Idaho among least educated states

Idaho is big on fiscal responsibility. One of the few states with a balanced budget and healthy state savings account, the economy is foremost in Idaho policy priorities. But there’s one economic feeder which lags woefully behind.

A well-educated population is a key factor driving economic prosperity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, an American with a bachelor’s degree earns an average $26,000 more per year than one with only a high school diploma. Economic theories posit the more income, the more spent to bolster local, state and national economies.

Scholarship site Scholaroo conducted an in-depth analysis using 19 metrics to rank states on education (mirroring the technique of financial research site Wallethub). Their report, “2022’s Most & Least Educated States in America” ranked Idaho near the bottom.

Overall, Idaho ranks 44 out of 50 for educational attainment and 43rd for quality (Massachusetts ranked number 1, with eastern states dominating the top 10). Our high school graduation rate is less than 81% (the national average is 85.6%). We also have almost the lowest college-bound rate; 44% of Idaho high school grads go on to college — 49th in the nation (national average is 62%).

More Idaho rankings:

SAT scores: 47 out of 50 (ACT: 18; AP scores: 39)

High school graduation rate: 45

College grads: 38 (apprenticeships: 37; some college: 39)

Master’s degrees: 47

Doctorates: 41

Literacy rate: 24 (numeracy rate: 25; high school financial literacy: 18)

School quality: 43

Number of colleges/universities per population: 21

The only states ranking lower than Idaho were New Mexico, Mississippi, Arizona, Louisiana, Nevada and - dead last — Oklahoma.

To see the full report: scholaroo.com/most-least-educated-states.

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Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email sholeh@cdapress.com.