America’s Most Educated States: Full Rankings and Insights

The share of Americans aged 25 and older holding a master’s or doctoral degree has doubled since 2000, now exceeding 28 million people. Roughly 13 percent of adults in the United States have an advanced degree, and on average they earn 3.7 times more than individuals who did not finish high school.

Where graduates end up living varies by institution type and career goals. Those who attend community colleges or state universities often remain near their alma mater, while graduates of elite schools frequently relocate to large metropolitan areas—even hundreds of miles away—for career opportunities. As a result, certain states and metropolitan regions attract higher concentrations of people with advanced degrees.

Economic factors, cultural attractions and job markets strongly influence these patterns. States with larger metropolitan areas and major corporate headquarters tend to have higher percentages of residents with advanced degrees because people move to where the best jobs are.

Below is a ranking of the most educated U.S. states and the District of Columbia, listed from lowest to highest percentage of residents holding advanced degrees. Each entry includes key facts and a brief bottom-line summary.

51. Arkansas

Population: 3,011,524

Capital: Little Rock

Arkansas Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 8.3

Median household income: $47,062

Bottom Line for Arkansas

Arkansas attracts residents with a low cost of living that is consistently below the national average. Agriculture is a major industry, including strong softwood production. The state offers a range of higher-education options, including private and public universities, two-year colleges and an academic health center.

50. West Virginia

Population: 1,793,716

Capital: Charleston

West Virginia Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 8.4

Median household income: $44,097

Bottom Line for West Virginia

West Virginia is known for its scenic Appalachian forests and outdoor recreation. The state offers affordable housing and a low tax burden, though parts of the state face persistent poverty. Higher-education options include public and private colleges, land-grant institutions and historically Black colleges.

49. Mississippi

Population: 2,961,279

Capital: Jackson

Mississippi Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 8.6

Median household income: $44,717

Bottom Line for Mississippi

Mississippi’s housing and basic living costs tend to be well below the national averages, making college more affordable for many residents. The state offers multiple higher-education institutions and options for in-state study at relatively low cost.

48. Louisiana

Population: 4,657,757

Capital: Baton Rouge

Louisiana Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 8.9

Median household income: $47,905

Bottom Line for Louisiana

Louisiana is celebrated for its culture and cuisine. The state’s economy is supported by industries such as petroleum, commercial fishing, agriculture and tourism, and it hosts many colleges and universities serving hundreds of thousands of students.

47. North Dakota

Population: 779,094

Capital: Bismarck

North Dakota Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 8.9

Median household income: $63,837

Bottom Line for North Dakota

North Dakota offers wide-open spaces, job opportunities in energy, agriculture and healthcare, and generally affordable living. In-state tuition and regional programs make higher education accessible for many residents.

46. Nevada

Population: 3,104,614

Capital: Carson City

Nevada Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 9.0

Median household income: $58,646

Bottom Line for Nevada

Nevada’s economy includes tourism and entertainment but also growing aerospace, defense, energy and tech sectors. The state’s lack of personal income tax and financial incentives help attract residents and businesses, and state programs support access to higher education for low-income students.

45. Oklahoma

Population: 3,959,353

Capital: Oklahoma City

Oklahoma Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 9.1

Median household income: $51,924

Bottom Line for Oklahoma

Oklahoma offers relatively affordable housing and living costs, a younger population profile and strong employment in sectors that include defense, retail, education and gaming. The state provides a variety of colleges and universities, especially in metropolitan areas.

44. South Dakota

Population: 882,235

Capital: Pierre

South Dakota Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 9.1

Median household income: $56,274

Bottom Line for South Dakota

South Dakota appeals to those seeking small-town living, low crime and a growing economy. Agriculture, manufacturing and light industry support employment, and the state hosts multiple four-year colleges and universities.

43. Iowa

Population: 3,190,369

Capital: Des Moines

Iowa Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 9.5

Median household income: $59,955

Bottom Line for Iowa

Iowa’s economy is rooted in agriculture but also includes manufacturing, renewable energy and transportation. The state has a high high-school graduation rate and well-regarded colleges that contribute to its workforce and economy.

42. Indiana

Population: 6,785,528

Capital: Indianapolis

Indiana Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 9.7

Median household income: $55,746

Bottom Line for Indiana

Indiana offers affordable living costs and a strong manufacturing base, especially in steel and automotive industries, along with respected higher-education institutions that help prepare students for careers in science, engineering and business.

