The 10 Most Intelligent States in the U.S. Based on New Research
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Have you ever wondered which states in the U.S. are the smartest? A recent study by education researchers at UTS Online, an online university that’s part of the University of Technology Sydney in Australia, set out to answer this question. The study ranked all 50 states based on 10 factors, including average IQ, high school and college graduation rates, SAT and ACT scores, NAEP scores, literacy rates, numeracy rates, share of State Value Added for Arts and Culture Production (ACPSA), and the number of colleges per capita. The researchers gave the most weight to average IQ, college graduation rates, and SAT/ACT scores. Let’s count down the top 10 smartest states according to this study.
10. Wyoming
Kicking off our list at number 10 is Wyoming. This state scored well in several categories, including a high average IQ and good performances on standardized tests. Wyoming also has a high number of colleges per capita, which likely contributes to its overall intelligence score.
9. Colorado
Coming in at number 9 is Colorado. The Centennial State boasts a high average IQ and impressive scores on the SAT and ACT exams. Colorado is also home to several top-ranked universities, which may help to attract and retain highly educated residents.
8. North Dakota
North Dakota takes the number 8 spot on our list. This state has a high high school graduation rate and performs well on national exams like the NAEP. North Dakota also has a high number of colleges per capita, which may contribute to its overall intelligence score.
7. Connecticut
At number 7 is Connecticut. This state has a high average IQ and impressive scores on the SAT and ACT exams. Connecticut is also home to several prestigious universities, including Yale and the University of Connecticut, which may help to attract and retain highly educated residents.
6. Montana
Montana comes in at number 6 on our list. This state has a high high school graduation rate and performs well on national exams like the NAEP. Montana also has a high literacy rate, which may contribute to its overall intelligence score.
5. Washington
Rounding out the top 5 is Washington state. The Evergreen State ranks fourth for colleges per capita and has impressive performances on standardized tests, landing in the top 10 for SAT, ACT, and NAEP scores. Washington is also home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Washington and Washington State University.
4. Vermont
In fourth place is Vermont. This state has high literacy and numeracy rates, as well as a high school graduation rate of 93.3%. Vermont is also home to several prestigious liberal arts colleges, which may contribute to its overall intelligence score.
3. Minnesota
Taking the bronze medal is Minnesota. This state ranks 4th for high school graduation rates and 10th for college graduation rates. Minnesota also has an impressive average IQ score of 103.7 and performs well on national exams. The state is home to several top-ranked universities, including the University of Minnesota and Carleton College.
2. New Hampshire
Just missing out on the top spot is New Hampshire. This state has the highest literacy and numeracy rates in the nation, according to the study. New Hampshire also has a high average IQ and impressive scores on standardized tests. The state is home to Dartmouth College, one of the prestigious Ivy League schools.
1. Massachusetts
Taking the crown as the smartest state in the U.S. is Massachusetts. The Bay State has an overall intelligence score of 81.63, according to the researchers. It boasts the highest average IQ at 104.3 and the greatest score for both SAT and ACT exams combined. Massachusetts is also home to several world-renowned universities, including Harvard and M.I.T., which likely contribute to its high college graduation rate, the highest in the country.
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