In that year, about 53 percent of the graduates were females. During World War II, the graduation ratio dipped as some young men left school to join the armed forces. Immediately after the war, the graduation ratio resumed its upward trend, reaching 70 percent in 1959-60. A peak ratio of 77 percent was attained at the end of the 1960s. After falling to around 71 percent in 1979-80, the ratio has returned to about the same level as the late 1960s.
More students now obtain diplomas through non-traditional programs than in the earlier years.
If these graduates were included, the total graduation ratio for young adults might now be higher than ever. Today, public schools derive most of their funds from state and local governments. Smaller amounts of federal funds are directed to specific programs, such as those for disabled or educationally disadvantaged children. The federal government provided less than 1 percent. During the post-war period, the proportions from state and federal governments began to rise, while the local proportion declined.