In 2025, education data revealed both significant opportunities and persistent challenges. EdSurge’s analysis of the year’s most-clicked charts highlights shifting priorities, evolving anxieties, and critical gaps in student achievement. The most-read data points centered on college affordability, reading scores, and enrollment shifts, reflecting broader trends in the education landscape.
The Rising Cost of College and Degree Value
The biggest driver of engagement was data on college majors with high starting salaries. Analysis of the College Scorecard showed that fields like naval architecture consistently lead in earnings—a surprising finding given the dominance of computer science and medicine in public perception.
The United States Marine Merchant Academy had the highest median starting salary, near $96,800.
This data reflects growing skepticism about the return on investment for higher education. Gallup polling shows that fewer young adults consider college “very important,” and experts like Bethany Hubert of Going Merry suggest Gen Z sees college as a gamble rather than a guarantee.
Why this matters: Student debt is a major concern. The value proposition of a degree is increasingly questioned, especially for low-income and first-generation students who face greater financial barriers.
Declining Reading Scores and Parental Involvement
The second most-read data set focused on tumbling reading scores. The National Assessment of Educational Progress showed a third consecutive decline in fourth and eighth-grade reading scores. The NCES commissioner described this trend as “sobering.”
EdSurge’s visualizations highlighted stark demographic gaps: White and Asian students consistently scored above average, while Black, Hispanic, and Native American students lagged behind.
A Study.com poll of 700 teachers showed that the biggest factor in these declines was a lack of parental involvement. Dana Bryson, then SVP of Social Impact at Study.com, emphasized that access barriers—such as language and technology—prevent some parents from supporting their children’s education.
Why this matters: Reading proficiency is foundational for academic success. The data reinforces the need for interventions that address both systemic inequalities and practical barriers to parental engagement.
Enrollment Shifts: Charter Growth and Public School Declines
The fourth-most-read data set examined enrollment trends in the country’s 100 largest districts. IDEA Public Schools in Texas saw a 55 percent increase (34,300 to 76,800 students) between 2020 and 2024, while Fort Worth and Aldine in Texas lost 14 percent of their students.
Experts predict that these shifts will accelerate in 2026 with the expansion of federal tax-credit programs favoring school choice. Melissa Mackedon, executive director of Nevada’s State Public Charter School Authority, stated that parent demand is driving charter school growth, as families seek more individualized educational options.
Why this matters: These numbers signal a shift in the education landscape. Traditional public schools face increasing competition from charter and private alternatives, driven by parental demand for greater flexibility and choice.
In conclusion, 2025’s education data revealed a complex mix of financial concerns, academic gaps, and shifting enrollment patterns. The key takeaway is that the future of education will depend on addressing affordability, improving foundational skills, and adapting to the growing demand for tailored learning experiences.