41. Idaho

Population: 1,839,106

Capital: Boise

Idaho Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 9.9

Median household income: $55,583

Bottom Line for Idaho

Idaho’s natural amenities, outdoor activities and family-friendly communities have driven population growth. Agriculture and healthcare remain important employers, and the state hosts public and private universities that serve regional needs.

40. Alabama

Population: 5,024,279

Capital: Montgomery

Alabama Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 10.0

Median household income: $49,861

Bottom Line for Alabama

Alabama’s coastal access, mild climate and family-friendly communities are complemented by industries such as manufacturing, mining and healthcare. The state hosts many colleges and universities, including strong programs in engineering, science and medicine.

39. Kentucky

Population: 4,505,836

Capital: Frankfort

Kentucky Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 10.3

Median household income: $50,247

Bottom Line for Kentucky

Kentucky offers abundant outdoor recreation, lower housing costs than many states and strong college basketball traditions. Education and healthcare are important employers, and the state’s universities support regional economies.

38. Wyoming

Population: 578,803

Capital: Cheyenne

Wyoming Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 10.4

Median household income: $61,584

Bottom Line for Wyoming

Wyoming’s tax environment is favorable to small businesses and retirees, with no personal or corporate income tax and low property taxes. The state’s economy relies on mining, agriculture and manufacturing, while tourism is growing.

37. Montana

Population: 1,084,225

Capital: Helena

Montana Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 10.5

Median household income: $55,328

Bottom Line for Montana

Montana’s low population density and abundant natural resources support sectors such as mining, agriculture and tourism. Housing costs vary widely across the state, and several public universities provide higher-education opportunities.

36. Wisconsin

Population: 5,893,718

Capital: Madison

Wisconsin Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 10.7

Median household income: $60,773

Bottom Line for Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers a cost of living below the national average in many areas and a strong presence in agriculture, manufacturing and tourism. The state’s colleges and universities are well-regarded and support local economies.

35. Tennessee

Population: 6,910,840

Capital: Nashville

Tennessee Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 10.7

Median household income: $52,375

Bottom Line for Tennessee

Tennessee’s lack of state income tax, vibrant music and entertainment scene, and growth in healthcare and finance make it an attractive destination. State programs help support access to community colleges and workforce training.

34. Texas

Population: 29,145,505

Capital: Austin

Texas Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 10.8

Median household income: $60,629

Bottom Line for Texas

Texas offers strong job growth, affordable living in many regions and no state income tax. The state is home to a large number of four-year institutions and a substantial student population, supporting diverse industries and research efforts.

33. Ohio

Population: 11,799,448

Capital: Columbus

Ohio Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.0

Median household income: $56,111

Bottom Line for Ohio

Ohio’s economy is diversifying beyond traditional manufacturing into aerospace, healthcare and technology. Lower housing costs and a broad selection of higher-education institutions make Ohio attractive for families and students.

32. South Carolina

Population: 5,118,425

Capital: Columbia

South Carolina Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.2

Median household income: $52,306

Bottom Line for South Carolina

South Carolina’s economy is shifting from agriculture toward technology and manufacturing, with coastal cities drawing new residents. The state offers many colleges and free or reduced tuition options for certain resident groups.

31. Utah

Population: 3,161,105

Capital: Salt Lake City

Utah Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.3

Median household income: $71,621

Bottom Line for Utah

Utah’s strong economic growth and startup activity have positioned it as a hub for technology and professional services. Large infrastructure and corporate investments are expected to support future job growth.

30. Arizona

Population: 7,151,502

Capital: Phoenix

Arizona Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.3

Median household income: $59,246

Bottom Line for Arizona

Arizona’s climate and growing tech, aerospace and tourism sectors attract residents. The state provides a broad array of colleges and universities across diverse landscapes from mountains to desert.

29. Florida

Population: 21,538,187

Capital: Tallahassee

Florida Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.4

Median household income: $55,462

Bottom Line for Florida

Florida’s favorable tax environment, warm climate and tourist-driven economy attract families and retirees. The state hosts hundreds of colleges and universities and major research institutions.

