Comparing Education Rates by State: Which States are Excelling and Which are Lagging Behind?
A well-rounded education system is essential to the growth and development of individuals and their communities. However, not every state in the US provides the same level of education opportunities. In this article, we’ll compare education rates by state to determine which states are excelling and which are lagging behind.
Educational Attainment
One of the most commonly used metrics to compare education rates by state is educational attainment. This refers to the highest level of education completed by individuals. In 2020, the state with the highest percentage of residents aged 25 and older with at least a bachelor’s degree was Massachusetts, with 48.9%. On the other hand, West Virginia had the lowest percentage, with only 21.7% of its residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
High School Graduation Rates
High school graduation rates are another important statistic to consider when comparing education rates by state. In the 2018-2019 school year, the state with the highest high school graduation rate was Iowa, at 91.5%. On the other hand, New Mexico had the lowest graduation rate, with only 74.9% of its students graduating high school.
Literacy Rates
Literacy rates provide insight into the percentage of individuals with the ability to read and write at a proficient level. In 2019, North Dakota had the highest literacy rate in the US, with 93.2% of its adult population being proficient. Mississippi had the lowest literacy rate, with only 81.8% of its adult population being proficient.
Exceeding Expectations
While some states may struggle with providing a quality education system, there are others that exceed expectations. For example, the state of Tennessee has made significant progress in recent years, with a 12.7% increase in high school graduation rates from 2010 to 2019. Additionally, in 2020, Washington DC had the highest per-pupil spending in the US at $27,700.
The Road Ahead
It’s evident that education rates vary significantly across states in the US. However, it’s important to acknowledge that there are multiple factors that affect education rates, such as funding, resources, and culture. Moving forward, it’s essential to provide every person with equal opportunities to receive a quality education, regardless of their geographic location. By doing so, we can make a positive impact on individuals and communities alike.
