“In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity—it is a prerequisite.”
Study after study hammers the United States on our science and math scores when compared to the rest of the world, which has lead to many educational reforms over the years. Sadly, it is common knowledge that our education system lags behind much of the developed world.
On a more positive note, the following statistics serve as a glimmer of hope for our education system, from rising high school graduation rates to increases in education technology funding (perhaps for new school administration software).
Here are some important statistics and facts you should know about the current and future condition of our education system.
1. Virtual reality & augmented reality are set to make a significant impact in higher education in 2017. (Source: Gartner)
2. Those held back in their grade decreased for white (-0.5%) and black (-1.5%) students between 1994 and 2014. (Source: NCES)
3. Public schools now spend over $3 billion per year on digital educational content as of 2017. (Source: Education Week)
4. Elementary/secondary enrollment increased 6% between 1996 and 2010; Projected to increase 7% by 2021. (Source: NCES)
(Image by NCES)
5. Funding for educational tech made a huge jump of 55% in 2014 and has continued to grow in recent years. (Source: CB Insights)
6. Only 18% of women major in computer science degrees at colleges and universities. (Source: National Science Foundation)
7. The dropout rate in American high schools plummeted from 12.1% in 1990 to 6.5% in 2014. (Source: NCES)
8. Total student loan debt reached $1.3 trillion in 2016; an average of $37,172 per student. (Source: Student Loan Hero)
9. Enrollment in grades 9-12 increased 15% between 1996 and 2010; it’s projected to increase 3% by 2021. (Source: NCES)
10. The high school graduation rate reached an all-time high of 83% in 2014-2015. (Source: NPR)
11. 2015-2016 was the first year with more state testing delivered via technology rather paper. (Source: EdWeek)
12. 85% of teachers believe virtual reality will have a positive effect on their students. (Source: EdTech Magazine)
(Image by EdTech Magazine)
13. Only 2% of teachers are currently using virtual reality in the classroom. (Source: EdTech Magazine)
14. In 2012-2013, bachelor’s degrees in the field of business were conferred more than any other field. (Source: NCES)
15. The United States is on track to reaching a 90% graduation rate by the year 2020. (Source: GradNation)
What Important Education Statistics Do You Know?
While not set in stone, this information paints a positive picture for the future of education so long as many of these trends hold, while other negative ones reverse.