Education: These grades suggest which states have the best and worst school systems.
24/7 Wall Street
Feb. 16, 2020, 7:00 a.m. ET
To rank states by the quality of their schools, 24/7 Wall St. created an index and took into account a variety of measures covering school funding, academic achievement, and enrollment.
1. Massachusetts
• High school graduation rate: 88.3% (tied –12th highest)
• Public school spending: $16,197 per pupil (7th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 58.4% (4th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 47.4% math; 44.7% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 44.5% (the highest)
Maenvirothon / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 88.3% (tied –12th highest)
• Public school spending: $16,197 per pupil (7th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 58.4% (4th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 47.4% math; 44.7% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 44.5% (the highest)
2. New Jersey
• High school graduation rate: 90.5% (2nd highest)
• Public school spending: $18,920 per pupil (3rd highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 62.1% (the highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 44.1% math; 42.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 40.8% (3rd highest)
Thoseguys119 / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 90.5% (2nd highest)
• Public school spending: $18,920 per pupil (3rd highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 62.1% (the highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 44.1% math; 42.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 40.8% (3rd highest)
3. Connecticut
• High school graduation rate: 87.9% (15th highest)
• Public school spending: $19,322 per pupil (2nd highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 61.7% (3rd highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 39.2% math; 41% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 39.6% (5th highest)
WestportWiki / Wikimedia Commons• High school graduation rate: 87.9% (15th highest)
• Public school spending: $19,322 per pupil (2nd highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 61.7% (3rd highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 39.2% math; 41% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 39.6% (5th highest)
4. New Hampshire
• High school graduation rate: 88.9% (10th highest)
• Public school spending: $15,683 per pupil (10th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 57.6% (5th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 38.5% math; 37.7% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 36.8% (9th highest)
Usdagov / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 88.9% (10th highest)
• Public school spending: $15,683 per pupil (10th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 57.6% (5th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 38.5% math; 37.7% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 36.8% (9th highest)
5. Vermont
• High school graduation rate: 89.1% (tied –8th highest)
• Public school spending: $18,290 per pupil (4th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 61.7% (2nd highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 38.3% math; 40.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 38.7% (7th highest)
Boumanm / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 89.1% (tied –8th highest)
• Public school spending: $18,290 per pupil (4th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 61.7% (2nd highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 38.3% math; 40.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 38.7% (7th highest)
6. Wyoming
• High school graduation rate: 86.2% (25th highest)
• Public school spending: $16,537 per pupil (6th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45% (25th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.1% math; 33.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 26.9% (9th lowest)
Wyofile / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 86.2% (25th highest)
• Public school spending: $16,537 per pupil (6th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45% (25th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.1% math; 33.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 26.9% (9th lowest)
7. Minnesota
• High school graduation rate: 82.7% (tied –17th lowest)
• Public school spending: $12,647 per pupil (17th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 49.6% (11th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 44.2% math; 34.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 36.7% (10th highest)
Diversey / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 82.7% (tied –17th lowest)
• Public school spending: $12,647 per pupil (17th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 49.6% (11th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 44.2% math; 34.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 36.7% (10th highest)
8. Nebraska
• High school graduation rate: 89.1% (tied –8th highest)
• Public school spending: $12,579 per pupil (19th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 43.3% (19th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 36.9% math; 33.8% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 32.4% (19th highest)
Vwcampin / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 89.1% (tied –8th highest)
• Public school spending: $12,579 per pupil (19th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 43.3% (19th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 36.9% math; 33.8% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 32.4% (19th highest)
9. Pennsylvania
• High school graduation rate: 86.6% (tied –22nd highest)
• Public school spending: $15,798 per pupil (9th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 46.9% (17th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 38.6% math; 35.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.8% (22nd highest)
CynthiaAnnF / Getty Images• High school graduation rate: 86.6% (tied –22nd highest)
• Public school spending: $15,798 per pupil (9th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 46.9% (17th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 38.6% math; 35.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.8% (22nd highest)
10. Virginia
• High school graduation rate: 86.9% (tied –19th highest)
• Public school spending: $11,886 per pupil (24th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 48.1% (14th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.8% math; 33.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 39.3% (6th highest)
Image Source / Getty Images• High school graduation rate: 86.9% (tied –19th highest)
