Hawaiʻi’s public high schools reached new milestones in student achievement, with the class of 2025 posting the highest on-time graduation rate in state history, according to the latest College and Career Readiness Indicators (CCRI) report.
The report, which tracks outcomes for 11,899 graduates across 66 public and charter schools, shows that 87% of students graduated on time, surpassing the previous record set by the class of 2024.
In addition to improved graduation rates, the report highlights continued progress in postsecondary pathways, including enrollment within the University of Hawaiʻi system.
Approximately 3,958 graduates, about 33% of those enrolling in college, went on to attend a UH campus. Of those students, 18% enrolled at UH two-year colleges, while 16% attended four-year campuses.
Academic preparation
The CCRI report also provides insight into how well students are academically prepared upon entering UH. About 37% of students enrolled directly in college-level math courses, while 42% took college-level English. At the same time, a portion of incoming students either required below college-level coursework or did not enroll in math or English during their first term, signaling areas where further academic preparation may be needed.
More students are also participating in key academic assessments. ACT exam participation climbed to 76% statewide, up one percentage point, suggesting broader engagement in college entrance testing.
Career-focused education saw notable growth as well. The percentage of students completing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs increased to 66%, up 3%. These programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce or further specialized training.
While gains were recorded across several categories, the report notes that readiness benchmarks—such as ACT college-ready scores in English, math and science—remain an area for ongoing improvement.
The CCRI is released annually by Hawaiʻi P–20 Partnerships for Education (Hawaiʻi P–20), in collaboration with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDEO) and the University of Hawaiʻi.
