Top 7 Best states for education in the US with the Best quality of life – 2024

• Population: 19,571,216
• Offenses: 20,148
• Crimes: 103 crimes per 100,000 people
• Cost of living: $3,601.91

New York is a global hub of culture and finance, offers boundless opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle. Boasting renowned universities such as Columbia, NYU, and Cornell, the city provides access to top-tier education across various fields. With 270 colleges and universities and over 30,000 different programs to choose from, New York is one of the best states for education in the US.

Alongside educational excellence, it has public parks to provide serene spaces for study and relaxation, contributing to a high quality of life. With a low crime rate of 103 crimes per 100,000 people and a cost of living of $3,601.91, New York stands out as an ideal environment for both learning and living, offering endless opportunities to pursue your dreams and make them a reality.

US Census (2023), FBI Crime Data (2022) & Cost of living in New York (Jan 2024)

• Population: 1,402,054
• Offenses: 3,377
• Crimes: 241 crimes per 100,000 people
• Cost of living: $2,094.40

New Hampshire, which has 18 higher learning institutions and five public universities, including Dartmouth College and the University of New Hampshire, excels as a top state for education and graduates due to its robust economic market. Despite ranking low in funding per capita for public higher education the state maintains a 70% 4-year graduation rate. Locals benefit from a low student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention. With a strong pre-K12 education system, ranked 4th nationwide by US News, New Hampshire offers excellent living options in metropolitan residential cities. 

Locals, especially the students, love its small size, which encompasses vast forests, towering mountains, and bustling cities, providing diverse recreational activities like skiing, hiking, and photography.

US Census (2023), FBI Crime Data (2022) & Moving to New Hampshire (Jan 2024)

• Population: 9,290,841
• Offenses: 20,391
• Crimes: 219 crimes per 100,000 people
• Cost of living: $2,805.27

The New Jersey government supports its students through the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE), which provides a website for easy access to basic needs support like transportation, housing, and food aid. This initiative reflects the state’s commitment to enhancing the higher education experience. In addition to these benefits, New Jersey offers a safe environment with a low crime rate of 219 crimes per 100,000 people and a reasonable cost of living at $2,805.27. 

Students also enjoy the state’s natural attractions, including biking, camping, skiing, fishing, and hiking in numerous state parks, alongside a blend of rural and scenic countryside. Notable educational institutions in New Jersey include Princeton University, Rutgers University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and others.

US Census (2023), FBI Crime Data (2022) & Moving to New Jersey (Jan 2024)

• Population: 5,910,955
• Offenses: 32,271
• Crimes: 546 crimes per 100,000 people
• Cost of living: $2,020.34

Wisconsin is home to prestigious universities like the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Marquette University, and Lawrence University, offering a wide array of educational opportunities. With 85 colleges and universities, including public, non-profit, private, and for-profit institutions, Wisconsin ensures accessibility to higher education. The University of Wisconsin System, comprising 26 campuses, including UW-Madison, stands out as a leading research institution. Additionally, private universities like Marquette and Beloit College offer unique academic programs. Community and technical colleges provide affordable education options, while technical colleges cater to those pursuing trades. 

While the crime rate is 546 crimes per 100,000 people, Wisconsin also has a relatively low cost of living of $2,020.34, making it an ideal place for both education and quality of life. During their free time, students can enjoy outdoor activities year-round, such as swimming, hiking, and camping.

US Census (2023), FBI Crime Data (2022) & Moving to Wisconsin (Jan 2024)

• Population: 7,001,399
• Offenses: 42,588 
• Crimes: 608 crimes per 100,000 people
• Cost of living: $3,094.92

Massachusetts hosts over 80 colleges and universities, including prestigious institutions like Harvard University, MIT, and Boston University, fostering a vibrant intellectual community. Despite the high cost of elite universities, Massachusetts offers excellent higher education opportunities through its community colleges. While it has a crime rate of 608 crimes per 100,000 people, the cost of living at $3,094.92 ensures a high-quality lifestyle.

The state offers diverse activities for students’ free time, from antique shopping to water park adventures. Every region, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, provides memorable adventures for all ages. However, always check the weather if you wish to do fun outdoor activities.

US Census (2023), FBI Crime Data (2022) & Moving to Massachusetts (Jan 2024)

• Population: 6,180,253
• Offenses: 39,343
• Crimes: 637 crimes per 100,000 people
• Cost of living: $2,205.44

Maryland offers 55 colleges, mostly public four-year or private non-profit institutions. St. John’s College, founded in 1696, is the oldest, while Johns Hopkins University is the most selective. The state boasts vast educational opportunities and a strong economy, with the second-highest share of technology companies. Beyond academics, the state offers recreational activities in parks, beaches, mountains, and entertainment venues.

With its diverse cultures, Maryland also offers excellent food options. With beaches, major cities, beautiful countryside, and proximity to Washington, D.C., Maryland claims to be the ideal destination for international education. The state boasts Study Maryland, a non-profit group that supports international students and scholars in choosing Maryland for their studies. For safety, it has a reported crime rate of 637 crimes per 100,000 people, and the cost of living is reasonable at $2,205.44.

US Census (2023), FBI Crime Data (2022) & Moving to Maryland (Jan 2024)

• Population: 7,812,880
• Offenses: 55,580
• Crimes: 711 crimes per 100,000 people
• Cost of living: $2,860.04

Washington’s state is home to six public four-year colleges and universities and over 300 independent colleges, universities, and career schools. With a wealth of scholars, research agencies, and international government organizations, Washington is among the best states for education and can provide a wide range of opportunities for students and young professionals. Notable institutions include the University of Washington, Washington State University, Seattle University, Gonzaga University, Pacific Lutheran University, Whitman College, and Western Washington University.

The state offers active music, art, food, sports, and theater scenes, along with diverse cultural and social events. Students can explore unique attractions like Winthrop and Treehouse Point, as well as enjoy professional sports teams in basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, football, and tennis. The students are safe because of the low crime rate of 711 crimes per 100,000 people, and the cost of living is reasonable at $2,860.04.

US Census (2023), FBI Crime Data (2022) & Cost of living in Washington, D.C. (Jan 2024)