• Public school spending: $11,886 per pupil (24th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 48.1% (14th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.8% math; 33.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 39.3% (6th highest)
11. Wisconsin
• High school graduation rate: 88.6% (11th highest)
• Public school spending: $11,968 per pupil (22nd highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 37.1% (7th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 41.3% math; 38.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 30% (22nd lowest)
Mulad / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 88.6% (11th highest)
• Public school spending: $11,968 per pupil (22nd highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 37.1% (7th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 41.3% math; 38.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 30% (22nd lowest)
12. Illinois
• High school graduation rate: 87% (18th highest)
• Public school spending: $15,337 per pupil (11th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 54.2% (7th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 33.8% math; 35.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 35.1% (12th highest)
Stevegeer / Getty Images• High school graduation rate: 87% (18th highest)
• Public school spending: $15,337 per pupil (11th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 54.2% (7th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 33.8% math; 35.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 35.1% (12th highest)
13. Maryland
• High school graduation rate: 87.7% (16th highest)
• Public school spending: $14,848 per pupil (13th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 47.6% (15th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 32.6% math; 36% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 40.8% (3rd highest)
Mdgovpics / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 87.7% (16th highest)
• Public school spending: $14,848 per pupil (13th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 47.6% (15th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 32.6% math; 36% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 40.8% (3rd highest)
14. Maine
• High school graduation rate: 86.9% (tied –19th highest)
• Public school spending: $13,690 per pupil (16th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 53.5% (8th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 33.6% math; 35.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.5% (24th highest)
Eaglebrook / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 86.9% (tied –19th highest)
• Public school spending: $13,690 per pupil (16th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 53.5% (8th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 33.6% math; 35.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.5% (24th highest)
15. Iowa
• High school graduation rate: 91% (the highest)
• Public school spending: $11,461 per pupil (25th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.4% (21st highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 32.6% math; 32.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29% (16th lowest)
Tabor-roeder / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 91% (the highest)
• Public school spending: $11,461 per pupil (25th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.4% (21st highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 32.6% math; 32.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29% (16th lowest)
16. New York
• High school graduation rate: 81.8% (12th lowest)
• Public school spending: $23,091 per pupil (the highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 55% (6th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 33.5% math; 32.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 37.2% (8th highest)
Lisa-Blue / Getty Images• High school graduation rate: 81.8% (12th lowest)
• Public school spending: $23,091 per pupil (the highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 55% (6th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 33.5% math; 32.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 37.2% (8th highest)
17. Colorado
• High school graduation rate: 79.1% (6th lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,809 per pupil (12th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 49.9% (9th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 36.9% math; 37.7% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 41.7% (2nd highest)
Denverjeffrey / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 79.1% (6th lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,809 per pupil (12th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 49.9% (9th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 36.9% math; 37.7% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 41.7% (2nd highest)
18. Indiana
• High school graduation rate: 83.8% (21st lowest)
• Public school spending: $10,045 per pupil (16th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 37.7% (8th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.4% math; 37% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 27.1% (10th lowest)
Roberto Galan / Getty Images• High school graduation rate: 83.8% (21st lowest)
• Public school spending: $10,045 per pupil (16th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 37.7% (8th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.4% math; 37% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 27.1% (10th lowest)
19. Ohio
• High school graduation rate: 84.2% (23rd lowest)
• Public school spending: $12,645 per pupil (18th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 43.6% (21st lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.5% math; 38.1% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29% (16th lowest)
Dok1 / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 84.2% (23rd lowest)
• Public school spending: $12,645 per pupil (18th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 43.6% (21st lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.5% math; 38.1% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29% (16th lowest)
20. Montana
• High school graduation rate: 85.8% (24th lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,443 per pupil (24th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 41.4% (17th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 35.7% math; 34.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.7% (23rd highest)
Timevanson / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 85.8% (24th lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,443 per pupil (24th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 41.4% (17th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 35.7% math; 34.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.7% (23rd highest)
