Special Report

America's Most and Least Educated States: A Survey of All 50

Harvard, Boston, Massachusetts
Source: Thinkstock

1. Massachusetts
> Pct. of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 41.5%
> Pct. of adults with at least a high school diploma: 90.2%
> 2015 median household income: $70,628 (6th highest)
> Median earnings for bachelor degree holders: $57,285 (4th highest)

Home to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities, Massachusetts is the only state in which more than two in five adults have at least a bachelor’s degree. Because of their high educational levels many Massachusetts residents likely qualify for high-paying jobs that tend to require college degrees. For example, 13.5% of the Massachusetts workforce is employed in a professional, scientific, or management occupation, the fourth highest share in the country. Some of those employees may belong to the 10.0% of Massachusetts households earning $200,000 and higher a year. Only two other states have a higher share of households earning as much.

Central High School, Grand Junction, Colorado
Source: Wikimedia Commons

2. Colorado
> Pct. of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.2%
> Pct. of adults with at least a high school diploma: 91.2%
> 2015 median household income: $63,909 (11th highest)
> Median earnings for bachelor degree holders: $50,196 (17th highest)

In Colorado, 39.2% of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree, the second largest share of any state. States with high college attainment rates tend to have strong high school attainment as well. In Colorado, 91.2% of adults have at least graduated from high school — one of the larger such shares in the country. Both the high school and college attainments rates increased by about a percentage point last year. A greater share of adults with a college degree likely means more residents have access to high-paying jobs. The median household income in the state is $63,909, far higher than the $55,775 the typical American household earns a year.

Johns Hopkins, Maryland
Source: Thinkstock

3. Maryland
> Pct. of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 38.8%
> Pct. of adults with at least a high school diploma: 89.6%
> 2015 median household income: $75,847 (the highest)
> Median earnings for bachelor degree holders: $60,745 (3rd highest)

In Maryland, 38.8% of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree, the third largest share in the country. The high level of educational attainment helps explain the state’s high median income. The typical Maryland household earns $75,847 a year, approximately $20,000 more than the typical American household’s income of $55,775. A large share of Maryland residents likely earn their high incomes in fields that require college education. For example, 15.5% of the state workforce is employed in a professional, scientific, or management occupation, the highest share nationwide.

Yale, New Haven, Connecticut
Source: Thinkstock

4. Connecticut
> Pct. of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 38.3%
> Pct. of adults with at least a high school diploma: 90.2%
> 2015 median household income: $71,346 (5th highest)
> Median earnings for bachelor degree holders: $61,071 (the highest)

In Connecticut, 38.3% of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree, the fourth highest college attainment rate nationwide. A college education goes a long way in Connecticut, where the typical adult with a bachelor’s degree earns $61,071 annually, the highest median earnings for college graduates of any state. College graduates likely account for the bulk of Connecticut households earnings more than $200,000 annually. The 10.3% of households earnings such high incomes is the second highest share in the country.

linden-high-school-new-jersey
Source: Wikimedia Commons

5. New Jersey
> Pct. of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 37.6%
> Pct. of adults with at least a high school diploma: 89.1%
> 2015 median household income: $72,222 (4th highest)
> Median earnings for bachelor degree holders: $60,935 (2nd highest)

In New Jersey, 37.6% of adults have at least a bachelor’s degree, a larger share than the 30.6% national college attainment rate. College graduates are compensated particularly well in New Jersey. The typical adult with a bachelor’s degree in the state earns $60,935 annually, the second highest such figure of any state. College graduates likely comprise a large share of the New Jersey households earning more than $200,000 a year. The 10.9% of state households earnings such high incomes is the highest such share nationwide.

Sponsored: Tips for Investing

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.