WalletHub ranks Louisiana a bottom 3 state for education. Here’s why

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

1. Massachusetts
2. Vermont
3. Maryland
4. Connecticut
5. Colorado
6. New Jersey
7. Virginia
8. New Hampshire
9. Minnesota
10. Washington
11. Utah
12. Maine
13. Rhode Island
14. Delaware
15. Illinois
16. New York
17. Oregon
18. Montana
19. Wisconsin
20. Pennsylvania
21. Florida
22. North Carolina
23. Hawaii
24. Kansas
25. Nebraska
26. Wyoming
27. Michigan
28. North Dakota
29. California
30. Georgia
31. Missouri
32. Iowa
33. South Dakota
34. Arizona
35. Ohio
36. Alaska
37. Idaho
38. South Carolina
39. Tennessee
40. Indiana
41. Texas
42. New Mexico
43. Alabama
44. Kentucky
45. Oklahoma
46. Nevada
47. Arkansas
48. Louisiana
49. Mississippi
50. 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