Here's where Mass. finished on the latest list of most educated states

"According to a recent WalletHub analysis, Massachusetts claimed the No. 1 spot among all 50 states thanks to its exceptional levels of higher education attainment and strong public school performance. The annual report, dubbed Most & Least Educated States in America (2026), used 18 metrics ranging from the share of residents with college degrees to public school performance and achievement disparities across gender and race."

"Massachusetts stands out particularly for its concentration of advanced degrees. More than 47% of adults age 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree - the highest percentage in the country - while nearly 22% have earned a graduate or professional degree, also ranking first nationally. The state also performed near the top in measures of university quality and K-12 outcomes."

""There's a strong correlation between being more educated and receiving higher compensation," said Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst. "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.""

A WalletHub analysis ranked Massachusetts No. 1 among U.S. states using 18 metrics that include college-degree share, public school performance, and achievement disparities across gender and race. Massachusetts has more than 47% of adults age 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree and nearly 22% with graduate or professional degrees, both highest nationally. The state also scores near the top on university quality and K‑12 outcomes. Vermont and Maryland placed second and third, while Louisiana, Mississippi, and West Virginia ranked lowest. Colorado led for associate degrees and Vermont had the highest share of high school diplomas. Higher education correlates with higher compensation and more equitable schooling conditions.

Read at Boston.com