Clearly, the local economy’s revenue into public education makes a difference in how well-educated a city’s population is. But it’s a classic chicken or the egg question of which came first. Is an affluent area bound to have better schooling? Or does a community’s commitment to education lead to a more affluent city?
Many university graduates in the U.S. make a beeline for the big cities after school instead of sticking around their college towns (unless, of course, they’re already in one!). Cities get a fresh wave of talent to boost their economies and tax revenues, and graduates get a vibrant new scene with career opportunities and cultural perks.
But it’s not always so straightforward. Besides, not every city offers the same quality of life or career growth opportunities for those with higher education.
Here’s a look at the most and least educated cities based on a study by WalletHub. They analyzed school quality, college rankings, education levels, and diversity in education. Let’s see where the leading schooling is and why!
Most Educated: Ann Arbor, MI
Ann Arbor is crushing it as the most educated city in the U.S. for the seventh year in a row! The numbers speak for themselves: 95% of adults have a high school diploma, over 57% hold a bachelor’s degree, and 30% boast advanced degrees.
This city thrives on high-quality education and a strong commitment to learning. From top-rated schools to high-achieving professionals—Ann Arbor is a hub of diversity and innovation, with tech giants like Google and Cisco calling it home.
Most Educated: San Jose, CA
As the hub of Silicon Valley, we can see how San Jose (and neighboring towns of Sunnyvale and Santa Clara) has transformed into a wealthy global innovation center. It continues to attract people eager to work for giants like Cisco, Adobe, Zoom, Samsung, and eBay. Who wouldn’t want one of those high-paying jobs?
As the second most educated city in the U.S., over 54% of adults have a bachelor’s degree, and more than 26% hold a graduate degree. San Jose even beats Ann Arbor when it comes to higher education quality, considering its proximity to Stanford University. It also offers the fourth-highest number of summer learning opportunities per capita.
Most Educated: Washington, D.C.
It’s amazing to think our nation’s capital, once nearly bankrupt, is now a thriving hub with economic, historic, and natural assets that continue to draw people and businesses. This city’s growth is unstoppable.
Washington, D.C., and its surrounding metro area ranks the third most educated city in the U.S. With 53% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree and over 26% having an advanced degree, D.C. is a place where brains and ambition come together!
Most Educated: Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Durham is buzzing with over 170 high-tech companies, the prestigious Duke University, and a vibrant entrepreneurial scene. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or retiree, you’ll love how Chapel Hill has evolved from a small town to a dynamic university city.
If you want the finest quality of education, it beats all other cities. It also has the fourth-highest percentage of people with professional degrees. There’s even a notable gender education gap, favoring women.
Most Educated: Madison, WI
You won’t be denied access to high-quality education here. Madison ranks second for educational attainment, with the second-highest percentage of high school graduates and the fifth-highest of college-educated adults. But there’s work ahead to close the racial education gap, as it tends to favor White residents.
Luckily, the city is focused on inclusivity through the Connect Madison Economic Development Strategy. This plan aims to link economic growth with equity, creating a stronger, more inclusive economy. Madison’s future looks bright, and a bigger boom is yet to come!
Most Educated: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Job opportunities are definitely not an issue here, especially with the area being one of the most educated in the U.S. It’s home to top universities like UC Berkeley and Stanford, so it’s a no-brainer.
Living costs are pretty high, but the Bay Area has job options in nearly every field and salaries to match the living cost. Tech is the biggest employer in the area, with about 380,000 people working in the industry. It’s a busy place where education and career opportunities come together, even if the rent is tough to swallow.
Least Educated: Visalia, CA
California, one of the top five largest states in America, has some of the best and least educated cities in the U.S. Visalia is a small town in California’s heartland that doesn’t quite keep up with the rest of the Golden State. With the lowest percentage of Bachelor’s degrees and fewer professional degree holders, education levels are on the lower side.
Visalia, an agricultural capital, grows over 200 crops, and farming still drives the economy. Despite some startup activity, the focus remains on agriculture, limiting tech opportunities. That might explain why those who don’t pursue agriculture prefer to live in areas with more industries and job options.
Least Educated: McAllen, TX
The dean for liberal arts at South Texas College admits he didn’t expect the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area to lead in education, especially since the Rio Grande Valley is still growing its access to higher education. This region has the nation’s lowest rates of high school and college-experienced adults, along with being one of the most economically depressed areas in the U.S.
But these challenges are sparking progress. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley pitched 43 new degree programs to keep top students local, aiming for stronger job growth in the future.
Least Educated: Brownsville, TX
The Brownsville-Harlingen area in South Texas isn’t doing much better than McAllen. It has the second-lowest rates for both high school diplomas and college attendance, plus the fifth-lowest for Bachelor’s degrees. While Texas is booming, many families here are feeling the squeeze from rising housing costs, with Brownsville seeing a 73% jump in home prices.
But there is still hope. The Rio Grande Valley is expanding fast. SpaceX’s arrival, a planned LNG terminal, and growing trade with Mexico are bringing in skilled jobs and development opportunities that could lift the local economy.
Least Educated: Bakersfield, CA
Bakersfield has deep agricultural roots and a growing energy industry, but its location in Central California keeps it a bit isolated. Los Angeles is a two-hour drive away, and San Francisco or San Diego are even farther—so while the lifestyle here is quieter, it can feel cut off from big-city perks.
The city has Bakersfield College and California State University, Bakersfield, yet higher education options are limited. This likely contributes to Bakersfield having the fifth-lowest rate of high school diplomas, fourth-lowest college attendance, and third-lowest rate of Bachelor’s degrees.
Least Educated: Modesto, CA
Modesto ranks low in education, with the second-lowest rate of Bachelor’s degree holders, third-lowest for professional degrees, and fifth-lowest for college attendance. Local schools also score below state and national averages on standardized tests, so there’s room for improvement in the education system.
The economy isn’t thriving here, either. With a focus on agriculture, limited job options push residents to commute elsewhere for work. Modesto’s unemployment rate sits at 5.7%, and with a poverty rate of 15.2%, the high cost of living makes it tough for locals to get ahead.
Least Educated: Stockton, CA
Even though Stockton is located about an hour from San Francisco, it doesn’t enjoy all of the economic perks of the technological hub of California. It ranks as the sixth least-educated city in the U.S. White-collar jobs are sparse, and many residents commute long hours for work in tech-driven cities.
Still, Stockton has its educational gems. It’s home to the University of the Pacific, a private university offering a range of programs, and San Joaquin Delta College, which provides affordable education for locals.
Source: WalletHub
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