Are these the US states with the smartest students?

How would one begin to decide on where the best US state education is?

While we have explored the smartest cities in the US, what about the US state with the smartest students?

Perhaps it has something to do with having the most number of people with university degrees.

Using US Census Bureau data, the World Population Review’s list of the most educated US states in 2024 is based on the share of adults over 25 years old with a high school diploma, some college education, or at least a bachelor’s degree.

The top-ranking states in this list are:

1. Massachusetts
2. Colorado
3. Maryland
4. New Jersey
5. Connecticut
6. Vermont
7. Virginia
8. New Hampshire
9. New York

While Massachusetts is at the top of this list and ranks first for “educational attainment”, it is third for “quality of education” in the same report.

Shouldn’t the quality of your education determine the smartness of your state?

For some, the measure of intelligence is based on the level of your education. In other words, do you have a degree or a master’s programme?

A more measured and more current indication of the best US state education may be the rate its residents are signing up to join university.

Research by personal finance experts Wealth of Geeks reveals the US states with the highest university enrollment in 2023.

These findings are based on data from the National Student Clearinghouse on the number of undergraduates across the US who began their degree in 2023:

1. Utah – Undergraduate enrollment for the year: 230,980 (Population enrolled in university: 6.83%)
2. Idaho – 112,058 (5.78%)
3. North Dakota – 42,565 (5.46%)
4. Arizona – 399,387 (5.43%)
5. California – 2,113,108 (5.41%)
6. Rhode Island — 57,257 (5.24%)
7. Kansas – 151,109 (5.14%)
8. Nebraska – 98,474 (5%)
9. Iowa – 156,232 (4.88%)
10. Vermont – 30,604 (4.73%)

Compare the World Population Review list with Wealth of Geeks’s and you’ll see vastly different results, and the only state in common is Vermont.

What is informative about the Wealth of Geeks findings are the percentage changes between 2022 and 2023.

For instance, Utah had an increase of 1% from 2022, and Idaho’s current figure is 2.4% higher than in 2022.

The most significant jump was by California, which increased by 3.1% from 2022.

“This research offers a fascinating insight into higher education in the US,” says Michael Dinich, founder of Wealth of Geeks.

“High university enrollment is reflective of state policies that support students in reaching their full academic potential.”

“However, it is also important to consider the many pathways to success that exist outside the traditional university route; a state’s low university enrollment doesn’t always mean that its citizens can’t be successful.”

Best US state education: Book smart vs street smart

Having a university degree does not determine your intelligence.

Still, there are stereotypes that we subscribe to that can limit our view of who can be smart.

For instance, a book-smart person is thought to be someone who went through the typical education route and has gained knowledge through books.

Someone who is street-smart grows their knowledge through lived experience and hands-on tasks.

While people are categorised in one or another camp, both have merits.

The notion that book smarts are superior to street-smart people is diminishing.

Many incredibly wealthy people like Richard Branson, Steve Jobs, and Bill Gates dropped out of college. They were still successful.

Here are some of the reasons that being street smart is better than being book smart:

• You are more adaptable to changing scenarios and think fast on your feet in tough situations
• You learn from life and observe what’s around you to be better
• You have keen survival skills
• Your social skills are practised and effective
• You are practical
• You develop creative problem-solving skills
• You are confident
• You take more risks
• Many of your street-smart skills are transferable (all of the above certainly are)

Higher education institutions are changing their teaching methods to help produce graduates who have the book knowledge as well as the practical savvy to handle future challenges.

This is why there is a great emphasis on experiential learning and bringing in industry experts to glean real-life expertise.

Best US state education: Are these the US states with the smartest students?

While the lists for states with high enrollment and education rates may not tell us which is the Best US state education, it does leave us with some insights.

For instance, we understand that having a degree and having a quality education are two different things.

Just because you have a degree does not automatically mean you are very smart.

While there is no test for street smarts, perhaps it is best to fall back on IQ.

The World Population Review has listed the Smartest States 2024. This ranking is based on  IQ, SAT, and ACT scores and the percentage of college graduates in each state.

We have explored the top five and helped you with a list of the best universities in each state:

1. Massachusetts

Average IQ: 104.3

Literacy rate: 82.7%.

Massachusetts is one of the original 13 states and one of the six New England states. In terms of area, Massachusetts is the seventh smallest US state.

Located in the Northeastern part of the country, it has a rich history and is home to Boston, a major metropolitan city.

There is much culture to explore. The state has world-class museums and national historical sites and has produced some of America’s most famously creative academics, artists, writers, and musicians.

Home to some of the most impressive Ivy League schools – including the world’s top three universities — the state is a favourite for international students.

Best universities in the state:

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Boston College
• Tufts University
• Boston University

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Yale (@yale)

2. Connecticut

Average IQ: 103.1

Literacy rate: 82.8%

Situated between New York and Massachusetts, the state is known for being the subject of stunning autumnal images.

If you love nature, Connecticut will have your heart with its many beaches, harbours, forest-clad hills and village greens.

Perhaps its best-known university is Yale University – a member of the prestigious Ivy League.

Don’t be intimidated though, as there are many other incredible schools to attend in this state.

Best universities in the state:

• Yale University
• University of Connecticut
• Fairfield University
• Quinnipiac Universit
• Trinity College

3. Maryland

Average IQ: 99.7

Literacy rate: 80%.

While its average IQ is 99.7, Maryland makes up for it with an 80% literacy rate.

The most popular industries in the state are biohealth, financial services, cybersecurity, agribusiness, aerospace, and manufacturing.

It also has the second-highest share of all technology companies.

Fun fact: Maryland was named after Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I, by Cecilius (Cecil) Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore.

Best universities in the state:

• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Maryland, College Park
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County
• Morgan State University
• University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

4. Virginia

Average IQ: 101.9

Literacy rate: 81.2%

Virginia has many nationally ranked small liberal arts colleges as well as a range of prestigious universities to choose from.

That’s why it makes sense that the state is home to nearly 19,000 international students.

It is the 12th most populous state in the US, despite only being the 35th biggest.

If technology is the area you would like to pursue, then you could not have picked a better state.

Virginia has the highest concentration of technology workers in the US, with one in 11 workers employed in the sector.

Best universities in the state:

• University of Virginia
• Virginia Tech
• George Mason University
• James Madison University
• Virginia Commonwealth University

5. Vermont

Average IQ: 103.8

Literacy rate: 87.2%

When you think of Vermont, picturesque sights come to mind, from lush nature to New England architecture.

Over 70% of this landlocked state is covered in forests, with rich mountains, valleys and stunning lake ecosystems.

Many international students flock to the state’s largest city, Burlington (also known as a student-friendly city), home to a third of the state’s population.

Fun fact: Burlington is home to the well-known Ben & Jerry’s ice cream brand.

Best universities in the state:

• University of Vermont
• Middlebury College
• Bennington College
• Saint Michael’s College
• Norwich University