Did you know that the United States is the only country where education is a state-level matter? That means that some states are smarter than others. Take a look at this list of the most and least brainy states in the U.S. to see where you live. How does your state rank against other states? We’ve put together this fascinating list ranking states by the average IQ level. We’ve also included data showing the share of residents with bachelor’s degrees and the top college in each of these state! Please enjoy this list and see where your state ranks or maybe where you would like to move if you want to get away from your state’s IQ level. Please enjoy!
1. Massachusetts
Average IQ – 104.3
The Bay State ranks first for educational attainment and third for quality of education. Massachusetts also ranks 34th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a (7% acceptance rate). Massachusetts also ranks 2nd for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 45%
2. New Hampshire
Average IQ – 104.2
The Granite State ranks sixth for educational attainment and 16th for quality of education. New Hampshire also ranks first in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Dartmouth College with a (9% acceptance rate). New Hampshire also ranks 13th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 37.6%
3. Vermont
Average IQ – 103.8
The Green Mountain State ranks fifth for educational attainment and seventh for quality of education. Vermont also ranks 26th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Middlebury College with a (17% acceptance rate). Vermont also ranks 15th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 38.7%
4. North Dakota
Average IQ – 103.8
The Flickertail State ranks 24th for educational attainment and 33rd for quality of education. North Dakota also ranks sixth in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to North Dakota State University with a (93% acceptance rate). North Dakota also ranks 25th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.4%
5. Minnesota
Average IQ – 103.7
The North Star State ranks eighth for educational attainment and 18th for quality of education. Minnesota also ranks fifth in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Carleton College with a (20% acceptance rate). Minnesota also ranks 17th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 37.3%
6. Montana
Average IQ – 103.4
The Treasure State ranks 13th for educational attainment and 45th for quality of education. Montana also ranks 32nd in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Montana State University with a (82% acceptance rate). Montana also ranks 32nd for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.6%
7. Maine
Average IQ – 103.4
The Pine Tree State ranks 18th for educational attainment and 27th for quality of education. Maine also ranks seventh in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Bowdoin College with a (10% acceptance rate). Maine also ranks 28th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.2%
8. Iowa
Average IQ – 103.2
The Hawkeye State ranks twenty seventh for educational attainment and 30th for quality of education. Iowa also ranks 10th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Grinnell College with a (24% acceptance rate). Iowa also ranks 18th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 29.3%
9. Connecticut
Average IQ – 103.1
The Nutmeg State ranks fourth for educational attainment and fifth for quality of education. Connecticut also ranks 15th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the infamous Yale University with a (6% acceptance rate). Connecticut also ranks 6th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.8%
10. Wisconsin
Average IQ – 102.9
The Badger State ranks 25th for educational attainment and 12th for quality of education. Wisconsin also ranks 13th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University of Wisconsin with a (52% acceptance rate). Wisconsin also ranks 8th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 31.3%
11. South Dakota
Average IQ – 102.8
The Mount Rushmore State ranks 29th for educational attainment and 40th for quality of education. South Dakota also ranks sixth in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Augustana University with a (65% acceptance rate). South Dakota also ranks 19th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.4%
12. New Jersey
Average IQ – 102.8
Garden State ranks ranks 10th for educational attainment and 4th for quality of education. New Jersey also ranks 14th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Princeton University with a (5% acceptance rate). New Jersey also ranks 1st for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 41.2%
13. Kansas
Average IQ – 102.8
The Sunflower State ranks 14th for educational attainment and 50th for quality of education. Kansas also ranks 20th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Kansas State University with a (93% acceptance rate). Kansas also ranks 23rd for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 34%
14. Wyoming
Average IQ – 102.4
The Equality State ranks 22nd for educational attainment and 37th for quality of education. Wyoming also ranks 47th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University of Wyoming with a (96% acceptance rate). Wyoming also ranks 21st for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 29%
15. Nebraska
Average IQ – 102.3
The Cornhusker State ranks 20th for educational attainment and 32nd for quality of education. Nebraska also ranks 31st in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to University of Nebraska – Lincoln with a (80% acceptance rate). Nebraska also ranks 9th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.3%
