Most Educated States in America, Ranked

The number of Americans age 25 and older with a master’s or doctoral degree has doubled to over 28 million since 2000. Now, about 13 percent of Americans hold an advanced degree, and they earn on average 3.7 times as much as those who have not completed high school.

Those with degrees from community colleges or state universities tend to settle close to their alma mater. Graduates of elite colleges tend to head for the big city and may even move hundreds of miles away for their careers. This results in some areas of the country attracting large numbers of college graduates, particularly those with advanced degrees.

A state’s economy plays a role, as well as cultural and entertainment attractions. Overall, states with a higher percentage of residents with an advanced degree tend to be those with large metropolitan areas where large corporate headquarters are located. People move to where the best jobs are.

These are the most educated states in the United States, ranked from the lowest to the highest, including the District of Columbia.

Population: 3,011,524

Capital: Little Rock

Percent holding advanced degrees: 8.3

Median household income: $47,062

Note: The percentages of people holding advanced degrees come from the 2019 U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). Median household income is from a 2021 ACS survey. 

The low cost of living is what draws people to Arkansas. It constantly ranks among the cheapest places to live in the country and is 10 to 15 percent lower than the national average — housing, groceries, utilities and transportation are all cheaper here.

The state’s main industry is agriculture, and it ranks fourth nationally and first in the South in softwood production.

Arkansas is home to 12 private universities, 10 state universities, 22 two-year colleges, and an academic health center.

Population: 1,793,716

Capital: Charleston