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New Jersey has been named the top state for education in the United States, according to the 2025 Best States rankings by U.S. News & World Report. This marks a significant achievement for New Jersey, which was ranked fourth in the nation last year. The rankings evaluate states based on various metrics, including K-through-12 test scores, college performance, graduation rates, and more.
New Jersey excelled in all pre-K-through-12 metrics, securing top five placements in categories such as preschool enrollment, standardized test scores, and high school graduation rates. Notably, the state ranked first in the nation for SAT and ACT pass rates.
Florida followed closely behind, ranking second overall in education, with strengths in higher education due to low college tuition and high graduation rates.
The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on 71 metrics and thousands of data points, providing a comprehensive view of how each state serves its residents. These rankings aim to assist business leaders, investors, policymakers, and citizens in understanding the strengths of each state.
In other categories, Hawaii ranked first in health care, while Utah maintained its overall top position for the third consecutive year, despite scoring lower in the environment category.