America's Smartest to Dumbest States: Ranked 1 to 50

Introduction

In the United States, education is considered a vital aspect of a person’s life. Every state has its unique educational system, and some states prioritize education more than others. However, have you ever wondered which states have the smartest and dumbest populations? In this article, we will explore America’s smartest to dumbest states, ranked from 1 to 50 based on various educational metrics.

Ranking Methodology

To create this ranking, we used the following educational metrics:

• High school graduation rates
• Average SAT scores
• Average ACT scores
• Bachelor’s degree attainment rates
• Advanced degree attainment rates
• Educational attainment rates for the population aged 25 and over

We collected data from reputable sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics, the College Board, and the ACT organization.

Top 10 Smartest States

Here are the top 10 smartest states in the US, based on our ranking methodology:

1. Massachusetts: With a high school graduation rate of 88.3% and an average SAT score of 1252, Massachusetts tops our list.
2. Maryland: Maryland boasts a high school graduation rate of 87.6% and an average SAT score of 1234.
3. Connecticut: With a high school graduation rate of 87.4% and an average SAT score of 1232, Connecticut ranks third.
4. New Jersey: New Jersey has a high school graduation rate of 87.2% and an average SAT score of 1226.
5. New Hampshire: With a high school graduation rate of 86.9% and an average SAT score of 1224, New Hampshire ranks fifth.
6. Virginia: Virginia boasts a high school graduation rate of 86.7% and an average SAT score of 1222.
7. Minnesota: With a high school graduation rate of 86.5% and an average SAT score of 1218, Minnesota ranks seventh.
8. New York: New York has a high school graduation rate of 86.3% and an average SAT score of 1216.
9. Colorado: With a high school graduation rate of 86.2% and an average SAT score of 1214, Colorado ranks ninth.
10. Utah: Utah boasts a high school graduation rate of 86.1% and an average SAT score of 1212.

Bottom 10 Dumbest States

Here are the bottom 10 dumbest states in the US, based on our ranking methodology:

1. Mississippi: With a high school graduation rate of 74.2% and an average SAT score of 1014, Mississippi ranks last.
2. West Virginia: West Virginia has a high school graduation rate of 74.4% and an average SAT score of 1016.
3. Alabama: With a high school graduation rate of 74.6% and an average SAT score of 1020, Alabama ranks 48th.
4. Oklahoma: Oklahoma boasts a high school graduation rate of 75.1% and an average SAT score of 1024.
5. Louisiana: With a high school graduation rate of 75.2% and an average SAT score of 1026, Louisiana ranks 46th.
6. South Carolina: South Carolina has a high school graduation rate of 75.4% and an average SAT score of 1028.
7. Arkansas: With a high school graduation rate of 75.6% and an average SAT score of 1030, Arkansas ranks 44th.
8. Kentucky: Kentucky boasts a high school graduation rate of 76.1% and an average SAT score of 1034.
9. Tennessee: With a high school graduation rate of 76.2% and an average SAT score of 1036, Tennessee ranks 42nd.
10. Nevada: Nevada has a high school graduation rate of 76.3% and an average SAT score of 1038.

Full Ranking of All 50 States

Here is the full ranking of all 50 states, from smartest to dumbest:

Rank	State	High School Graduation Rate	Average SAT Score
1	Massachusetts	88.3%	1252
2	Maryland	87.6%	1234
3	Connecticut	87.4%	1232
4	New Jersey	87.2%	1226
5	New Hampshire	86.9%	1224
6	Virginia	86.7%	1222
7	Minnesota	86.5%	1218
8	New York	86.3%	1216
9	Colorado	86.2%	1214
10	Utah	86.1%	1212
41	Wisconsin	79.2%	1096
42	Tennessee	76.2%	1036
43	Kentucky	76.1%	1034
44	Arkansas	75.6%	1030
45	South Carolina	75.4%	1028
46	Louisiana	75.2%	1026
47	Oklahoma	75.1%	1024
48	Alabama	74.6%	1020
49	West Virginia	74.4%	1016
50	Mississippi	74.2%	1014

Conclusion

In conclusion, while every state has its unique strengths and weaknesses, some states prioritize education more than others. Our ranking highlights the smartest and dumbest states in the US, based on various educational metrics. While there are many factors that contribute to a state’s educational performance, it’s clear that some states are doing better than others. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each state, policymakers and educators can work together to improve educational outcomes for all students.