children are doing in key areas such as health, education and wellbeing. Experts called this year's data "positive."

According to the Indiana Youth Institute, the Hoosier state has the 14th-largest child population in the U.S., with more than 1.59 million children under the age of 18 reported in 2023.

Data from the 2026 Kids Count data book shows Indiana now ranks 11th in education, up from 17th.

In a news release Monday, leaders highlighted "meaningful gains" in early literacy and assessment results, reporting a roughly 5% increase in IREAD-3 proficiency from 82.5% in 2024 to 87.3%. That brings the state back to a pre-pandemic level passing rate.

Data shows ILEARN Math scores improved to 42.1% and ILEARN ELA held steady at 40.6%, remaining below pre-pandemic levels.

Additionally, the IYI's data shows Indiana's graduation rate increased for a third consecutive year to 91.8% for the class of 2025 — the highest graduation rate on record for the state, officials said. The data also shows fewer Hoosier students are going straight to college from high school. Immediate enrollment for the class of 2023 fell to 51.7%, "continuing a nine-year decline."

Leaders with the Indiana Youth Institute said these improvements have a big impact.

"They might sound somewhat minor, but the reality is they are a big deal because that reflects the impact, again, on hundreds of kids all across our state," said Dr. Tami Silverman, with the Indiana Youth Institute.

Though there is still room for improvement, Indiana improved its national ranking for health, moving up to 30th from 32nd last year.

Measuring youth mental health, data shows persistent sadness decreased to 29.9% in 2024, down from 35.7% in 2022. Indiana's national ranking for children at risk of depression remained unchanged at 16th. However, suicide "remains a critical concern" with deaths increasing from 143 to 152 in 2023.

Overall child wellbeing moved up from 27th in the country to 25th. The state also improved from 18th to 11th in economic wellbeing.

To read the full Kids County data book, click here for a link to download it.