These Are The Most Educated States Ranked

The United States is a massive place, covering almost 3.8 million square miles. So, it stands to reason that the level of education is going to differ across the 50 states. While nowhere in the nation is uneducated, there are definitely areas that are home to more advanced degree holders than others.

This will be down to things like the prestige of the colleges in the area, the state's economy, the type of jobs predominantly available, and so on. So, what regions are considered the most educated states? That's what we're here to unpack.

50. Arkansas might be one of the least educated US states because of the agriculture industry

• Population: 3,011,524
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 8.3%
• Median household income: $47,062

Like every state in the US, Arkansas is home to its share of colleges. The best-ranked of these is the University of Arkansas, located in Fayetteville. It's been around since 1871 and now welcomes more than 30,000 students every academic year. Still, having just 1,490 faculty members means there's a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1.

Despite also having 12 private colleges and 22 two-year colleges, Arkansas seemingly isn't the most popular place for graduates. That might be because the primary industry here is agriculture, something many in the state don't need a degree to get started in. Many of the biggest jobs here value manual labor over anything else, meaning degrees can often be useless.

Arkansas being cheap and having several jobs has brought down its education ranking

There's plenty for a person to love about Arkansas. The southern state is a wonderful place to live if you love nature, thanks to the abundance of parks, rivers, mountains, hot springs, and more. It's also a pretty great place to live if you're looking to avoid spending too much on the cost of living.

It's typically considered one of the cheapest parts of the US, usually ranking anywhere from 10% to 15% lower than the national average. The problem? Having such low costs and so many jobs that don't require degrees has seen plenty flock to the state, bringing down its overall educated level - and making it the most uneducated state in the US.

49. West Virginia's country roads seemingly don't need many degrees

• Population: 1,793,716
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 8.4%
• Median household income: $44,097

While there might be poverty issues in West Virginia, that doesn't mean its education system is non-existent. Far from it. The state is home to over 40 colleges, several of which are land-grant institutions. So, for those who want to learn how to make the most of West Virginia's many natural resources, there are plenty of opportunities.

While it might be one of the more affordable states in the US, West Virginia is also one of the least educated. That comes from the fact that just over 8% of people in the state have advanced degrees, which doesn't seem to be of much use when it comes to the country roads so many dream about.

West Virginia is full of nature but also struggles with deep poverty

Ever thought about moving to West Virginia? Much like Arkansas, it's an excellent location if you're a nature fan. Three-quarters of the state is supposedly covered in forested sections of the Appalachian mountains, so it's a wonderful place to go exploring when the sun's out. This might also explain its position on the list of educated states.

With West Virginia not as developed as other states, there aren't as many facilities for people to study. Considering parts of this state also struggle with deep poverty, it's seemingly clear that not everyone can even afford to take their education to the next level. While it hasn't necessarily left people out of work, it also hasn't earned them degrees.

48. Mississippi boasts plenty of higher education options at a lower price

• Population: 2,961,279
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 8.6%
• Median household income: $44,717

Just because Mississippi is one of the least educated states in the US doesn't mean the state is short of some incredible education. In fact, that might be far from the case. After all, The University of Mississippi is probably the most highly rated, with the school boasting plenty of famous sporting alumni, such as football star Michael Oher.

With 35 plus higher education establishments to choose from, there's space for thousands of students to take things to the next level here. Plus, they can do so for less than $10,000 a year, which is pretty cheap compared to some of the most educated states in the US. That's not enough to entice everyone, though.

Mississippi doesn't have tons of advanced degree holders but it is affordable

Mississippi might have access to some of the most affordable education across the nation, but it seems only 8.6% of the population has taken advantage of the advanced degrees on offer. Still, it's slightly higher than the 8.4% and 8.3% of West Virginia and Arkansas, respectively. Unfortunately, that's still pretty low compared to the most educated states.

Of course, there are plenty of perks to being in Mississippi. Like the other states already mentioned, the price of housing and other essential costs are typically quite low. Homes can apparently cost as low as 40% below the average in other parts of the United States. Throw in affordable groceries, transport costs, etc, and you've got quite a bargain.

47. Louisiana's advanced degree earners often leave the state

• Population: 4,657,757
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 8.9%
• Median household income: $47,905

There are apparently more colleges in Louisiana than in the last few states on this list, with the state boasting over 60. Hundreds of thousands of students study at these establishments and go on to graduate with degrees every single year. The only problem? A decent percentage of these students don't then stay in Louisiana.

Apparently, to get the best education in this state, you'll want to head to New Orleans. This is where Tulane University is located. Although the cost here might be higher and the acceptance rate lower, it's the best-ranked college for a reason. Somewhere like Louisiana Tech University or Louisiana State University is probably better for those eager for affordability.

Louisiana is best suited for jobs in industries like agriculture and tourism

A lower cost of living means that Louisiana is a good choice for people looking to earn their advanced degrees. So how does only 8.9% of the population in the state have an advanced degree? That would be thanks to the fact they move to Louisiana to study before moving away to land the career of their dreams.

People typically tend to prosper more here if they're interested in industries like agriculture, commercial fishing, or tourism. Most of the work in these sectors doesn't usually require degrees, which is likely why Louisiana is considered one of the least educated states. Thankfully, the state's access to higher education doesn't entirely go to waste; people simply don't stick around.

46. North Dakota colleges are seemingly best suited to those who already live in the state

• Population: 779,094
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 8.9%
• Median household income: $63,837

North Dakota might have less than a few dozen colleges to its name, but the education provided here is still pretty strong in some cases. The University of North Dakota ranks 250th out of all 443 national colleges. That's decent, especially considering North Dakota is rated as one of the least educated states in the US.

Studying here can be pretty affordable for anyone already living in North Dakota, with tuition and fees reportedly $5,000 lower than for those entering out-of-state. Anyone looking to study here and secure a job in North Dakota would be best suited to industries like healthcare, agriculture, and energy, which have the most job opportunities available.

North Dakota typically has a larger average household income than other similar states

One thing that's dragged North Dakota down the list of most educated states across the US is the population-to-people with advanced degrees ratio. After all, there are just 779,094 people living in the state, with just 8.9% of those having advanced degrees. That leaves just over 69,000 people with degrees to their names.

Would a person with a college degree benefit from living in North Dakota, though? The fact that it's technically rated as one of the least educated US states in terms of degree holders means it's probably not for many graduates. However, there are still plenty of perks to living here, especially if you love quiet, rural areas with long winters.

45. Nevada colleges can be significantly cheaper for those coming from in-state

• Population: 3,104,614
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 9%
• Median household income: $58,646

Nevada doesn't have as many higher education facilities on offer as some states, providing just over two dozen. However, the best colleges in the state can be quite affordable if you're local. For instance, the University of Nevada in Reno offers the Nevada Guarantee, which provides low-income families with the financial support they need to get through college.

If someone has the grades to get in, they can score free tuition, books, academic support, and more. Even without this, the cost of studying at the college is nearly three times lower for those in-state. It's a similar situation at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas, where enrolment is higher, but the college is ranked slightly lower.

Nevada offers a variety of job opportunities outside of the Las Vegas Strip

Most people likely think of the Las Vegas Strip when picturing Nevada, but there is a lot more to the state than meets the eye. So, if it’s more than a party state, why does Nevada rank so low on the list of most educated states? That would be thanks to the just 9% with advanced degrees to their name.

There are plenty of thriving industries in Nevada, such as healthcare, aerospace and defense, information tech, and tourism and entertainment. Still, having a large population means plenty don’t need to head to college for advanced studies to land themselves the career of a lifetime in Nevada, resulting in a low number of people with advanced degrees.