28. Nebraska

Population: 1,961,504

Capital: Lincoln

Nebraska Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.4

Median household income: $59,566

Bottom Line for Nebraska

Nebraska combines strong agricultural production with affordable living and quality community colleges and universities. The state ranks well for family well-being and maintains a diverse economy.

27. Hawaii

Population: 1,420,491

Capital: Honolulu

Hawaii Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.6

Median household income: $81,275

Bottom Line for Hawaii

Tourism dominates Hawaii’s economy, which also includes defense and healthcare. The state ranks highly for health care and maintains low unemployment relative to many other states.

26. Alaska

Population: 733,391

Capital: Juneau

Alaska Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.7

Median household income: $74,346

Bottom Line for Alaska

Alaska’s vast wilderness supports resource-based industries like petroleum, mining and fishing, while tourism and military installations also provide employment. The state offers financial aid programs to help residents pursue postsecondary education.

25. Missouri

Population: 6,154,913

Capital: Jefferson City

Missouri Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.8

Median household income: $54,478

Bottom Line for Missouri

Missouri’s low cost of living, diverse industry base and range of higher-education institutions make it attractive for families and students. Research universities and community colleges provide regional workforce development.

24. North Carolina

Population: 10,439,388

Capital: Raleigh

North Carolina Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.8

Median household income: $53,855

Bottom Line for North Carolina

North Carolina’s mix of agriculture, banking, manufacturing and growing tech sectors has driven population growth. The state offers a large number of colleges and universities, many of which are highly regarded.

23. Michigan

Population: 9,995,915

Capital: Lansing

Michigan Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 11.9

Median household income: $57,144

Bottom Line for Michigan

Michigan remains an important manufacturing and transportation hub, while healthcare, education and technology sectors have expanded. The state’s large public research universities are significant employers and contribute to innovation.

22. New Mexico

Population: 2,095,428

Capital: Santa Fe

New Mexico Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 12.1

Median household income: $49,754

Bottom Line for New Mexico

New Mexico’s economy includes energy, federal research facilities and high-tech industries. Its federal laboratories, military installations and protected public lands shape employment and economic activity.

21. Kansas

Population: 2,911,505

Capital: Topeka

Kansas Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 12.4

Median household income: $59,597

Bottom Line for Kansas

Kansas is a major agricultural producer with a growing presence in manufacturing, bioscience and renewable energy. Several corporate employers and research institutions support local economies and workforce development.

20. Maine

Population: 1,338,404

Capital: Augusta

Maine Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 12.4

Median household income: $57,918

Bottom Line for Maine

Maine’s economy is anchored by forestry and healthcare, while its ports support regional trade. The state’s university system is a major employer and contributor to local research and education.

19. Georgia

Population: 10,519,475

Capital: Atlanta

Georgia Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 12.6

Median household income: $58,700

Bottom Line for Georgia

Georgia blends traditional agriculture with strong clusters in healthcare, logistics, aerospace and higher education. Major universities and employers support innovation and research across the state.

18. Minnesota

Population: 5,611,179

Capital: St. Paul

Minnesota Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 12.8

Median household income: $71,306

Bottom Line for Minnesota

Minnesota hosts major employers in healthcare, retail and manufacturing and ranks highly for innovation and patents. The state’s research institutions and Fortune 500 companies contribute to a skilled workforce and strong median incomes.

17. Pennsylvania

Population: 12,807,060

Capital: Harrisburg

Pennsylvania Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 12.8

Median household income: $61,744

Bottom Line for Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s economy is diverse—spanning manufacturing, healthcare, education and food production—and it supports a large network of colleges and universities that contribute to research and local employment.

16. California

Population: 39,557,045

Capital: Sacramento

California Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 13.1

Median household income: $75,235

Bottom Line for California

California’s massive economy is driven by technology, entertainment, fashion and research. The state contains hundreds of colleges and top-ranked research universities that attract talent from around the world.

15. Oregon

Population: 4,190,713

Capital: Salem

Oregon Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 13.5

Median household income: $62,818

Bottom Line for Oregon

Oregon has transitioned from resource-based industries toward manufacturing, technology and creative sectors. Several major employers and research institutions support a highly educated workforce.

14. Delaware

Population: 967,171

Capital: Dover

Delaware Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 13.7

Median household income: $68,287

Bottom Line for Delaware

Delaware’s business-friendly laws and low taxes support finance, chemical manufacturing and healthcare industries. The state’s universities, including the University of Delaware, contribute to research and workforce development.