21. Delaware
• High school graduation rate: 86.9% (tied –19th highest)
• Public school spending: $15,302 per pupil (12th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 48.7% (12th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29.2% math; 31% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.3% (25th highest)
Senatorchriscoons / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 86.9% (tied –19th highest)
• Public school spending: $15,302 per pupil (12th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 48.7% (12th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29.2% math; 31% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.3% (25th highest)
22. Utah
• High school graduation rate: 86% (25th lowest)
• Public school spending: $7,179 per pupil (the lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 38% (10th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.3% math; 37.8% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 34.9% (13th highest)
Sadsnaps / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 86% (25th lowest)
• Public school spending: $7,179 per pupil (the lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 38% (10th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.3% math; 37.8% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 34.9% (13th highest)
23. Florida
• High school graduation rate: 82.3% (13th lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,075 per pupil (7th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 49.9% (10th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 30.6% math; 33.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 30.4% (25th lowest)
Kali9 / Getty Images• High school graduation rate: 82.3% (13th lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,075 per pupil (7th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 49.9% (10th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 30.6% math; 33.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 30.4% (25th lowest)
24. Washington
• High school graduation rate: 79.4% (7th lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,989 per pupil (21st highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45% (25th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 40% math; 38.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 36.7% (10th highest)
Architectsea / Wikimedia Commons• High school graduation rate: 79.4% (7th lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,989 per pupil (21st highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45% (25th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 40% math; 38.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 36.7% (10th highest)
25. North Carolina
• High school graduation rate: 86.6% (tied –22nd highest)
• Public school spending: $9,072 per pupil (6th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 43.8% (22nd lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 36.5% math; 32.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.9% (20th highest)
Trailersoftheeastcoast / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 86.6% (tied –22nd highest)
• Public school spending: $9,072 per pupil (6th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 43.8% (22nd lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 36.5% math; 32.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.9% (20th highest)
26. Missouri
• High school graduation rate: 88.3% (tied –12th highest)
• Public school spending: $10,589 per pupil (19th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 47% (16th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31.6% math; 33.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.5% (18th lowest)
Pacificlegalfoundation / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 88.3% (tied –12th highest)
• Public school spending: $10,589 per pupil (19th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 47% (16th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31.6% math; 33.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.5% (18th lowest)
27. South Dakota
• High school graduation rate: 83.7% (20th lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,939 per pupil (14th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 37.8% (9th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 39.4% math; 31.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.2% (17th lowest)
Thenationalguard / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 83.7% (20th lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,939 per pupil (14th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 37.8% (9th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 39.4% math; 31.9% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.2% (17th lowest)
28. Rhode Island
• High school graduation rate: 84.1% (22nd lowest)
• Public school spending: $15,943 per pupil (8th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 33.9% (the lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29.5% math; 35% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 34.4% (14th highest)
Usnavy / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 84.1% (22nd lowest)
• Public school spending: $15,943 per pupil (8th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 33.9% (the lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29.5% math; 35% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 34.4% (14th highest)
29. Kentucky
• High school graduation rate: 89.7% (tied –4th highest)
• Public school spending: $10,121 per pupil (17th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 42.7% (18th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29% math; 33.4% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 24.8% (5th lowest)
Local_louisville / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 89.7% (tied –4th highest)
• Public school spending: $10,121 per pupil (17th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 42.7% (18th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29% math; 33.4% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 24.8% (5th lowest)
30. Kansas
• High school graduation rate: 86.5% (24th highest)
• Public school spending: $10,961 per pupil (21st lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.8% (19th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 32.9% math; 32.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 33.8% (17th highest)
Ichabod / Wikimedia Commons• High school graduation rate: 86.5% (24th highest)