44. Oklahoma isn't short of higher education opportunities for future graduates

• Population: 3,959,353
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 9.1%
• Median household income: $51,924

If Oklahoma is so popular with younger people, why is it one of the least educated states in the US? It may simply be that many of the job opportunities available here don't require an advanced degree. The state isn't short of colleges, though. There are just over two dozen, most of which you'll apparently find in Oklahoma City.

These educational facilities include some research colleges, a liberal arts college, and a dozen community colleges. The University of Oklahoma is the best-ranked of these, placing 127th and offering tuition and fees below $10,000 for those in-state. It's significantly cheaper than the University of Tulsa, with fees costing nearly $50,000, but that doesn't mean everyone attends.

Oklahoma is one of the most attractive states for younger demographics

With an average household income above $50,000 and 9.1% of the population being advanced degree holders, Oklahoma is technically one of the least educated US states. However, as we've already seen, ranking low on this list doesn't mean a state is a bad place to live or work. It just depends on what someone is after.

While the cost of living is more affordable for people in Oklahoma, having such a large population and little need for advanced degrees means it drags the percentage down. Now, just over 360,000 of the people living in the state have degrees, as the others are seemingly in careers where advanced education isn't necessary.

43. South Dakota's colleges seem to require a compromise on ranking or fees

• Population: 5,118,425
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 9.1%
• Median household income: $56,274

Low fees for college? What more could someone else need? The chances are somewhere that will offer an education they can use for their dream job. Sadly, it seems what South Dakota has going for it in terms of affordability, it lacks in colleges. According to US News, the University of South Dakota places 263rd on the list.

However, when it comes to regional colleges in the Midwest, places like Augustana University and Dakota Wesleyan University place within the top 20. Still, you can expect to pay upward of $30,000 in tuition and fees. That's right; if you want to get your degree in South Dakota, you'll have to pay for the privilege.

South Dakota fares slightly better in US state education than its northern neighbor

In the battle between north and south, it's apparently South Dakota that fares better with US state education. Here, the percentage of people holding advanced degrees is 9.1%, although the average household income is lower at just over $55,000. So, what is it about South Dakota that wins out over its northern neighbor?

Elements like low crime rates, lack of traffic, and a booming economy all make this place appealing to graduates. As the home of Mount Rushmore and various national parks, it's also quite an attractive place to spend time. Still, you need to specialize in something like agriculture, wood, or electronics for the best job opportunities, which usually don't need degrees.

42. Iowa is highly affordable with some of the better-ranking colleges for in-state students

• Population: 3,190,369
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 9.5%
• Median household income: $59,955

Despite its placement on the list, Iowa can definitely be a heavy hitter when it comes to colleges. The University of Iowa is ranked 83rd, meaning it's one of the better colleges in the US. What's more, if someone is already local to the state, they should be able to keep tuition and fees under $10,000.

It's a different story if someone's an out-of-state student, though, so studying here might be best suited to those already in Iowa. However, the cost of living in this state is generally lower than the national average, so there are other areas where people can save money. You just don't have all the facilities that are available in bigger cities.

Iowa is heavy on agriculture, with nearly half of its population being rural

Some of the best states for agriculture are in the Midwest, and that's certainly the case for Iowa. Here, agriculture is one of the most predominant industries, with cattle ranches and dairy farms quite common. This means plenty of job opportunities, albeit in areas that don't always require much in the way of higher education.

Around 9.5% of people in Iowa have advanced degrees, with the average household income on the verge of $60,000. If agriculture isn't your thing, industries like technology, transportation, and renewable energy are also quite popular. However, with nearly half of the population being rural, most of the jobs in Iowa are for those without a degree.

41. Indiana has some of the best-ranked colleges, although tuition fees range quite significantly

• Population: 6,785,528
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 9.7%
• Median household income: $55,746

With industries like rubber and pharmaceuticals also prominent in Indiana, it makes sense that the range of colleges here is quite varied. There are over 80 higher education facilities to choose from, including the University of Notre Dame. Ranked 18th out of all national colleges, it's not the cheapest to attend, but it does offer an exceptional education.

Several other colleges reportedly rank within the top 100 in Indiana, including Purdue University at 51 and Indiana University at 72. Both of these places are much cheaper, especially for those attending from in-state. Enrolment is also significantly higher, with 30,000 plus students gaining entry in contrast to less than 10,000 at the University of Notre Dame.

Indiana’s specialty industries mean people here don’t need degrees

So, what is it about Indiana that makes it one of the most uneducated states in the US? That would mostly be to the incredibly large population. Although 658,000 people in Indiana have advanced degrees, that makes up just 9.7% of the almost 7 million people living in the state. That’s not all.

Industries like steel and auto manufacturing take first and second place when it comes to the thriving industries in the state. While there are degrees related to both, there are plenty of ways to get into work in Indiana without heading to college. All in all, people here simply don’t need to worry about earning their degrees.

40. Idaho has a mixture of colleges that rank and cost in quite varying ways

• Population: 1,839,106
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 9.9%
• Median household income: $55,583

As is often the case, attending colleges from in-state can be better on a student's bank balance than coming in from elsewhere. For instance, the University of Idaho - which ranks 176th across the nation - charges around $8,000 in tuition and fees for locals. Meanwhile, those who are out-of-state can expect something more in the region of $27,000.

Some of the more affordable colleges in Idaho include Brigham Young University, which apparently has prices around $4,500. This is ranked 14th out of the regional colleges in the west. The College of Idaho places 4th on that list but also charges close to $35,000. Meanwhile, Boise State University is Idaho's biggest but is much lower ranked.

Idaho is one of the more family-friendly states with plenty of agriculture jobs

Just shy of a 10% population of advanced degree holders is Idaho. This gorgeous state has established itself as one of the most family-friendly parts of the United States. That's partly thanks to all the outdoor space there is around here, making it easy for parents to keep their kids busy and use up all of their energy.

With families reportedly being so prominent in this state, the proportion of younger graduates is smaller here than it might be in other parts of the US. Agriculture is once again one of the more popular industries, with this apparently accounting for around 15% of the workforce. Of course, this means advanced degrees are also less common in Idaho.

39. Alabama reportedly offers excellent programs for things like engineering, business, and medicine

• Population: 5,024,279
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 10%
• Median household income: $49,861

With nearly 80 higher education establishments in Alabama, future graduates have plenty to choose from. Auburn University is seemingly the highest ranked of these, with US News placing it 97th on its list of the best national colleges. In-state students might spend up to $12,000 in tuition and fees, but that's around $20,000 cheaper than for those out-of-state.

This is an excellent college for anyone interested in engineering, science, or business, with these being some of the best programs available. It's reportedly a similar situation with the University of Alabama. As for the University of Alabama at Birmingham, that's allegedly one of the best places to go to study medicine in this part of the United States.

Alabama's family-friendly vibes have seen people avoid college degrees

Even though Alabama is the first state so far to break the 10% mark when it comes to the population with advanced degrees, things go downhill from there. After all, the state only just breaks into the top 40 most educated states across the US. What is it about the state that drags things down the list?

A lot of it is due to the fact Alabama is so family-friendly and family-focused, meaning a lot of people are either focused on home life or on the younger side. It’s also a state that falls victim to the thriving industries not needing degrees, with people opting to skip college altogether instead of earning one for the college experience.

