This report, ninth in a series, presents data for 1996 on high school dropout and persistence rates, and examines high school completion and graduation rates. In addition to extending time series data reported in earlier years, the report focuses on the characteristics of high school dropouts and school completers in 1996. Although the reporting of dropout statistics is no longer required by law, this report has been continued because of the importance of charting dropout behavior among America's youth. It is based on the best and most current data available, including the Current Population Survey of the Bureau of the Census. Five of every 100 young adults enrolled in high school in October 1995 left school before October of 1996 without completing a high school program. This estimate of 5% is on a par with those reported over the last 10 years. A larger percentage of Hispanic students, compared with Whites, leave school short of completing a high school program. Although the 6.7% rate for Black students falls between the rate of 9.0% for Hispanics and 4.1% for Whites, the differences are not significant. In addition, Hispanic young adults without a high school credential have completed less schooling than Black and White dropouts. In 1996, young adults living in families with incomes in the lowest 20% of all family incomes were twice as likely to drop out as their peers from families in the top 20%. While 96% of young adults from families with high incomes had a high school diploma, only about 75% of youths from low-income families reached this goal. Some young people re-enroll or complete high school credentials through alternative routes. The percent holding alternative certification has doubled from 4.9% in 1990 to 9.8% in 1996. These changes hold true throughout the country. Appendixes contain standard error and time series tables, technical notes, and supplemental tables. (Contains 17 tables and 5 figures.) (SLD)