13. Rhode Island

Population: 1,057,315

Capital: Providence

Rhode Island Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 13.9

Median household income: $67,167

Bottom Line for Rhode Island

Rhode Island’s financial services, education and design sectors anchor its economy. The state is home to well-known research universities and art schools, contributing to a highly skilled workforce.

12. Illinois

Population: 12,741,080

Capital: Springfield

Illinois Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 14.1

Median household income: $61,229

Bottom Line for Illinois

Illinois’s large metropolitan economy, especially Chicago, supports finance, manufacturing, biotechnology and education. The state’s many colleges and research institutions supply talent to regional and national industries.

11. Washington

Population: 7,535,591

Capital: Olympia

Washington Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 14.2

Median household income: $73,775

Bottom Line for Washington

Washington’s economy is driven by high-tech, information services and retail, anchored by major companies and strong STEM employment. The state’s innovation ecosystem and large research universities support a well-educated workforce.

10. New Hampshire

Population: 1,356,458

Capital: Concord

New Hampshire Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 14.7 percent

Median household income: $76,768

Bottom Line for New Hampshire

New Hampshire has a strong high-tech and advanced manufacturing presence, with well-regarded colleges and research institutions that support innovation and low unemployment.

9. Vermont

Population: 626,299

Capital: Montpelier

Vermont Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 15.9

Median household income: $57,808

Bottom Line for Vermont

Vermont’s small economy emphasizes agriculture, dairy and specialty food production, alongside education and healthcare. The state’s universities play an outsized role in local employment and community life.

8. Colorado

Population: 5,695,564

Capital: Denver

Colorado Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 16.0

Median household income: $72,331

Bottom Line for Colorado

Colorado’s strong growth in technology, entrepreneurship and professional services, combined with natural amenities and major employers, has attracted a well-educated workforce and supported rising incomes.

7. New Jersey

Population: 8,908,520

Capital: Trenton

New Jersey Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 16.1

Median household income: $82,545

Bottom Line for New Jersey

New Jersey’s proximity to major metropolitan areas and its strong healthcare, biotech and information-technology sectors support high median incomes and a well-educated population. Prestigious colleges and research institutions are prominent employers.

6. New York

Population: 19,542,209

Capital: Albany

New York Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 16.6

Median household income: $68,486

Bottom Line for New York

New York’s concentration of finance, media, healthcare and education—particularly in New York City—supports a high share of residents with advanced degrees. The state hosts many nationally ranked universities and research centers.

5. Virginia

Population: 8,517,685

Capital: Richmond

Virginia Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 17.2

Median household income: $74,222

Bottom Line for Virginia

Virginia’s economy is geographically varied, with federal contractors and technology firms concentrated near the Washington, D.C. corridor, agriculture and wineries in the west and shipbuilding and port activities along the coast. A large number of colleges and universities support a skilled labor pool.

4. Connecticut

Population: 3,572,655

Capital: Hartford

Connecticut Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 17.8

Median household income: $78,444

Bottom Line for Connecticut

Connecticut’s economy includes finance, insurance, manufacturing and bioscience, supported by major employers and research universities. The state’s high median income reflects its strong professional job base.

3. Maryland

Population: 6,042,718

Capital: Annapolis

Maryland Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 19.1

Median household income: $84,805

Bottom Line for Maryland

Maryland’s proximity to the nation’s capital, concentration of federal agencies and a strong presence of biotech, healthcare and defense contractors drive high levels of educational attainment and strong median incomes.

2. Massachusetts

Population: 6,902,149

Capital: Boston

Massachusetts Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 20.3

Median household income: $81,215

Bottom Line for Massachusetts

Massachusetts is a global center for higher education, healthcare and technology, with world-class universities and research institutions that drive strong innovation, high-tech job growth and high rates of advanced-degree attainment.

1. District of Columbia

Population: 702,455

Capital: Washington, D.C.

District of Columbia Facts and Figures

Percent holding advanced degrees: 33.9

Median household income: $92,266

Bottom Line for District of Columbia

The District of Columbia—while not a state—has the highest share of residents with advanced degrees. The federal government and related contractors, along with professional services and research universities, create strong demand for highly educated workers and drive high median incomes.