• Public school spending: $10,961 per pupil (21st lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.8% (19th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 32.9% math; 32.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 33.8% (17th highest)
31. North Dakota
• High school graduation rate: 87.2% (17th highest)
• Public school spending: $13,760 per pupil (15th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 38.5% (11th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.4% math; 31.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.7% (21st lowest)
Fargo_Public_Schools / Wikimedia Commons• High school graduation rate: 87.2% (17th highest)
• Public school spending: $13,760 per pupil (15th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 38.5% (11th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.4% math; 31.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.7% (21st lowest)
32. Tennessee
• High school graduation rate: 89.8% (3rd highest)
• Public school spending: $9,184 per pupil (8th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 35.3% (5th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31.2% math; 31.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 27.5% (11th lowest)
TennesseePhotographer / Getty Images• High school graduation rate: 89.8% (3rd highest)
• Public school spending: $9,184 per pupil (8th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 35.3% (5th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31.2% math; 31.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 27.5% (11th lowest)
33. Idaho
• High school graduation rate: 79.7% (8th lowest)
• Public school spending: $7,486 per pupil (2nd lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 36% (6th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.3% math; 37.1% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 27.7% (13th lowest)
Forestservicenw / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 79.7% (8th lowest)
• Public school spending: $7,486 per pupil (2nd lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 36% (6th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 37.3% math; 37.1% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 27.7% (13th lowest)
34. Arkansas
• High school graduation rate: 88% (14th highest)
• Public school spending: $9,967 per pupil (15th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.4% (22nd highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 27.3% math; 29.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 23.3% (3rd lowest)
Americaspower / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 88% (14th highest)
• Public school spending: $9,967 per pupil (15th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.4% (22nd highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 27.3% math; 29.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 23.3% (3rd lowest)
35. California
• High school graduation rate: 82.7% (tied –17th lowest)
• Public school spending: $12,143 per pupil (20th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.6% (20th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 28.5% math; 29.8% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 34.2% (15th highest)
Auntylaurie / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 82.7% (tied –17th lowest)
• Public school spending: $12,143 per pupil (20th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.6% (20th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 28.5% math; 29.8% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 34.2% (15th highest)
36. Texas
• High school graduation rate: 89.7% (tied –4th highest)
• Public school spending: $9,375 per pupil (10th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 38.7% (12th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29.6% math; 25% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 30.3% (24th lowest)
Number7cloud / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 89.7% (tied –4th highest)
• Public school spending: $9,375 per pupil (10th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 38.7% (12th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29.6% math; 25% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 30.3% (24th lowest)
37. Georgia
• High school graduation rate: 80.6% (10th lowest)
• Public school spending: $10,205 per pupil (18th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 46.1% (18th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31.1% math; 32.1% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.9% (20th highest)
Leeco / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 80.6% (10th lowest)
• Public school spending: $10,205 per pupil (18th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 46.1% (18th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31.1% math; 32.1% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 31.9% (20th highest)
38. Michigan
• High school graduation rate: 80.2% (9th lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,907 per pupil (23rd highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 43.5% (20th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31% math; 31.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.6% (19th lowest)
Billrice / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 80.2% (9th lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,907 per pupil (23rd highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 43.5% (20th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31% math; 31.5% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.6% (19th lowest)
39. Oregon
• High school graduation rate: 76.7% (2nd lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,264 per pupil (23rd lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.2% (23rd highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31.4% math; 34% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 34% (16th highest)
Discoveroregon / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 76.7% (2nd lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,264 per pupil (23rd lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.2% (23rd highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31.4% math; 34% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 34% (16th highest)
40. Mississippi
• High school graduation rate: 83% (18th lowest)
• Public school spending: $8,771 per pupil (5th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.1% (24th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 24.3% math; 25% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 23.2% (2nd lowest)
C5Media / Getty Images• High school graduation rate: 83% (18th lowest)
• Public school spending: $8,771 per pupil (5th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 45.1% (24th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 24.3% math; 25% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 23.2% (2nd lowest)
