Louisiana
WalletHub ranks Louisiana a bottom 3 state for education. Here’s why
Louisiana’s Childcare Fund at Risk
The Early Childhood Education Fund faces a funding shortfall, threatening access to affordable childcare for thousands of Louisiana children.
For many, education is a priority and a quality education can open pathways for greater career opportunities and potential higher earnings.
Despite this, not all states offer the same quality education, and Louisiana often seems to lack in the education department.
In order to find out which states are the most educated, WalletHub analyzed states based on educational attainment, school quality and disparities in achievement.
Where does Louisiana rank in quality education?
Louisiana ranked 48th on WalletHub’s list of the most educated states in the U.S. for 2026, making it the third least educated state.
Within WalletHub’s study, Louisiana also ranks No. 48 for education attainments and 40th for quality of education.
Additionally, Louisiana had the fourth-lowest percentage of high school diploma holders, third-lowest percentage of Associate’s Degree holders or college-experienced adults and the fourth-lowest percentage of Bachelor’s Degree holders.
In comparison, Massachusetts ranked as the most educated state, as the state has the highest percentage of adults with at least a Bachelor’s Degree and the highest share of adults who have a graduate or professional degree, according to WalletHub.
The most and least educated states according to WalletHub
- Massachusetts
- Vermont
- Maryland
- Connecticut
- Colorado
- New Jersey
- Virginia
- New Hampshire
- Minnesota
- Washington
- Utah
- Maine
- Rhode Island
- Delaware
- Illinois
- New York
- Oregon
- Montana
- Wisconsin
- Pennsylvania
- Florida
- North Carolina
- Hawaii
- Kansas
- Nebraska
- Wyoming
- Michigan
- North Dakota
- California
- Georgia
- Missouri
- Iowa
- South Dakota
- Arizona
- Ohio
- Alaska
- Idaho
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Indiana
- Texas
- New Mexico
- Alabama
- Kentucky
- Oklahoma
- Nevada
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
Louisiana
At least 8 children killed in shooting in Louisiana, US
Yasin Gungor
19 April 2026•Update: 19 April 2026
At least eight children were killed and two others were wounded in a shooting in the US state of Louisiana, local police said Sunday.
Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Christopher Bordelon said officers responded to the shooting just after 6 am (1100GMT), following a domestic disturbance call.
The age of the deceased ranged from one to 14 years, he said, adding that the incident involved at least 10 individuals across four separate locations.
The suspect attempted to flee by carjacking a vehicle and driving to neighboring Bossier City, where police located and shot him dead.
Bordelon said Shreveport police officers pursued the suspect’s vehicle into Bossier, where three officers discharged their firearms, killing him. He said investigators believe the suspect was the only person who opened fire at the locations.
Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux described the attack as “maybe the worst tragic situation we’ve ever had,” adding: “It’s a terrible morning.”
No immediate information was available about the condition of the injured.
Louisiana
‘Growth pays for growth’: Entergy’s Fair Share Plus model to save Louisiana customers $2.8 billion
Louisiana
Thinking of retiring in Louisiana? These are 5 best places to do so
Think tank proposes capping Social Security benefits at $100,000
A Washington think tank proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples as a way to shrink a looming deficit in the retirement trust fund.
When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
-
Indiana1 second ago
Projecting the Indiana Fever’s 2026 Starting Lineup
-
Iowa6 minutes ago5 people wounded in shooting near University of Iowa campus, including 3 students
-
Kansas12 minutes agoKansas Governor signs Caleb’s Law, targeting online sextortion of minors
-
Kentucky18 minutes agoMissing on this PF in the transfer portal could be a good thing for Kentucky
-
Louisiana24 minutes agoAt least 8 children killed in shooting in Louisiana, US
-
Maine30 minutes agoWet, cooler today; rain & snow impacts across Maine
-
Maryland36 minutes agoSpeeding motorcycle rider dies in t-bone crash along Marriottsville Road
-
Michigan42 minutes ago
Flood warnings continue around Cheboygan as river level stays high