Newsweek announced on its website that New Mexico ranked lowest in education among all U.S. states, according to WalletHub’s 2025 analysis.
According to WalletHub, the 2025 state rankings evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 32 metrics grouped into two major categories: "Quality" and "Safety." These categories included graduation rates, standardized test results, AP exam performance, pupil-to-teacher ratios, incidents of school violence and bullying, technology usage, effectiveness of digital learning plans, and teacher credentials. This multi-dimensional methodology aimed to provide a comprehensive look at both the academic performance and the overall learning environment in each state.
WalletHub’s analysis identified Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey as the top three U.S. states for public education in 2025. Massachusetts led across fourth- and eighth-grade test scores and had the nation’s highest share of students scoring 3 or above on AP exams. Connecticut ranked high due to its ACT scores and campus safety standards, while New Jersey stood out for its digital learning plan, pupil-to-teacher ratios, and reading scores.
New Mexico ranked last in WalletHub’s 2025 study, continuing a trend of low academic outcomes. According to the Cibola Citizen, the state’s 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results showed only 20% of fourth graders were proficient in reading and just 23% in math, with scores well below the national averages. WalletHub also cited issues such as high dropout rates, low college readiness, and limited access to advanced coursework.
Newsweek is a U.S.-based news magazine and digital media outlet known for delivering national and international news coverage across politics, science, business, and education. Established in 1933, the organization has evolved into a prominent digital-first platform that reports on public policy developments and data-driven research.
