United States Secondary Enrollment
School enrollment, secondary (% gross) SE.SEC.ENRR
United States's secondary enrollment was 98.47% in 2025, ranked 71st globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2005–2025.
Overview
United States's secondary enrollment stood at 98.47% in 2025, a rise of +0.99pp from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.47% by 2025. United States ranked 71st globally.
The United States’ secondary‑school enrollment rate reached 98.47 % in 2025, placing it 71st globally and slightly below the 2021 all‑time peak of 101.19 % that marked a brief over‑coverage of secondary seats. Since the earliest recorded figure in 2005 of 95.05 %, enrollment has risen steadily, reflecting expanded access to high‑school curricula across the 12‑year coverage span. The upward trajectory mirrors that of peer nations such as Cabo Verde, which records 98.78 %, and Qatar at 98.43 %, suggesting that even high‑income economies experience modest gains as policy emphasis shifts toward universal secondary education. Nevertheless, the United States remains marginally below the peak level achieved during the pandemic‑era surge, indicating that post‑COVID adjustments in funding and curriculum delivery have not fully sustained the temporary excess. Continued investment in school infrastructure and targeted outreach to underserved communities will be critical to maintain the gradual increase and potentially surpass the 2021 high.
Data & projection
| Year | Secondary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 98.47% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.47% | +0.99pp | #71 |
| 2022 | 97.47% | −3.72pp | #64 |
| 2021 | 101.19% | +0.68pp | #56 |
| 2020 | 100.51% | +0.45pp | #58 |
| 2019 | 100.06% | +0.79pp | #63 |
| 2018 | 99.28% | +0.32pp | #64 |
| 2017 | 98.95% | +0.18pp | #62 |
| 2016 | 98.77% | +1.12pp | #60 |
| 2015 | 97.65% | +0.73pp | #67 |
| 2014 | 96.92% | +0.74pp | #64 |
| 2013 | 96.19% | +1.13pp | #59 |
| 2005 | 95.05% | – | #44 |
Analysis
United States's secondary enrollment was 98.47% in 2025, a rise of +0.99pp from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 98.47% by 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
United States's secondary enrollment was 98.47% in 2025. Ranked 71st globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
United States's secondary enrollment peaked at 101.19% in 2021.
The lowest secondary enrollment in United States was 95.05% in 2005.
United States ranks 71st globally in secondary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.SEC.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
United States's secondary enrollment is projected to reach 98.47% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The secondary enrollment of United States in 2025 was 98.47%. This ranks 71st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-states_secondary-enrollment,
title = {United States Secondary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-states/secondary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}