Wyoming has secured the 10th spot in a recent national survey assessing education quality, according to a report from USA Today.
The survey analyzed data on student spending, teacher salaries, graduation rates, and attendance, awarding Wyoming a score of 84 out of 100.
The report, based on data from the National Education Association, highlighted Wyoming’s above-average spending per student. The state invests $19,622 annually per student, a figure that includes broader operational costs such as utilities and maintenance. Wyoming’s spending exceeds the national average, contributing to its high ranking.
While Wyoming performs well in several areas, the state’s graduation rate is 5% lower than the national average. However, the state boasts a favorable student-to-teacher ratio of 12.6 students per teacher, though this varies significantly in rural areas.
Teacher pay also helped Wyoming’s ranking. The average teacher salary in the state is over $4,000 more than the median salary for all workers. Teachers in Wyoming earn an average of $16,000 above the state’s cost of living, calculated at $45,485.
Despite these strengths, Wyoming ranked below other states such as California, Illinois, and New York, which took the top spots. No data was available for Oklahoma or New Mexico in the report.
With input from Casper Star-Tribune.
