Milwaukee Public Schools See Rise in Graduation Rates and College Enrollment
More students from Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) are graduating high school and subsequently enrolling in higher education, with significant increases observed in attendance at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). While the overall MPS four-year…
Milwaukee, WI, August 8, 2026 —
Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) is reporting a notable increase in its four-year high school graduation rate, which has reached a record high of 72%. This rise in academic achievement is paralleling a significant uptick in the number of MPS graduates pursuing higher education, particularly at local institutions such as Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM).
Despite the record high, the MPS graduation rate of 72% remains below the statewide average. School officials and education experts are examining various factors that may be contributing to the upward trend in graduations and subsequent college enrollment.
Among the key factors cited is the return to in-person learning following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The structured environment and direct engagement with educators associated with in-person schooling are believed to have positively impacted student progress and motivation.
MPS has also implemented and expanded programs designed to support students in overcoming academic hurdles and finding alternative routes to graduation. These initiatives include credit recovery options, which allow students to make up failed courses, and alternative pathways programs that provide different educational models tailored to student needs and learning styles. These programs aim to ensure that more students have the opportunity to earn their diplomas.
Furthermore, efforts to streamline the college application process appear to be having an effect. The Direct Admission program, for instance, is designed to simplify the transition from high school to college by pre-qualifying eligible students for admission to partner institutions. This initiative removes significant barriers for students who might otherwise be deterred by the complexities of the application process.
The increased enrollment at MATC and UWM suggests that these combined efforts are effectively preparing a larger cohort of MPS graduates for post-secondary education and encouraging them to take advantage of the educational opportunities available in the Milwaukee area.
Story summarized from the original created by Terry Falk on urbanmilwaukee.com, see more information here.
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