41. South Carolina
• High school graduation rate: 83.6% (19th lowest)
• Public school spending: $10,590 per pupil (20th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 39.1% (13th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 28.9% math; 29.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 28.3% (14th lowest)
Whitehouse / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 83.6% (19th lowest)
• Public school spending: $10,590 per pupil (20th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 39.1% (13th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 28.9% math; 29.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 28.3% (14th lowest)
42. Hawaii
• High school graduation rate: 82.7% (tied –17th lowest)
• Public school spending: $14,322 per pupil (14th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 44.2% (23rd lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 27.7% math; 29.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 33.5% (18th highest)
Teemu08 / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 82.7% (tied –17th lowest)
• Public school spending: $14,322 per pupil (14th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 44.2% (23rd lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 27.7% math; 29.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 33.5% (18th highest)
43. Alaska
• High school graduation rate: 78.2% (5th lowest)
• Public school spending: $17,838 per pupil (5th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 44.3% (24th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29% math; 23.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 30.2% (23rd lowest)
Mypubliclands / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 78.2% (5th lowest)
• Public school spending: $17,838 per pupil (5th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 44.3% (24th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 29% math; 23.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 30.2% (23rd lowest)
44. Oklahoma
• High school graduation rate: 82.6% (14th lowest)
• Public school spending: $7,940 per pupil (3rd lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 41.4% (16th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 25.5% math; 25.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 25.6% (8th lowest)
Pixelpackr / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 82.6% (14th lowest)
• Public school spending: $7,940 per pupil (3rd lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 41.4% (16th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 25.5% math; 25.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 25.6% (8th lowest)
45. Arizona
• High school graduation rate: 78% (3rd lowest)
• Public school spending: $8,003 per pupil (4th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 35.1% (3rd lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31% math; 28.4% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.7% (21st lowest)
Gageskidmore / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 78% (3rd lowest)
• Public school spending: $8,003 per pupil (4th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 35.1% (3rd lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 31% math; 28.4% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 29.7% (21st lowest)
46. Alabama
• High school graduation rate: 89.3% (7th highest)
• Public school spending: $9,511 per pupil (11th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 40.9% (15th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 21.3% math; 23.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 25.5% (7th lowest)
Bonardhughins / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 89.3% (7th highest)
• Public school spending: $9,511 per pupil (11th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 40.9% (15th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 21.3% math; 23.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 25.5% (7th lowest)
47. West Virginia
• High school graduation rate: 89.4% (6th highest)
• Public school spending: $11,554 per pupil (25th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 34.6% (2nd lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 24.1% math; 25.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 21.3% (the lowest)
Roberto Galan / Getty Images• High school graduation rate: 89.4% (6th highest)
• Public school spending: $11,554 per pupil (25th highest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 34.6% (2nd lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 24.1% math; 25.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 21.3% (the lowest)
48. Nevada
• High school graduation rate: 80.9% (11th lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,320 per pupil (9th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 35.1% (4th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 25.7% math; 28.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 24.9% (6th lowest)
Kenlund / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 80.9% (11th lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,320 per pupil (9th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 35.1% (4th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 25.7% math; 28.6% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 24.9% (6th lowest)
49. Louisiana
• High school graduation rate: 78.1% (4th lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,199 per pupil (22nd lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 48.3% (13th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 23.1% math; 27.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 24.3% (4th lowest)
Editor / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 78.1% (4th lowest)
• Public school spending: $11,199 per pupil (22nd lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 48.3% (13th highest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 23.1% math; 27.2% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 24.3% (4th lowest)
50. New Mexico
• High school graduation rate: 71.1% (the lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,881 per pupil (13th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 40.4% (14th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 20.7% math; 23.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 27.7% (13th lowest)
Kenlund / Flickr• High school graduation rate: 71.1% (the lowest)
• Public school spending: $9,881 per pupil (13th lowest)
• 3 & 4 yr. olds enrolled in preschool: 40.4% (14th lowest)
• 8th grade proficiency: 20.7% math; 23.3% reading
• Adults with a bachelor's degree: 27.7% (13th lowest)
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