5 Least Educated States in America

2. New Mexico

Population aged 18-24 less than high school: 19.1%

Population aged 18-24 with high school graduation: 37%

Population aged 18-24 with some college or associate degree: 35.7%

Population aged 25 or above with bachelor’s degree: 16%

Population aged 25 or above with graduate or professional degree: 14.1%

Score: 14.51

New Mexico is the fifth largest state in the US in terms of area, but is amongst the country’s poorest and least educated. Nearly one-fifth of its young people are not high school graduates. Only 16% of the population in the 25 or above age group has completed their bachelor’s degrees, while only 14.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.