# 15 Important Education Statistics and Facts You Should Know | Capterra > Here are fifteen important statistics and facts to let you know what is influencing our education system today. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/15-important-education-statistics-and-facts-you-should-know --- # 15 Important Education Statistics and Facts You Should Know By Nick Morpus Nick Morpus Nick Morpus is a former Capterra analyst. [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/nmorpus/) Published January 12, 2017 3 min read Table of Contents - [What Important Education Statistics Do You Know?](#what-important-education-statistics-do-you-know) > _“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.”_ > > \- [Barack Obama](http://www.azquotes.com/author/11023-Barack_Obama/tag/education) [Study](http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/02/02/u-s-students-improving-slowly-in-math-and-science-but-still-lagging-internationally/) after [study](http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/12/03/248329823/u-s-high-school-students-slide-in-math-reading-science) 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](http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/262781-obama-signs-education-reform-bill) 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](https://www.capterra.com/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](https://www.gartner.com/document/3557217?ref=solrAll&refval=178739772&qid=dde7d8703a803e6eacec44523050fcbf)) **2\. Those held back in their grade decreased for white (-0.5%) and black (-1.5%) students between 1994 and 2014.** (Source: [NCES](https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2016/2016007.pdf)) **3\. Public schools now spend over $3 billion per year on digital educational content as of 2017.** (Source: [Education Week](http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/technology-in-education/)) **4\. Elementary/secondary enrollment increased 6% between 1996 and 2010; Projected to increase 7% by 2021.** (Source: [NCES](https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2013/2013008.pdf)) _(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](https://www.cbinsights.com/blog/ed-tech-funding-record-2014/)) **6\. Only 18% of women major in computer science degrees at colleges and universities.** (Source: [National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2015/nsf15311/digest/nsf15311-digest.pdf)) **7\. The dropout rate in American high schools plummeted from 12.1% in 1990 to 6.5% in 2014.** (Source: [NCES](https://nces.ed.gov/FastFacts/display.asp?id=16)) **8\. Total student loan debt reached $1.3 trillion in 2016; an average of $37,172 per student.** (Source: [Student Loan Hero](https://studentloanhero.com/student-loan-debt-statistics/)) **9\. Enrollment in grades 9-12 increased 15% between 1996 and 2010; it’s projected to increase 3% by 2021.** (Source: [NCES](https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2013/2013008.pdf)) **10\. The high school graduation rate reached an all-time high of 83% in 2014-2015.** (Source: [NPR](http://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2016/10/17/498246451/the-high-school-graduation-reaches-a-record-high-again)) **11\. 2015-2016 was the first year with more state testing delivered via technology rather paper.** (Source: [EdWeek](http://www.edweek.org/ew/issues/technology-in-education/)) **12\. 85% of teachers believe virtual reality will have a positive effect on their students.** (Source: [EdTech Magazine](http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2016/07/teachers-want-see-more-virtual-reality-their-classrooms-infographic)) _(Image by EdTech Magazine)_ **13\. Only 2% of teachers are currently using virtual reality in the classroom.** (Source: [EdTech Magazine](http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2016/07/teachers-want-see-more-virtual-reality-their-classrooms-infographic)) **14\. In 2012-2013, bachelor’s degrees in the field of business were conferred more than any other field.** (Source: [NCES](https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2016/2016007.pdf)) **15\. The United States is on track to reaching a 90% graduation rate by the year 2020.** (Source: [GradNation](http://gradnation.americaspromise.org/report/2015-building-grad-nation-report)) ## 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. ## Capterra's 2026 Software Buying Trends Report ### Download our 2026 Software Buying Trends Report to see how successful software adopters avoid disappointment and how your business can, too. * * * Looking for School Management software?Check out Capterra's list of the [best School Management software](https://www.capterra.com/school-administration-software/) solutions. ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### Nick Morpus](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/nmorpus/) Nick Morpus is a former Capterra analyst. ### RELATED READING - [5 Key Learning Management Software (LMS) Features With Top Products That Offer Them](https://www.capterra.com/resources/key-features-of-learning-management-system/) - [How To Choose an LMS With Confidence: Insights From Real Buyers](https://www.capterra.com/resources/learning-management-software-buyer-insight/) - [7 Top-Rated AI Learning Management System Software](https://www.capterra.com/resources/ai-learning-management-system/) - [What Is LMS Software? 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