BALTIMORE, MD—A new study by eLearning Industry has identified Maryland as one of the top 10 states where young people are leaving formal education, revealing a significant connection to student loan debt.
The research, which analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and Education Data Initiative, found that Maryland has the 10th highest high school dropout rate in the country. The study reported that 70,153 Maryland residents aged 16-24 were high school dropouts in 2023, a rate of 91 per 1,000 in that age group.
The findings, released by the e-learning platform, highlight a dual challenge for the state’s youth. Despite opting out of formal education, Maryland ranks first nationwide for average statewide student loan debt, with an average of $43,781 per borrower.
“These findings highlight the complex reality students face—those leaving school early still carry financial burdens tied to debt,” a spokesperson for eLearning Industry said in a statement. The study suggests this trend points to “systemic gaps in education, economic opportunity, and career pathways.”
The study did not specify whether the debt was incurred from high school or college, but the data ties financial burdens to those who are not completing a high school diploma.
The study aims to provide insight into the factors contributing to educational and economic disparities, offering a closer look at the intersection of high school dropout rates and financial burdens.
Photo via Pixabay