38. Kentucky boasts a lot of NBA talent in its list of college alumni

• Population: 4,505,836
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 10.3%
• Median household income: $50,247

The University of Kentucky is apparently the best-ranked college in the state. Still, it only lands at spot 137 on the list of colleges across the US. While plenty have gone on to earn their degrees from here, it’s sports that really stands out, with the college producing plenty of current and future NBA stars.

It's a similar situation with the University of Louisville, which ranks 182nd. Both charge around $12,000 to $13,000 for tuition and fees for those in-state. It's the University of Kentucky that has the larger enrollment numbers, though, with nearly 22,000 students as of 2021. That's a lot of space for future NBA hopefuls to bag a spot.

Kentucky's main source of income reportedly comes from manufacturing

Kentucky is definitely a place to be if you enjoy spending time outside. It has one of the most expansive park systems in the United States, with nearly 50 state parks and 40,000 acres of state forest to get lost in. Although the outdoors might be a huge part of Kentucky's appeal, manufacturing is actually the state's biggest industry.

Apparently, this accounts for a fifth of Kentucky's GDP. Other prominent industries that help to keep the region profitable reportedly include agriculture, tourism, and mining. With 10.3% allegedly holding advanced degrees, it's not quite one of the least educated states in the US. Still, it’s not a state that requires advanced degrees to thrive.

37. Wyoming doesn't offer much in the way of higher education facilities

• Population: 578,803
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 10.4%
• Median household income: $61,584

It's perhaps no surprise that Wyoming isn't ranked as one of the most educated US states, given the lack of higher education facilities here. Students apparently only have one public and one private college to choose from. The former, the University of Wyoming, ranks 202nd, with in-state tuition and fees reportedly as low as $7,000.

Luckily, Wyoming students who want more choice in higher education can go further afield without spending tons of money. The Western Undergraduate Exchange allows students access to over 160 plus colleges without the pressure of out-of-state prices. The program reportedly allows for cheaper admittance to higher education facilities in over a dozen states outside of Wyoming.

Wyoming is reportedly popular with small businesses thanks to lower tax expectations

You don't necessarily need an advanced degree to set up a small business. Perhaps that's why Wyoming is so popular with young entrepreneurs, despite ranking lower than most US states on this list? While the 10.4% of advanced degree holders might technically make this one of the least educated states in the US, business is definitely booming here.

The lack of corporate and personal income tax has seemingly been a big draw for those small businesses. The fact that the property tax rate is allegedly the ninth lowest also helps quite significantly. Still, the low population and even lower people with advanced degrees mean just 60,000 people have one to their name in Wyoming.

36. Montana's colleges offer research facilities that could benefit the agricultural industry

• Population: 1,084,225
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 10.5%
• Median household income: $55,328

While the state might not be overflowing with a demand for advanced degrees, Montana still offers a lot to students. There are nearly a dozen higher education establishments here, with Montana State University apparently the best of the bunch. While it ranks 263rd on US News' list, it reportedly boasts a ton of unique research facilities.

As might be expected of a state that highly favors agriculture, these facilities also focus around this industry. They include things like the Plant Growth Center and the Center for Bison and Wildlife Health. While advanced degrees aren't always a necessity in Montana, having one in this field can still prove beneficial to help push the industry forward.

Montana is so suited to farming that advanced degrees are less of a necessity

When it comes to population figures, some states rank much higher than others. Montana is one part of the United States that doesn't fare highly in this regard. Only a handful of states have a smaller population than this western state. Why is this? Well, the prominence of agriculture might have something to do with it.

This industry has had the biggest impact on the state's economy for centuries, with the land perfectly suited to farming. Again, this might explain why Montana doesn't rank amongst the most educated states in the US. With its biggest industry not typically requiring advanced degrees, it makes sense that only 10.5% of the population holds one.

35. Wisconsin's high-ranking colleges make up for its relatively low position

• Population: 5,893,718
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 10.7%
• Median household income: $60,773

There are some excellent choices of college in this state, with Wisconsin offering more than 80 to prospective students. Although the region might not quite be considered one of the most educated states in the US, the University of Wisconsin - Madison does rank 38th in the nation. Marquette University in Milwaukee also fares well in 83rd.

One is certainly more affordable than the other, with the latter being private and therefore charging higher fees. As for the former, in-state tuition and fees come to just under $11,000, a stark contrast to the almost $40,000 for those out-of-state. Another perk: it's apparently one of the top party schools in the nation.

The farming industry in Wisconsin means there’s a lack of advanced degrees

One of the most prominent things that drags Wisconsin down the list of the most educated states in the US is, yet again, the number of people living in the state. Despite having access to some of the best colleges, only 10.7% of people have an advanced degree. Still. That means around 630,000 earned their cap and gown.

The industries thriving in Wisconsin include agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, which again may explain how the state ended up in this position. However, the higher education facilities here should not be underestimated, given how some of them rank. Thankfully, the affordability of the state means it’s not lacking in workers, even if most of them don’t have advanced degrees.

34. Tennessee isn't short on higher education but does charge a lot in fees

• Population: 6,910,840
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 10.7%
• Median household income: $52,375

Anyone hoping to study in Tennessee is pretty fortunate because the state seemingly isn't short of higher education facilities. In fact, Tennessee is so determined to get more people into higher education that it has a program to help provide scholarships and expert guidance. However, this won't help with getting into some of the state's most prestigious colleges.

Vanderbilt University is the 13th-best college in the nation, but with tuition and fees around $60,000, it's definitely not for everyone. Belmont University-  ranked 182nd-  isn't hugely better on price, but the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is much lower at $13,000 for in-state students. With these prices, it might be no wonder the Tennessee Promise exists.

Tennessee’s affordability makes it a popular place to live, just not with a degree

The emphasis on work in the finance, entertainment, healthcare, and transportation sectors means that a lot of people don’t need advanced degrees to thrive in Tennessee. The issue? Only 10.7% of people have one to their name, resulting in the state slipping down the list of most educated states across the US. Still, it’s not all bad news.

Income tax reportedly isn't a concern here, something that you don't find in many other US states and making Tennessee pretty affordable. The low cost of living might help people understand why Tennessee has such a high population at almost 7 million. The best bit? The median household income is $52,375, despite the lack of degrees.

33. Texas has some of the best-ranked colleges in the US with affordable fees 

• Population: 29,145,505
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 10.8%
• Median household income: $60,629

Higher education isn't something that people in Texas are generally deprived of. The state has almost 100 facilities to help someone take their education further, including some highly ranked colleges. Rice University is reportedly the best of these, placing 15th out of over 400 establishments in the United States. Still, tuition and fees are nearly $55,000.

The University of Texas at Austin is also in the top 50 at 38, and affordability is definitely on the menu here. With in-state students able to get a discount under $12,000, they can still attend a well-regarded school without ending up in outrageous debt. Texas A&M University, which is in the top 100, is a similar situation.

So many people living in Texas will always drag it down

Texas is often one of the first states that comes to mind when people think of the US. So, it's perhaps no surprise that some 28 million people live here. Once again, the cost of living in Texas isn't unreasonable compared to some parts of the nation, with a lack of income tax definitely making a difference.

Still, Texas is home to over 29 million people. Even though 3.1 million have an advanced degree, having such a large population means Texas won’t climb up the list of the most educated states the entire time it’s so densely populated. Thankfully, studying here means you get access to some of the best colleges, at least.

32. Ohio definitely isn't short of places to earn an advanced degree

• Population: 11,799,448
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11%
• Median household income: $56,111

It makes sense that Ohio ranks higher than a fair few other states when it comes to advanced degree holders. After all, there are over 100 higher education facilities in the state, with Case Western Reserve University taking the top spot among them. Of course, it is a private college, so tuition and fees are upward of $60,000.

