Study: High School Dropouts Costing Green Country Big Bucks

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, OK -- You've heard it pays to stay in school. Well, a new study shows dropouts aren't the only ones losing money.

State Farm Insurance presented its research to local school and business leaders Wednesday. It says more than 4,000 students in the Tulsa metro dropped out before graduating with their class in 2008.

And, according to the study they're costing area communities a lot of money.

"Twenty-five million dollars just in revenue from sales in every given year," said John Wiscaver, State Farm Oklahoma Public Affairs Director. "Everything from homes to autos to the merchandise we buy by not having people that are able to get the kind of employment that will allow them to become consumers."

According to the state, just about 76% of Oklahoma students graduate in four years. Wednesday, local leaders talked about different ideas to help more students get their diplomas.