It is any wonder that a state recently touted as a best place to teach also tops the charts when it comes to educational outcomes? 

Utah was named the 2nd best state in the nation for education, just behind Florida, according to a U.S. News & World Report ranking released in May, 2024. The ranking was based on the performance of Utah’s K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. Among the K-12 metrics tracked by the magazine are preschool enrollment, eighth-grade NAEP scores (standardized testing), high school graduation rates, and college readiness (ACT/SAT) scores. 

The ranking comes on the heels of Utah being named by Forbes magazine, the second best state to be a teacher. Forbes looked at teacher salaries, the cost of living in each state, and retirement benefits, among other measures.

“That Utah is touted in both rankings, despite the fact the state is dead-last in per-student spending, shows we are spending our money where it matters — in the classroom,” said Canyons Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins. “Nothing has a greater impact on student success than great teachers, which is why, in Canyons, we’ve invested in our education professionals.”

Benjamin Franklin once said, “an investment in education gives the best returns,” which is perhaps why education factors so centrally in the U.S. News and World Report rankings of American states.

Overall, the magazine rates Utah the “best state” in the country based on its high scores in education, the economy, infrastructure, and fiscal stability. 

Here’s how the Beehive State stacks up:

#2 Education

#3 Economy

#3 Infrastructure

#6 Fiscal Stability

#9 Crime and Corrections

#14 Health Care

#18 Opportunity

#46 Natural Environment