Dropouts rates

Dropping out of high school is related to a number of negative outcomes, and for example, the median income of high school dropouts age 18 and over was $12,184 in 2003. Also by comparison, the median income of those age 18 and over who completed their education with a high school credential (including a General Educational Development certificate, or GED) was $20,431.
Dropouts rates lately have been increasing, students just dont see the importance in going to school and making something out of themselves. Because truthfully without a degree or diploma there is no real good paying job for you, that will get you where you wanna be at

http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/droppub_2001/