The 10 Best U.S. States for Education

State governments play a vital role in educating students.

Lawmakers have a hand in allocating funding, passing laws on school choice, shaping basic curriculum and more. In calculating the Best States for education, U.S. News considered a range of metrics, including the percentage of the population that is college educated – with an associate degree or higher – and average undergraduate tuition and fees for in-state students at public institutions.

The Eastern Seaboard stands out in the ranking, claiming a number of the top spots. The ranking was determined by performance in pre-K - 12 and higher education – though some of the top-ranked states excelled more in one subcategory than the other.

Here's a look at the 10 states that came out on top.

College educated: 43.2 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $7,207.79

Public high school graduation rate: 86.6 percent

Best States overall rank: 4

Learn more about North Dakota.

College educated: 41.9 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $7,446.19

Public high school graduation rate: 88.9 percent

Best States overall rank: 7

Learn more about Nebraska.

College educated: 45.6 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $15,061.79

Public high school graduation rate: 87.7 percent

Best States overall rank: 9

Learn more about Vermont.

College educated: 38.3 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $4,438.32

Public high school graduation rate: 77.9 percent

Best States overall rank: 15

Learn more about Florida.

College educated: 45 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $7,781.83

Public high school graduation rate: 78.2 percent

Best States overall rank: 6

Learn more about Washington.

College educated: 39.6 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $7,879.23

Public high school graduation rate: 90.8 percent

Best States overall rank: 1

Learn more about Iowa.

College educated: 46.9 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $14,985.81

Public high school graduation rate: 88.1 percent

Best States overall rank: 5

Learn more about New Hampshire.

College educated: 42.6 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $6,140.49

Public high school graduation rate: 84.8 percent

Best States overall rank: 3

Learn more about Utah.

College educated: 45.1 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $13,021.29

Public high school graduation rate: 89.7 percent

Best States overall rank: 19

Learn more about New Jersey.

College educated: 50.4 percent

Average undergraduate tuition and fees: $11,670.31

Public high school graduation rate: 87.3 percent

Best States overall rank: 8

Learn more about Massachusetts.

Don't see your state here? See the full list of the 2018 Best States and explore how states did in areas like health care, public safety and opportunity.