For that money, though, you get an education at the 44th-best-ranked college in the US, which boasts world-class research and 200 plus student organizations. More affordable options include the Ohio State University and Miami University - Oxford, the former of which sneaks into the top 50 at 49. In-state fees here are reportedly just shy of $12,000.

Ohio is seemingly making a comeback with job opportunities and affordability

Why oh why oh why oh, why did I ever leave Ohio? That's what some people might ask themselves when they see how the state seems to be making a comeback with job availability and cost of living. Although employment opportunities were seemingly sparse for some decades, industries like healthcare and agriculture appear to be on the up.

Having such a large healthcare industry means plenty of people are starting to work toward their advanced degrees. That said, having a population of almost 12 million means the 1.3 million people with advanced degrees make up a mere 11% of the population. Perhaps it won’t be long before Ohio breaks into the top half of the list?

31. South Carolina has some great discounts for its state-funded colleges

• Population: 5,118,425
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.2%
• Median household income: $52,306

South Carolina isn't packed with the higher education facilities that some of the states already mentioned do. However, with 61 colleges, it still offers plenty of opportunities for people to further their education. Moreover, state-funded colleges in this region are apparently free for anyone over 60, meaning no one is too old to learn something new.

Younger students looking to go to the highest-ranked colleges in the state probably won't be able to bag themselves such a discount. However, Clemson University, which places 77th, and the University of South Carolina, which places 115th, are both public establishments. So, anyone in-state can at least avoid paying what those out-of-state have to cough up.

South Carolina is seemingly both better and worse than other parts of the east coast

There's no shortage of places to live on the east coast. However, if you're looking for the most educated states in the US, South Carolina doesn't quite match up to the others in this region. While it definitely doesn't fare terribly, with 11.2% holding advanced degrees, other states along the coastline simply have this area beat.

It’s also not the cheapest place to live in the area, which has seemingly forced people away from South Carolina and toward more highly educated states along the east coast. The result? A low percentage of the over 5 million population eventually earning their degrees. It doesn’t look like that number will change any time soon, either.

30. Utah only has one college offering medical degrees

• Population: 3,161,105
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.3%
• Median household income: $71,621

With new developments intended to help Utah's revenue grow, it can potentially become quite a profitable state to work in. Average household income is already around $70,000, with the state home to some notable colleges. Brigham Young University - Provo is apparently one of them, with this school ranked 89th on the US News ranking.

Tuition is quite affordable here, with fees around $6,300. That's less than the University of Utah, which is ranked 105th and reportedly charges around $10,000 for in-state students. This establishment does house the only medical school in the state,along with well-regarded degree programs in engineering, education, business, and law, which might explain the lack of medical degrees.

Utah apparently places around the 30 mark in a bunch of different metrics

When it comes to population size, Utah sits around the 30 mark compared to the rest of the US. It's seemingly the same when comparing the most educated states with the least educated states. With 11.3% holding an advanced degree, Utah sits on a relatively solid middle ground, albeit with the potential for things to still improve quite significantly.

Do you know where else it sits around the 30 mark? Cost of living. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, it has an index of 102.4, placing it below 29 other states. Utah is reportedly an excellent place for startup companies, though, with Goldman Sachs apparently even calling it “the Wall Street of the West.”

29. Arizona offers a decent range of colleges, with some better suited than others

• Population: 7,151,502
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.3%
• Median household income: $59,246

Prospective students have a couple of reasonably well-ranked colleges to choose from in Arizona. There's the University of Arizona, which US News placed at 105, and Arizona State University, which was slightly lower at 121. Both offer discounts for those coming from in-state, with Arizona State slightly more affordable, with fees set below $12,000.

That seems to be where the bonuses run out in Arizona. Even though it has a population of 7 million, just 11.3% of those have advanced degrees. That’s even with almost 50 colleges across the state. Those who do head to college at least have a large array of degrees on offer, with many specializing in nursing and technology.

Arizona is one of the warmest states where the cost of living apparently isn't always ideal

If you're going to live somewhere like Arizona, you need to have a good relationship with hot weather. With a reported annual temperature of 61.1 degrees Fahrenheit, it ranks as one of the ten hottest states in the US. That seems to be one of the biggest draws to The Grand Canyon State - and why so few have degrees.

Having a large population will always drag down the percentage of people with degrees unless everyone is heading to college, meaning Arizona falls on the bottom half of the list of most educated states across the US. That comes despite the fact that industries like aerospace, electronics, and tech startups are all thriving in Arizona.

28. Florida reportedly has over 300 colleges for students to choose from

• Population: 21,538,187
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.4%
• Median household income: $55,462

While many tourists might flock to the area, Florida is also home to many residents who likely appreciate the low taxes and reasonable cost of living. It also attracts tons of students, given there are hundreds of colleges to choose from across the state. US News places the University of Florida and Florida State University as the two best.

The former ranks higher at 29 to the latter's 55. Both have reasonable tuition and fees for in-state students compared to those coming from out-of-state. Both are around $6,500, making them more affordable than many of the other colleges covered already. Of course, some of Florida's various other colleges might be better suited for certain students.

Florida's exceptionally warm weather has a significant impact on some of its biggest industries

Believe it or not, but the annual temperature in Florida is reportedly higher than anywhere else in the US, reporting an average of 71.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Being a subtropical climate, humidity is to be expected, but 21 million people don't seem to care much about that. The problem when it comes to degree holders? Florida attracts a senior population.

With a population of 11.4% advanced degree holders, it falls a few spots shy of the top half of the most educated states in the US. Although aerospace, manufacturing, and security reportedly thrive here, having such an older population means that Florida falls short of the top half of the list in 28th place.

27. Nebraska doesn't have hundreds of colleges, but the selection boasts some great perks

• Population: 1,961,504
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.4%
• Median household income: $59,566

With Nebraska being a less populated area, it was never going to have as many higher education facilities as some of these places. However, part of the reason it ranks around the middle of the most educated states is that what it does offer is pretty great. Creighton University and the University of Nebraska - Lincoln are two examples.

The former is a private establishment with tuition fees around $45,000. It ranks 115th across all American colleges and boasts a lot of health and medical-related programming, including schools in nursing, pharmacy, and medicine. The University of Nebraska - Lincoln is the more affordable of the two, with in-state fees just below $10,000 and a ranking of 151.

Nebraska is reportedly one of the best states for affordable living and good wellbeing

From one of the most populated states to one of the least. Nebraska is home to less than 2 million people, yet this works to its advantage on this list of the most educated US states. That's because plenty of these citizens are advanced degree holders, resulting in a percentage of 11.4% for this midwestern state.

The low cost of living has been enough to attract a younger audience in recent years. Still, as we’ve seen, if the population grows too large, then it could hinder Nebraska’s spot on the list. Even so, it means right now almost a quarter of a million people have advanced degrees - and it could be set to grow.

26. Hawaii offers some of the most unique college programs available in the US

• Population: 1,420,491
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.6%
• Median household income: $81,275

While Hawaii might not be great from a cost of living standpoint, it does rank very highly in terms of healthcare and unemployment rates. It seems that many of those who attend college in this region and stick around after graduation are generally able to get a job. Of course, not that many come and study here.

Hawaii seemingly only has a handful of colleges, with the University of Hawai'i at Manoa ranking the highest of them all. This places 166th on the US News list and offers programs that you might not always find elsewhere. These include schools in Hawaiian Knowledge, Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, and Pacific and Asian Studies.