16. Washington
Average IQ – 101.9
The Evergreen State ranks 9th for educational attainment and 19th for quality of education. Washington also ranks 44th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home the University of Washington with a (49% acceptance rate). Washington also ranks 4th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 37%
17. Virginia
Average IQ – 101.9
The Old Dominion State ranks 50th for educational attainment and 39th for quality of education. Virginia also ranks 27th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University or Virginia with a (26% acceptance rate). Virginia also ranks 12th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 39.6%
18. Ohio
Average IQ – 101.8
The Buckeye State ranks 34th for educational attainment and 29th for quality of education. Ohio also ranks 19th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Case Western Reserve University with a (29% acceptance rate). Ohio also ranks 31st for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 29.3%
19. Indiana
Average IQ – 101.7
The Hoosier State ranks 40th for educational attainment and 11th for quality of education. Indiana also ranks 23rd in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University of Notre Dame with a (18% acceptance rate). Indiana also ranks 22nd for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 27%
20. Colorado
Average IQ – 101.6
The Centennial State ranks second for educational attainment and 35th for quality of education. Colorado also ranks 41st in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Colorado School of Mines with a (49% acceptance rate). Colorado also ranks 5th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 42.7%
21. Pennsylvania
Average IQ – 101.5
The Keystone State ranks 28th for educational attainment and 34th for quality of education. Pennsylvania ranks fourth in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University of Pennsylvania (8% acceptance rate). Pennsylvania also ranks 37th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 32.3%
22. Idaho
Average IQ – 101.4
The Gem State ranks 32nd for educational attainment and 47th for quality of education. Idaho ranks 33rd in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to University of Idaho (77% acceptance rate). Idaho also ranks 29th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 28.8%
23. Oregon
Average IQ – 101.2
The Beaver State ranks 12th for educational attainment and 43rd for quality of education. Oregon ranks 40th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Reed College in Portland (35% acceptance rate). Oregon also ranks 35th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 34.6%
24. Utah
Average IQ – 101.1
The Beehive State ranks 11th for educational attainment and 13th for quality of education. Utah ranks 50th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Brigham-Young University (64% acceptance rate). Utah also ranks 10th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 34.8%
25. Missouri
Average IQ – 101
The Show Me State ranks 31st for educational attainment and 23rd for quality of education. Missouri ranks 22nd in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Washington University in St. Louis (15% acceptance rate). Missouri also ranks 30th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.2%
26. New York
Average IQ – 100.7
The Empire State ranks 19th for educational attainment and 17th for quality of education. New York ranks 30th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Columbia University (6% acceptance rate). New York also ranks 16th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 37.8%
27. Michigan
Average IQ – 100.5
The Great Lake State ranks 26th for educational attainment and 25th for quality of education. Michigan ranks 18th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (23% acceptance rate). Michigan also ranks 38th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30%
28. Delaware
Average IQ – 100.4
The Diamond State ranks 23rd for educational attainment and 10th for quality of education. Delaware ranks ninth in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University of Delaware (66% acceptance rate). Delaware also ranks 24th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.2%
29. North Carolina
Average IQ – 100.2
The Tar Heel State ranks 30th for educational attainment and 26th for quality of education. North Carolina ranks 29th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Duke University (9% acceptance rate). North Carolina also ranks 7th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 32.3%
30. Texas
Average IQ – 100
The Lone Star State ranks 42nd for educational attainment and 22nd for quality of education. Texas ranks 38th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Rice University (11% acceptance rate). Texas also ranks 34th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.8%
31. Illinois
Average IQ – 99.9
The Prairie State ranks 16th for educational attainment and 15th for quality of education. Illinois ranks 21st in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Northwestern University (8% acceptance rate). Illinois also ranks 11th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 35.8%
32. Maryland
Average IQ – 99.7
The Free State ranks 20th for educational attainment and 37th for quality of education. Maryland ranks 36th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to John Hopkins University (11% acceptance rate). Maryland also ranks 14th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 40.9%
33. Rhode Island
Average IQ – 99.5
