Education is important. It’s the primary way that people can change their lives and move up in society. As many people have noted, education is the most sure fire path out of poverty. Today we are going to take a look at the United States. The US is a big country and education is largely decentralized. This means that schools in New York City will teach very differently from schools in California. Things are often left up to individual counties, states, and cities. Furthermore, private schools form a large part of the American school system. This means that depending on where you live your experiences with education can be vastly different. Even on the collegiate level, if you go to university in your own state you can often go for free or at least for very cheap. States do this to keep talent within their borders. This is why it is misleading to say that the United States lags behind other developed countries in education. It depends on a lot of things. It would be something like saying that Asia lags behind England. The US is significantly bigger, diverse, and far more decentralized than most other developed nations. With that said, however, ranked according to WalletHub, these are the 25 most educated cities in the United States.
Huntsville, Alabama
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
The second largest metropolitan area in Alabama is home to several prominent universities.
Portland, Oregon
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Found in the American Northwest, Portland is home to much of Oregon’s college educated population.
Lexington, Kentucky
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Ranking 10th in the US as far as college education is concerned, nearly 40% of residents have a bachelor’s degree in the “Horse Capital of the World.”
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Between Detroit and Chicago is Kalamazoo, a college town that has always ranked highly in terms of education.
San Diego, California
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: pixabay
According to the US Census Bureau, over 40% of San Diegans older than 25 hold a bachelor’s degree.
Albany, New York
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
A center of higher education for over a century, nearly 70% of the city’s population consists of students.
Portland, Maine
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Home to several universities, the second Portland on this list is once again ranked highly in terms of education.
Anchorage, Alaska
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Although it’s relatively far from the rest of the country, Anchorage maintains its position as a center of education as 90% of the adults here have at least a high school diploma.
Atlanta, Georgia
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
With more than 30 colleges and universities located within the city, Atlanta is considered a center of higher learning.
Madison, Wisconsin
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
According to Forbes, Madison is the second best city in the nation as far as primary education is concerned.
Lansing, Michigan
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Home to one of the largest universities in the country, Michigan State University, Lansing is the definition of a college town.
San Fransisco, California
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Perhaps it should come as no surprise that the home of Silicon Valley is on this list.
Washington DC
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
As the capital of the nation, Washington DC consistently attracts young graduates from around the country.
Tallahassee, Florida
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
The capital of the third most populous state in the union, Tallahassee is well known as a college town thanks to Florida State University.
Austin, Texas
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
The capital of the second most populous state is also the third fastest growing city in the nation. Many of the residents are young and highly educated thanks to a booming economy. In fact, it is home to an area that has come to be known as “Silicon Hills”.
Boston, Massachusetts
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Ever since American independence from Great Britain, Boston has been a center of education and culture. Considered a global leader in innovation, some of the most prestigious universities in the world can be found here.
Baltimore, Maryland
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Another northeastern city famous for its institutions of higher learning, nearly 66,000 students attend its 12 colleges and universities.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Home to the United States Air Force Academy, the second most populous city in Colorado is well known for its education.
San Jose, California
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Although San Francisco is typically associated with Silicon Valley, it is actually San Jose, on the south side of the bay, that is home to this high tech hub.
Seattle, Washington
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
More than 53% of the city’s population over the age of 25 holds a bachelor’s degree and it was listed by the US Census Bureau as having the highest proportion of college graduates out of any major US city.
Manchester, New Hampshire
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Often appearing on “most affordable” and “most livable” lists as well, Manchester is ranked highly in terms of education.
Provo, Utah
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Home to Brigham Young University, the third largest private university in the nation, Provo is an up and coming city that has always ranked high with regards to livability and education.
Durham, North Carolina
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Part of the “Research Triangle” along with Raleigh and Chapel Hill, Durham is home to Duke University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
As we just said Raleigh is part of the “Research Triangle”, a region known for its many high tech companies and start ups.
Anne Arbor, Michigan
Source: wallethub, wikipedia, Image: wikipedia
Home to the University of Michigan, one of the largest research universities in the country, the rest of the economy is focused around high tech companies which altogether creates a very highly education oriented populace.