Hawaii has plenty of advanced degree holders but ranks poorly on the cost of living

Somewhere with a small population is Hawaii, a state around 1.4 million call home. The number of permanent residents makes sense, given the state's size, along with the fact that it's viewed by many as more of a tourist spot. Of the people that do live there, though, 11.6% are advanced degree holders.

Still, with tourism one of the biggest draws to the state and the fact the median household income is already above $81,000 a year, it seems people in Hawaii merely don’t need an advanced degree to thrive. All in all, the low percentage of those who do have one means under 165,000 have a degree to their name.

25. Alaska doesn't have many colleges but does have a program to help low-income students

• Population: 733,391
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.7%
• Median household income: $74,346

Given that Alaska isn't the most inhabited US state, it doesn't have a ton of higher education facilities available. There are apparently ten colleges to choose from, such as Alaska Pacific University and the University of Alaska - Fairbanks. The latter ranks in the 300s across all national colleges, while the former ranks 13th for regional colleges in the west.

The fact that so few people live in Alaska also makes it pretty impressive that it makes it into the top half of the list of most educated states, with it taking the 25th spot. Still, the number of people with degrees sits at just under 86,000, which might not be so impressive once you start crunching the numbers.

Alaska might be uninhabitable in places, but it's not necessarily short of jobs

Alaska is the largest state in the US by quite some distance. However, it has one of the smallest populations of anywhere in the United States, with under 750,000 people. This is down to the region having a ton of uninhabitable areas, thanks to the climate and terrain, not that this has scared off advanced degree holders.

It seems one of the biggest reasons so few people in Alaska have an advanced degree is all down to the industries that thrive across the state. The likes of oil and gas have the biggest influence on the economy. Team that with the fact lumber, fishing, mining, and tourism thrive here, and things might suddenly be clearer.

24. Missouri has some of the best-ranked colleges in the nation but at a cost

• Population: 6,154,913
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.8%
• Median household income: $54,478

Some of the more prominent industries in Missouri may require advanced degrees, so it makes sense that the state is home to nearly 70 colleges. The best of these rank pretty highly, but they are also private institutions. So, tuition and fees are generally much higher - and can see students pay over $60,000 for a degree.

There are public institutions that US News placed lower down on the rankings but still stand out over a ton of other colleges in the nation. The University of Missouri and the Missouri University of Science and Technology placed 121st and 182nd, but still haven’t drawn the largest crowd of students to earn their degrees throughout the years.

Missouri has a lot of room for improvement when it comes to its degree holders

It seems Missouri has a lot going for it - and a lot against it. While it makes it into the top half of the list - sitting comfortably at 24th place - it doesn’t have the highest median income. Plus, having a large population of over 6 million has also dragged down its chances of having a higher percentage of degree holders.

Even though the state doesn’t have too much of an issue with unemployment, it seems that business management, retail, and biotech are the thriving industries. Two of those often need degrees to do well, so why isn’t Missouri closer to the top of the list? We guess over halfway isn’t last, but there’s certainly room for improvement.

23. North Carolina has plenty of colleges that rank in the top 100

• Population: 10,439,388
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.8%
• Median household income: $53,855

Students have a wide array of colleges to choose from in North Carolina, with higher education facilities here apparently falling just shy of 150. Its most highly-regarded institution - Duke University - makes it into the top ten, albeit at a cost. If someone gets the grades to be accepted here, they have to cough up $63,000 in tuition and fees.

A handful of other colleges also make it into the top 100, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Wake Forest University. Both tied for a spot as the 29th best college in the US, with the former a public facility that in-state students can get into for $9,000, a much more affordable option.

North Carolina tops its southern neighbor as one of the most educated US states

In the battle between north and south, this time, it's the northern neighbor that comes out on top. North Carolina beats the southern state with a score of 11.8% of advanced degree holders. Still, why does it only sit at 23rd on the list? Perhaps you've heard of having all the tools and no idea how to use them?

Just because North Carolina has a host of highly regarded colleges doesn't mean that the entire state has an advanced degree to their name. Instead, the thriving banking, manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism industries mean plenty don't need higher education. That might soon change thanks to the boom of information technology across North Carolina in recent years.

22. Michigan's top colleges boast some incredible perks on a state and national level

• Population: 9,995,915
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 11.9%
• Median household income: $57,144

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor and Michigan State University are considered some of the best higher educational facilities in the state. Both also fare well across the entirety of the United States, ranking 25th and 77th out of all national colleges. The fees can be more of a stretch here, though, even for in-state students.

Still, students get a lot of bang for their buck. Both facilities are valued research institutions, with the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor home to the nation's sixth-largest academic library. They're also supposedly two of the state's three largest employers, meaning a ton of potential job opportunities for students lie within the colleges after they graduate.

Michigan has a variety of jobs, many of which need a degree

Having a population of almost 10 million means that Michigan will always have to work hard if it wants to see a large portion of the population walk away with advanced degrees. Thankfully, it seems the state has done well so far. Now, 11.9% of people in Michigan have one to their name, but there’s always room to improve.

Coming in 22nd place out of 50 isn’t the worst we’ve seen so far, but it can get a little confusing. After all, Michigan thrives when it comes to health and education, meaning there’s a large need for people with degrees. Finance and tech also make up a significant portion of jobs, with trade and tourism bulking out the rest.

21. New Mexico has some excellent research facilities in the form of its top colleges

• Population: 2,095,428
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 12.1%
• Median household income: $49,754

While New Mexico is the first state to break into the 12% club when it comes to a population with advanced degrees, things might not be so easy in the state. The best-ranked of the region's higher education facilities is the University of New Mexico. However, at 212, it might not compare to the establishments students can find elsewhere.

This is one of the largest colleges in the area, as well as one of the state's biggest employers. Plus, there are tons of opportunities for scientific research here, along with other colleges like New Mexico State University. This is actually the cheaper of the two options, with in-state fees costing just under $8,500.

New Mexico is reportedly one of the best employers for high-tech industries

Only having just over 2 million people across the state has been enough to boost New Mexico’s numbers when it comes to those with an advanced degree. That’s right; over a quarter of a million people have one to their name, meaning it might be little wonder New Mexico just misses out on a top 20 spot.

Having more advanced degree holders makes sense, considering that this state is one of the best for high-tech industries. There are supposedly more jobs in this area than almost anywhere else in the United States. Well, New Mexico is apparently home to three Air Force bases and several federal research facilities, so it does add up.

20. Kansas doesn't have much in the way of public colleges

• Population: 2,911,505
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 12.4%
• Median household income: $59,597

The first state to break into the top 20 of the most educated states is none other than Kansas. However, that might be a little surprising when we learn most of the state’s colleges rank outside the top 100. Still, the University of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 92%, so it seems there are plenty of opportunities.

In terms of regional colleges in the Midwest, Kansas fares pretty well. It has three appearances in the top 30 and eight in the top 50. The only downside is that these are all private facilities, meaning fees tend to be higher. Of course, this means fewer students and fewer chances to boost the numbers.

Kansas is one of the most educated states with one of the best costs of living

Almost 3 million people agree there's no place like home. It also means Kansas has a lot going for it, as 12.4% of the population has taken advantage of colleges in the state. However, it seems there might be plenty of reasons why so many people have avoided further education - and it's all down to job opportunities.

Things like agriculture, renewable energy, and mineral production dominate most of the job market and don't require degrees. The state is also known to have a low cost of living and reasonable median income. While sitting at 20th place on the list is impressive, it might take a change of leading industries to see Kansas break into the top ten.

