States With the Best and Worst Schools

46. Alabama
> High school graduation rate: 87.1% (16th highest)
> Public school spending: $9,236.42 per pupil (12th lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 21.0% (math) 28.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 25.5% (8th lowest)
> Children who live in low income families: 46.2%

47. Nevada
> High school graduation rate: 73.6% (2nd lowest)
> Public school spending: $8,960.11 per pupil (9th lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 27.0% (math) 28.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 24.9% (6th lowest)
> Children who live in low income families: 41.6%

48. Mississippi
> High school graduation rate: 82.3% (17th lowest)
> Public school spending: $8,701.85 per pupil (5th lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 22.0% (math) 25.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 21.9% (2nd lowest)
> Children who live in low income families: 51.2%

49. Louisiana
> High school graduation rate: 78.6% (5th lowest)
> Public school spending: $11,038.30 per pupil (23rd lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 19.0% (math) 25.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 23.8% (4th lowest)
> Children who live in low income families: 49.3%

50. New Mexico
> High school graduation rate: 71.0% (the lowest)
> Public school spending: $9,692.70 per pupil (14th lowest)
> 8th grade proficiency: 20.0% (math) 24.0% (reading)
> Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 27.1% (11th lowest)
> Children who live in low income families: 52.9%