Massachusetts Tops List of Most Educated States

Bay State leads the nation in higher education attainment and public school performance.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Massachusetts has once again been ranked as the most educated state in the U.S., according to a new WalletHub study. The state leads the nation in the percentage of adults with bachelor's and advanced degrees, as well as strong performance in K-12 education metrics.

Why it matters

Education levels are closely tied to economic outcomes, with more educated states providing greater opportunities for residents. Massachusetts' consistent top ranking highlights the state's commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences from elementary school through graduate programs.

The details

The WalletHub study analyzed 18 metrics, including share of adults with college degrees, university quality, and K-12 performance. Massachusetts stood out for having the highest percentage of adults 25 and older with bachelor's degrees (47%) and graduate/professional degrees (22%). Vermont and Maryland rounded out the top three most educated states.

  • The WalletHub study was released on February 14, 2026.

The players

WalletHub

A personal finance website that conducts research and analysis on economic and financial topics.

Chip Lupo

A WalletHub analyst who commented on the correlation between education levels and economic outcomes.

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What they’re saying

“There's a strong correlation between being more educated and receiving higher compensation. The most educated states provide high-quality educational experiences from elementary school all the way to graduate programs, which helps parents raise children in an environment that gives them as many opportunities as possible. The top states also provide equitable schooling conditions, with low racial and gender gaps in educational attainment.”

— Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst (boston.com)

The takeaway

Massachusetts' consistent ranking as the most educated state in the nation underscores the state's commitment to providing world-class educational opportunities from early childhood through advanced degrees. This investment in human capital pays dividends in the form of higher incomes and greater economic mobility for residents.