19. Maine might be limited in colleges but it does boast some notable alumni

• Population: 1,998,404
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 12.4%
• Median household income: $57,918

Although healthcare providers might form the bulk of Maine's ten largest employers, there are a few spots taken up by other institutions. The University of Maine is one of them. The state isn't necessarily bustling with higher education facilities, thanks to much of the region being uninhabited. However, there are still decent places to study.

The University of Maine has almost 90 undergraduate programs and 70 master's degrees, with business, education, law, and engineering all included within this. While it might rank 219th out of all national colleges and cost over $12,000 for in-state students, the college was seemingly good enough for famous alumni like accomplished author Stephen King.

Maine's largest employers are predominantly healthcare providers

The cost of living could be enough to put many off a move to Maine. After all, it ranks one of the worst across the states but makes up for it when it comes to the number of people with an advanced degree. It seems job opportunities are the largest pull for most who decide to move to Maine.

Having a population of 2 million, with 12.4% having advanced degrees, has secured Maine its spot in the top 20. What keeps them busy? That would mostly be healthcare, something that mostly requires years of studying. On the other end, agriculture, aquaculture, tourism, shipbuilding, and manufacturing make up the rest of the job market.

18. Georgia has some top-quality colleges, including one highly favored by entrepreneurs

• Population: 10,519,475
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 12.6%
• Median household income: $58,700

Students would have a good reason to want to earn a degree in Georgia, given that three of its colleges rank within the 50 best in the US. Emory University is the highest of these at 22, but it's also the only private institution in the mix. There are some highly-regarded programs here but at the cost of $58,000.

In-state students looking for a cheaper way to study can reduce the price to between $11,000 and $12,000 by attending the Georgia Institute of Technology or the University of Georgia. The former, which currently ranks 44th, is also considered a popular choice for entrepreneurs looking to build a successful life for themselves post-graduation.

Georgia has done with with degree holders considering the thriving agriculture industry

Georgia seems to be one of those states that proves you can have a large population and still be home to a host of people with advanced degrees. Even though the population sits at over 10.5 million, more than 1.3 million of those have a degree to their name. Thankfully, there are plenty of job opportunities, too.

The reason so many are surprised by Georgia taking the 18th spot is that agriculture is such a large industry across the state. Still, manufacturing, real estate, and information are coming to steal that spot as the sectors employ more people every year. Now, having an advanced degree in Georgia is starting to make a lot more sense.

17. Minnesota boasts some excellent colleges in Minneapolis and St. Paul

• Population: 5,611,179
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 12.8%
• Median household income: $71,306

There aren't many colleges in the US much bigger than the University of Minnesota. This institution has the sixth-largest campus in the nation, and it finishes 62nd on the list of best-ranked national colleges. While in-state tuition is as high as nearly $16,000 here, the establishment has a good reputation for sports, cleanliness, and volunteering.

Many of the best colleges in Minnesota are located in either Minneapolis or St. Paul, including one of the most well-regarded liberal arts colleges in the nation. Macalester College was ranked 27th by US News out of a total of 210 colleges, making it ideal for any students in Minnesota looking to study something like legislative politics or drama.

Minnesota places relatively middle of the road in a variety of metrics

It seems Minnesota might be in a battle with itself when it comes to the numbers. For one, it has a fairly decent population size, making its almost 13% of people holding an advanced degree even more impressive. However, it also has a high median household income, sitting around $71,306 a year. Where’s the problem?

That comes down to the fact that it appears many don’t need a degree in Minnesota to thrive, with the average income already being so high. Thankfully, that hasn’t stopped many from making Minnesota their home and working toward their higher education. The result? They all bump the state to 17th place on the list of most educated states.

16. Pennsylvania boasts many well-regarded colleges, but all of them are expensive

• Population: 12,807,060
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 12.8%
• Median household income: $61,744

Pennsylvanian students looking for somewhere to study higher education in their state don't have to worry about being limited in choice. There are over 100 colleges here, spread between a mix of research establishments, specialty schools, and liberal arts colleges. The best of the best, according to US News, is the University of Pennsylvania, which they ranked 7th.

The problems start to emerge when it comes to paying for education across Pennsylvania. That’s because most colleges are private institutions with hefty tuition fees. There are a few public institutions in the top 100, including the University of Pittsburgh, although in-state tuition is still nearly $20,000. Simply put, many people just can’t afford to study in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania's booming industries often don’t require degrees

In Pennsylvania, 12.8% of the nearly 13 million people here hold advanced degrees. That works out to more than 1.6 million people with a degree, a number that will always be impressive. It also makes Pennsylvania’s 16th place on the list a little less surprising, but the state might not climb any time soon.

That’s because the biggest industries in this part of the US are agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and tourism, which all fare well. The area is historically known for its production of coal and steel and has since transitioned into having a reputation for snack food sales. Apparently, these total over $5 billion annually, which is pretty impressive.

15. California's best colleges are also some of the hardest to get into

• Population: 39,557,045
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 13.1%
• Median household income: $75,235

The first to break into the 13% club. The first to be in the top 15 of the most educated states. Is there anything that California can’t do? It seems not, as having a population of over 39.5 million also means The Golden State has hundreds of colleges to its name, including the state’s best-ranked: Stanford University.

One of the best-known colleges in the US, there are only two colleges that rank better. Of course, getting accepted here isn't easy. It's even harder at the California Institute of Technology, which ranks 9th and had less than 1,000 students enrolled in 2021. The latter is also more expensive, charging over $60,000 for tuition and fees.

California excels in economic activity and high-tech jobs

Nowhere in the United States has a larger population than California. It has the second most populated state - Texas - beaten by nearly 10 million, with a decent proportion of those people being advanced degree holders at 13.1%. This isn't the only place California stands out either, with the state also scoring well on economic activity and innovation potential.

California reportedly has the largest economy in all of the US and is also considered one of the best states for hiring high-tech jobs. In fact, having so much to its name has left many wondering why California doesn't rank as the most educated state. Never say never; California doesn't have far to climb up the list.

14. Oregon is home to a mixture of notable colleges with varying degrees

• Population: 4,190,713
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 13.5%
• Median household income: $62,818

There are quite a few notable colleges in Oregon, including the University of Oregon. It narrowly misses out on a top 100 ranking but boasts over 300 undergraduate programs. Although in-state tuition and fees come to around $14,500, these are still cheaper than some of the best colleges in the other most educated US states

In terms of regional colleges in the west, the University of Portland ranks number one, while the Oregon Institute of Technology isn't far behind at six. Another college of note in this part of the nation is Willamette University. Placed 76th for liberal arts colleges in the US, it's the oldest higher education facility in the Western United States.

Oregon boasts a lot of economic potential as it moves toward other industries

While California might be considered one of the best states to live in, it doesn't rank at the top in terms of US state education. In fact, more than a dozen places rank above it on the list of the most educated states in the US, including Oregon. Here, the proportion of the population holding advanced degrees is 13.5%.

Oregon has reportedly seen plenty of growth in recent years as it transitions towards certain industries. While it used to be well-known for things like fishing and timber, it's begun to establish itself in areas like manufacturing and marketing. Its tech sector has also come leaps and bounds, helping it to have some of the strongest innovation potential around.

13. Delaware has a limited selection of colleges but a strong selection nonetheless

• Population: 967,171
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 13.7%
• Median household income: $68,287

Having a population of under 1 million has helped to boost Delaware’s numbers when it comes to the percentage of people with an advanced degree. However, it seems they might have to work hard to earn that title, as colleges across Delaware might be harder to come by than many expect. Thankfully, it’s led to a pretty high placing.