The Ocean State ranks 21st for educational attainment and ninth for quality of education. Rhode Island ranks 11th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Brown University (8% acceptance rate). Rhode Island also ranks 39th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 34.8%
34. Kentucky
Average IQ – 99.4
The Bluegrass State ranks 46th for educational attainment and 14th for quality of education. Kentucky ranks 16th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to University of Louisville (72% acceptance rate). Kentucky also ranks 36th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 25.1%
35. Oklahoma
Average IQ – 99.3
The Sooner State ranks 43rd for educational attainment and 36th for quality of education. Oklahoma ranks 35th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University of Tulsa (41% acceptance rate). Oklahoma also ranks 42nd for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 26.2%
36. Alaska
Average IQ – 99
The Last Frontier ranks 17th for educational attainment and 49th for quality of education. Alaska ranks 42nd in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University of Alaska Southeast (63% acceptance rate). Alaska also ranks 49th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.2%
37. West Virginia
Average IQ – 99
The Mountain State ranks 50th for educational attainment and 39th for quality of education. West Virginia ranks second in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to West Virginia University (82% acceptance rate). West Virginia also ranks 45th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 21%
38. South Carolina
Average IQ – 98.4
The Palmetto State ranks 38th for educational attainment and 48th for quality of education. South Carolina ranks 12th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Clemson University (47% acceptance rate). South Carolina also ranks 44th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 29.6%
39. Florida
Average IQ – 98.4
The Sunshine State ranks 37th for educational attainment and second for quality of education. Florida ranks 46th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University of Florida (39% acceptance rate). Florida also ranks 3rd for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.7%
40. Georgia
Average IQ – 98
The Peach State ranks 35th for educational attainment and 20th for quality of education. Georgia ranks 24th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Georgia Tech (22% acceptance rate). Georgia also ranks 26th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 32.5%
41. Tennessee
Average IQ – 97.7
The Volunteer State ranks 41st for educational attainment and 28th for quality of education. Tennessee ranks 17th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Vanderbilt University (10% acceptance rate). Tennessee also ranks 33rd for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 28.7%
42. Arkansas
Average IQ – 97.5
The Natural State ranks 47th for educational attainment and 31st for quality of education. Arkansas ranks 28th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Hendrix College (72% acceptance rate). Arkansas also ranks 41st for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 23.3%
43. Arizona
Average IQ – 97.4
Grand Canyon State ranks 33rd for educational attainment and 38th for quality of education. Arizona ranks 39th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Arizona State University (85% acceptance rate). Arizona also ranks 46th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 30.2%
44. Nevada
Average IQ – 96.5
The Silver State ranks 44th for educational attainment and 24th for quality of education. Nevada ranks 45th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to the University of Nevada – Reno (88% acceptance rate). Nevada also ranks 40th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 25.7%
45. New Mexico
Average IQ – 95.7
The Sunshine State ranks 39th for educational attainment and 46th for quality of education. New Mexico ranks 48th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to New Mexico Tech (23% acceptance rate). New Mexico also ranks 50th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 27.7%
46. Alabama
Average IQ – 95.7
The Cotton State ranks 45th for educational attainment and 41st for quality of education. Alabama ranks 25th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Auburn University (75% acceptance rate). Alabama also ranks 47th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 26.4%
47. Hawaii
Average IQ – 95.6
The Aloha State ranks 15th for educational attainment and 21st for quality of education. Hawaii ranks 43rd in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Brigham Young University – Hawaii (45% acceptance rate). Hawaii also ranks 27th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 33.6%
48. California
Average IQ – 95.5
The Golden State ranks 36th for educational attainment and sixth for quality of education. California ranks 49th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Stanford University (4% acceptance rate). California also ranks 20th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 35%
49. Louisiana
Average IQ – 95.3
The Pelican State ranks 48th for educational attainment and 42nd for quality of education. Louisiana ranks 37th in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Tulane University (72% acceptance rate). Louisiana also ranks 48th for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 25%
50. Mississippi
Average IQ – 94.2
The Magnolia State ranks 49th for educational attainment and 44th for quality of education. Mississippi ranks eighth in student-loan indebtedness. It is home to Mississippi State University (57% acceptance rate). Mississippi also ranks 43rd for best public school systems in the United States.
Share of adults with at least a bachelor’s degree: 22.3%