New Study Reveals Growing Dropout Problem

October 25th, 2007 - Parents for Educational Freedom in North Carolina

A recently released study from PEFNC and the Friedman Foundation revealed that North Carolina loses approximately $169 million each year from high school dropouts, translating to $8.5 billion dollars lost from just one year’s class over an expected lifetime of 50 years. These financial losses come in part from dropouts’ lower earning potential, reduced tax revenue and heavier reliance on government assistance programs such as Medicaid.

PEFNC President Darrell Allison noted that the results of the study call for change in the North Carolina educational system by stating, “We think this study really shows just how impacted we are by our dropout rate in North Carolina and highlights the real consequences for our families as well as our state. I also believe this study highlights the need for more educational options in North Carolina.”

People have long complained that our poor public schools are damaging society. This study provides some numbers to back that feeling up. The numbers prove it is worse than we ever imagined.