The University of Delaware is notable for a couple of reasons. For one, it's one of the best colleges in the nation, with US News ranking it 89th. Although tuition can be quite pricey, even for in-state students, it is the oldest and largest higher education facility in the region. It even has over 180 advanced degree programs.

Delaware is an excellent place to be if you're into business or healthcare

Some of the most educated states in the US seem to be on the east coast, with Delaware placing 13th overall. Having a lower population than other states means the numbers might not be as impressive as other states, as 13.7% of the population works out at just 132,502. Still, that’s not Delaware’s problem.

There are plenty of great reasons why this state might be home to a ton of advanced degree holders. Finance and business are some of the top industries here, with pro-business laws continuing to attract more companies to the area. Healthcare is also another major industry, with many of the state's biggest employers falling into this category.

12. Rhode Island has a small selection of colleges, including one of the very best

• Population: 1,057,315
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 13.9%
• Median household income: $67,167

One of the most prestigious colleges in all of the US resides in Rhode Island. Of course, we're talking about Brown University, which US News ranks as the 13th best across the entire nation. It forms one of just under a dozen colleges in the region, which makes sense given that Rhode Island is the smallest US state.

Students who can't get into Brown University or don't like the $65,000 fees have a decent alternative in the University of Rhode Island. It ranked 182nd, with tuition and fees just under $16,000 for those in-state. Although this public institution started as an agricultural school, it now boasts 80 undergraduate programs and tons of master's degrees.

Rhode Island might be small, but it's still one of the most educated US states

Just like Delaware, Rhode Island is another state on the west coast with quite a small population, yet it's one of the most educated US states. Just over 1 million people live here, with 13.9% of them being advanced degree holders. Just missing out on the 14% and a spot in the top ten might be quite the blow.

With Providence already considered a financial hub, this is evidently a place that's good for business. Some of the biggest employers include law firms, computer programming companies, and private research facilities, all of which require degrees for anyone looking to make it in the door. Perhaps that's why Rhode Island has fought so hard for its spot on the list?

11. Illinois is home to two of the top ten best ranked colleges in the US

• Population: 12,741,080
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 14.1%
• Median household income: $61,229

Students looking for higher education who have plenty of cash to burn are definitely well-catered to in Illinois. Two of the top ten national colleges in the US apparently reside here - the University of Chicago and Northwestern University. Ranked 6th and 10th, respectively, both are private institutions with tuition and fees above the $60,000 mark.

Of course, with over 100 colleges to choose from, pretty much all students are catered to here. The University of Illinois, which is a public facility, is still well-regarded at number 41. It's apparently one of the state's largest employers, with 1,600 student organizations to keep people busy. It's also one of the schools with the highest research activity.

Illinois attracts many big companies while also being one of the cleanest states

Illinois definitely isn't one of the smallest states, nor is it the least populated. Around 12.7 million people live here, 14.1% of which hold advanced degrees. Still, what the state makes up for in colleges in the top ten it lacks on its own, as Illinois just misses out on the top ten of the most educated states.

Plenty of major corporations have established themselves in Illinois, including Allstate, Walgreens, and Boeing. There are also several dozen Fortune 500 companies here, with industries like biotechnology, energy, and education helping the state to continue thriving. Learning about life and job opportunities in Illinois might explain why so many degree holders make the state their home.

10. Washington has some of the best tuition for colleges in the most educated US states

• Population: 7,535,591
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 14.2%
• Median household income: $73,775

The first state to break into the top ten of most educated states across the US is none other than Washington. That comes from the 14.2% of the 7.5 million population with an advanced degree to their name. The best bit? Students in Washington have plenty of choice, as the state’s home to a host of colleges.

With Washington home to more STEM workers than most other regions in the US, it's understandable why so much of the population has advanced degrees. Plenty of these may have come from higher education facilities in the state itself, such as the University of Washington or Gonzaga University. Both rank within the top 100 at 55 and 83, respectively.

Washington has a booming tech industry for degree holders

Squirreled away in the northwestern corner of the United States is Washington, one of the most educated states in the US. It squeezes into the top ten, with over 1 million degree holders living within the state. The median household income here is apparently also $70,000, although the state ranks pretty low for cost of living.

Washington definitely doesn't fare badly when it comes to the economy, though, with the state actually ranked ahead of all the others. It's number one for innovation potential and six for economic activity, with Microsoft and Amazon both set up here. As a result, Washington is reportedly one of the best states for high-tech job employment.

9. New Hampshire being one of the most educated US states means tuition isn't cheap

• Population: 1,356,458
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 14.7%
• Median household income: $76,768

Believe it or not, but it’s the southern-half of the state where you'll find most of New Hampshire's higher education facilities. There's a great mix of liberal arts colleges, public and private institutions, with the best ranked falling into the last category. This is Dartmouth College, which US News puts at number 12 in terms of the nation's best colleges.

Undergraduate enrollment here is only around 4,500, nearly a third of what the University of New Hampshire can take. With in-state tuition and fees amounting to $19,000, it's not necessarily the cheapest higher education facility for anyone to attend. What do you expect from one of the most educated states in the US, though?

New Hampshire has a booming economy with very low unemployment

Moving back to the east coast introduces one of the most educated states across the US in the form of New Hampshire. Here, the population sits at a steady 1.3 million. Amazingly, almost 15% of those are advanced degree holders, despite the incredibly high tuition costs that often come with attending college in the state.

Electronic manufacturing is predominant in New Hampshire, with Smart Manufacturing/High Technology contributing significantly to the economy. As a result, the state ranks 5th on WalletHub's list, with New Hampshire considered to be the fourth-best region for innovation potential. It also fares very well with unemployment, meaning people who work toward their advanced degrees have plenty of opportunities.

8. Vermont has more colleges than people might expect for its population size

• Population: 626,299
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 15.9%
• Median household income: $57,808

If there’s one thing we’re learned, it’s that having a smaller population often helps when it comes to boosting the percentage of people with an advanced degree. That’s certainly the case in Vermont, as the population sits around the 625,000 mark. It’s also jumped the percentage of people with degrees up to a whopping 15.9%.

Amazingly, its size doesn’t mean that Vermont is short of a place or two to study. The state is filled with almost two dozen colleges that all come with their own advantages. For instance, the University of Vermont is not only the largest of these institutes, but its medical center is also apparently the biggest employer in the entire region.

Vermont might have a small population, but it makes up in other departments

Did you know Vermont is the second smallest state when it comes to population size? Wyoming is the only place that beats it, but Vermont has blown it out of the water in other departments. After all, Vermont sits as the 8th most educated state, while Wyoming trails behind in 37th place. That’s not all.

Being small means Vermont also has one of the smallest economies in the US. That hasn’t stopped industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and real estate from booming across the state - great news for people with advanced degrees. As if things couldn’t get better, Vermont also ranks as the fourth-best for unemployment across the nation. Perfection really might exist.

7. Colorado is known for its research colleges but offers excellent liberal arts colleges too

• Population: 5,695,564
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 16%
• Median household income: $72,331

Just because Colorado is one of the best educated states across the US doesn’t mean that things come easy for those looking to study here. Like most other states, things are cheaper for those already living in Colorado. Even so, things can get pretty pricey, with The Colorado School of Mines setting people back around $19,500.

The most established higher education facilities in the state are also known for being large research colleges with regarded programs in engineering and applied science. This isn't all you'll find here, though. There are some excellent liberal arts colleges, too, including Colorado College and the United States Air Force Academy - both rank within the top 30.

Colorado has one of the strongest economies in the United States

It might have a population of over 5.5 million, but that hasn’t stopped a staggering 16% of people from working toward their advanced degrees in Colorado. All in all, this has seen the state climb to a whopping 7th place on the list of most educated states, and it also ranks highly for economic health and innovation potential.

