10 Most Educated States in U.S., Where Does Your State Rank?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Education is arguably one of the precursors to a high quality of life. Many developed countries are filled with educated workers, indicating the importance of education in most areas of economic growth. 

These most educated states in the U.S. exemplify the benefits of having an educated population to support the development of any state. 

10 Most Educated States in the USA 

This article discovers the 10 most educated states in the U.S. taking into account the attainment of higher education as cited by US News and World Population Review. 

1. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is the most educated state in the U.S., with 54% having an associate degree or higher. The state has the highest average college quality, as it is home to notable institutions such as Harvard and MIT. 

The percentage of bachelor's degree holders in Massachusetts shows the figure of 43%, while graduate or professional degree holders remain at 32.4%. These impressive numbers give the state's population access to high-paying jobs. As a result, Massachusetts is considered to have one of the highest median household incomes in the country.

2. Maryland 

Maryland is the second most educated state in the U.S., ranking 20th in education. About 40.2% of the state's population has at least a bachelor's degree, with the remaining 17.6% having a graduate or professional degree. 

3. Connecticut 

Connecticut is famous for being home to sports media giant ESPN, which has made a huge contribution to the state's economy. The state is also home to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the country, including Yale University, Fairfield University, and Wesleyan University.   

Connecticut ranks eighth in education with 38.9% of residents holding a bachelor's degree and 17.0% holding a graduate or professional degree. Some of the most prominent industries in the state are digital media, insurance, life sciences, and financial services. 

4. Colorado 

Colorado is one of the most educated states in the U.S., ranking fourth in higher education. At least 39.4% of the population in Colorado has a bachelor's degree, and 30.2% of residents have an associate's degree or some college experience. Some of the best colleges in Colorado include the Colorado School of Mines, the University of Colorado Border, and the University of Denver. 

5. Vermont 

Vermont's attainment of an associate's degree or higher reaches 53%, though the state ranks fairly low at 24th for education. However, the percentage of high school graduates is an impressive 93.07%. 

6. New Jersey

New Jersey's education ranking is quite high at fourth place with 50.2% of the state's population having an associate degree or higher. The state has notable major industries that support its economy, such as information and technology, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. 

Princeton University, The College of New Jersey, and Rutgers University are among the top universities located in New Jersey. 

7. Virginia 

Virginia is one of the most educated states in the U.S., ranking 10th in educational attainment. The state also has the fourth highest percentage of graduate or professional degree holders in the country with 16.1% of the total population. 

Virginia is home to exceptional universities such as James Madison University, Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, and the College of William & Mary. 

8. New Hampshire 

New Hampshire has 50.6% of its residents with an associate's degree or higher, ranking ninth in education. The state boasts one of the nation's top high-tech, biotech and medical research industries. 

According to 2019 and 2020 data, New Hampshire has consistently demonstrated the lowest unemployment rate of any state. 

9. Minnesota 

Minnesota is one of the most educated states in the U.S., with 51% of the population holding an associate's degree or higher. The percentage of high school graduates is even more impressive at 93.61% of the population. 

Major employers in Minnesota include Target, 3M, General Mills, The Mayo Clinic, and United Health Group. 

10. Washington 

Washington has a percentage of people with an associate degree or higher staying at 49.5% of the total population in the state. Washington is a haven with a large job market for STEM majors, including giant companies like Microsoft and Amazon. 

These most educated states in the U.S. have contributed a higher impact to the country's overall ranking in the education system. 

US News | World Population Review

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