This may well be influenced by the growth of the technology sector, which has steadily become more prominent as industries like agriculture and mining have lost some of their dominance. Cities like Denver also report aerospace, telecommunications, healthcare, energy, financial services, and bioscience as the areas where they see the most employment and economic growth.

6. New Jersey has the number one ranked college in all of the US

• Population: 8,908,520
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 16.1%
• Median household income: $82,545

New Jersey might not be one of the five most educated states, but it is home to the best-ranked college in all of the United States. Princeton University reportedly comes out on top, with tuition not even the most expensive at under $57,500. This is also one of the oldest colleges in the US.

Students here can get involved in some of the best-ranked graduate programs available, including ones in Public and International Affairs, and Engineering and Applied Science. The acceptance rate might be incredibly low, but that makes bagging a spot here all the more special. Of course, Rutgers University - New Brunswick and the New Jersey Institute of Technology are also exceptional choices.

New Jersey has become the home to thousands of IT, pharmaceutical, and biotech companies

Once again, the east coast proves to have some of the most educated states in the US, with New Jersey narrowly missing out on the top five. Out of almost 9 million people, 16.1% hold an advanced degree. That may explain why the state is also home to over 5,000 information and technology companies.

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies have also apparently made their mark here, with Johnson & Johnson, Merck, and Verizon just a few of the notable names established in New Jersey. Although it may not require as many advanced degrees as these other industries, tourism is apparently also one of the biggest sectors here that drives employment and economic growth.

5. New York is home to plenty of the top 100 colleges

• Population: 19,542,209
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 16.6%
• Median household income: $68,486

Although New York is one of the five most educated states in the US, it doesn't actually have any of the top ten colleges here. However, Cornell University, Columbia University, and New York University do all rank within the top 25. As private institutions, tuition is no less than $58,000 for the cheapest, though, and acceptance is quite limited.

Nearly a dozen of New York's colleges actually rank in the top 100, but only the bottom few are public institutions, such as Stony Brook University. With in-state tuition and fees reportedly around $10,500, studying here is actually cheaper than many of the other high-ranked schools in the most educated states. Still, out-of-state fees are nearly $30,000.

New York is one of the most educated states thanks to New York City

New York is up there as one of the most populated states in the US. However, that hasn't stopped it from dominating as one of the most educated US states, with 16.6% of its 19.5 million people holding advanced degrees. Is it really much of a surprise that this state ranks so highly?

New York City is one of those places where millions dream of living, which is why almost half of the state's population resides here. While it might attract a lot of people interested in entertainment, it also stands out for its finance industry. Many of the nation's largest banks are here, as well as the New York Stock Exchange.

4. Virginia isn't necessarily the place to study if you want an affordable education

• Population: 8,517,685
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 17.2%
• Median household income: $74,222

Virginia has the better part of 200 higher education facilities, so students are well-catered to here. The University of Virginia stands out as the best in the state, with the college ranked at number 55. However, it's also one of the most expensive places to study, with those in-state expected to pay above $21,000 in tuition and fees.

Undergraduate enrollment here is pretty sizable, though, with over 17,000 students reported in 2021. The acceptance rate is only 21%, a fair bit lower than the 37% for William & Mary in Williamsburg. This is the second-oldest college in the US, but in-state students also have to spend almost $24,000 on tuition and fees.

Being home to Washington D.C. has seen a lot of people turn to education

It seems that Virginia has done well to break away from the agriculture and shipbuilding that once meant the state was one of the less educated across the US. At least, that’s the case as you get closer to Washington, D.C., where industries like technology businesses tend to reign supreme over anything else in the area.

This is despite the fact Virginia is one of the larger states, boasting a population of over 8.5 million. The best bit? Virginia is pretty determined to get an education. As well as landing a spot well within the top five of the most educated states, it’s also the first to see over 17% of the population with degrees.

3. Connecticut's colleges live up to the state's highly-educated standing

• Population: 3,572,655
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 17.8%
• Median household income: $78,444

There's only a small selection of Ivy League colleges, and Connecticut is home to one of them. We're referring to Yale University, which shares 3rd place with Stanford University and Harvard University. Yale seemingly has the highest tuition fees of the three at over $62,000 and only had an acceptance rate of 5% in 2021.

Of course, these prestigious private schools aren't for everyone. The University of Connecticut, which ranks 67th, is also well-regarded and has a much higher acceptance rate of 56%. Although in-state tuition and fees are once again expensive for a public institution at nearly $19,500, this college is an excellent place to study for those who highly favor sports.

Connecticut really stands out when it comes to digital media and manufacturing

As might be expected at this point, the three most educated states in the US are all on the east coast, starting with Connecticut. Around 17.8% of the population here hold advanced degrees, with the average household income of almost $80,000. It seems Connecticut really knows how to hold its own on the list.

A decent number of Fortune 500 companies reside here, as do over 1,000 digital media businesses. As a result, digital media does well for the economy, although it's not the only notable industry. It seems that Connecticut is a world leader in aerospace manufacturing and shipbuilding, with finance and real estate also quite big.

2. Maryland has some of the most diverse settings for colleges in the nation

• Population: 6,042,718
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 19.1%
• Median household income: $84,805

Maryland doesn't cover the most ground compared to many other states, yet those who go to college here might find themselves studying in all sorts of environments. The backdrops of these higher education facilities range from mountains to farmland to beaches, offering all manner of inspirational settings to help people studying at some of the nation's best colleges.

Considering Maryland is one of the most educated US states, in-state tuition and fees are relatively reasonably priced. The University of Maryland, College Park and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County charge between $11,000 and $13,000. Johns Hopkins University is much more expensive at over $60,000, but it is also ranked seventh in the nation.

Maryland just misses out on being the most educated state

While it comes with 19.1% of the population holding an advanced degree, Maryland just misses out on the top spot when it comes to the most educated US states. Amazingly, that comes despite the fact it has a larger population than plenty of other states on the list, meaning around 1.2 million already have advanced degrees.

One of the main reasons so many people have degrees in Maryland is thanks to the aerospace and defense industries in the state. Several notable establishments are found across the state, alongside dozens of federal agencies. Team that with healthcare and biotechnology, and it might be no surprise Maryland has climbed up to second place on the list.

1. Massachusetts has two of the highest-regarded colleges in the entire world

• Population: 6,902,149
• Percentage holding advanced degrees: 20.3%
• Median household income: $81,215

Massachusetts has around 80 colleges to its name, which is pretty impressive considering it's one of the smallest states in the US. Of the highest-ranked colleges in the nation, two of the top three are based in Massachusetts. These are Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, with the latter actually placing higher at number two.

Both of these colleges are internationally recognized as some of the best higher education facilities in the world. Getting into either isn't easy, with both only having an acceptance rate of 4%. Still, Harvard has the largest undergraduate enrollment of the two, with over 7,100 in 2021. It's also technically cheaper, but only by a few hundred dollars.

Massachusetts tops the list of the most educated US states

20.3% of the population in Massachusetts with advanced degrees means one in five people already have a degree to their name. That’s right; it’s believed 1.4 million of the almost 7 million living in Massachusetts have gone on to graduate from higher education and earned the state its top spot on the list.

Believe it or not, but Massachusetts also has the highest percentage of high-tech jobs, sitting comfortably alongside California in 15th place. As if having the most percentage of people with advanced degrees wasn’t enough already, US News also ranks Massachusetts number one when it comes to education across the nation. The state really can hold its head high.