Finance Pro
    Subscribe for Alerts
    Money

    US States Ranked by Education Spending Per Student | Invesloan.com

    Updated:

    For many students in the US, the ZIP code they live in can shape the quality of education they get.

    And while a lot of disparity can exist between wealthy suburbs and under-resourced urban school districts, differences can also show up dramatically when comparing education across US states.

    In 2024, US public schools received nearly $995 billion in funding, with state and local sources combined providing nearly 90% of the total, according to Census data. Nationwide, local governments provided $429.8 billion for primary and secondary education funding, while state governments provided $450 billion.

    Across the nation, public schools spent an average of $17,619 per enrolled student annually, though this figure varied widely by state.

    Some states, like New York, spent nearly twice the national average per student, while others, like Idaho, trailed the national average by thousands of dollars.

    While better-funded schools don’t automatically translate into better-quality education, the resources a school can rely on for instructor pay and materials can tangibly impact students’ education.

    To evaluate how much each state invests in its public school students, Business Insider looked at the US Census Bureau’s latest Annual Survey of School System Finances, which covered the 2024 fiscal year.

    The ranking is based on the current spending per public school student listed in the survey data, which covers public pre-K through 12th grade and excludes non-current expenses, such as capital outlay and debt service.

    Student enrollment figures also come from Census data and reflect enrollment starting in the fall of 2023.

    To put this spending — which does not account for cost-of-living differences between states — in context with each state’s local economy, we listed the median household income from the Census Bureau’s latest American Community Survey, reflecting 2024 estimates.

    See how much each US state spends on public education per student, ranked from lowest amount to highest.

    50. Idaho


    Fall colors in Idaho's capital city

    Idaho had the lowest education spending per public school student out of all US states.

    christiannafzger/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $11,060

    Number of enrolled students: 285,690

    Median household income: $81,166

    49. Utah


    Downtown of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Green residential area scattered at backdrop at the foot of the mountains.

    Utah spent $11,347 per public school student in 2024.

    Vadym Terelyuk/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $11,347

    Number of enrolled students: 609,785

    Median household income: $96,658

    48. Arizona


    Phoenix, Arizona, USA downtown cityscape at dusk.

    Arizona had the third-lowest per-pupil education spending in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $12,003

    Number of enrolled students: 884,915

    Median household income: $81,486

    47. Oklahoma


    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA downtown skyline at twilight.

    Oklahoma spent $12,162 per public school student in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $12,162

    Number of enrolled students: 647,207

    Median household income: $66,148

    46. Mississippi


    Ocean Springs, Mississippi, USA - Dec. 28, 2022: Shops line Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

    Mississippi had 432,375 public school students in 2024.

    Carmen K Sisson/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $12,324

    Number of enrolled students: 432,375

    Median household income: $59,127

    45. Florida


    Urban cityscape of Miami Brickell downtown district in Florida, USA. Evening skyline with skyscraper buildings in modern American city.

    Florida has the sixth-lowest per-pupil education spending in the US.

    Bilanol/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $12,693

    Number of enrolled students: 2,841,039

    Median household income: $77,735

    44. South Dakota


    Aerial view of Rapid City, South Dakota. Rapid City is the county seat of Pennington County in South Dakota and the second most populous city in the state.

    South Dakota spent $12,828 per public school student in 2024.

    Ultima_Gaina/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $12,828

    Number of enrolled students: 140,930

    Median household income: $76,881

    43. Tennessee


    Knoxville, Tennessee, TN Downtown Drone Skyline Aerial.

    Tennessee has a median household income of $71,997.

    Kruck20/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $12,882

    Number of enrolled students: 997,720

    Median household income: $71,997

    42. Texas


    Dallas, USA - November 7, 2023: scenic skyline in late afternoon in Dallas, Texas, USA

    Texas has the 9th-lowest per-pupil education spending in the US.

    travelview/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $12,895

    Number of enrolled students: 5,111,073

    Median household income: $79,721

    41. North Carolina


    Charlotte North Carolina Downtown Drone Skyline Aerial

    North Carolina had 1,396,880 public school students in 2024.

    Kruck20/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $12,995

    Number of enrolled students: 1,396,880

    Median household income: $73,958

    40. Indiana


    Aerial View of Vibrant Indianapolis Cityscape with Serene Park and Waterway at Golden Hour

    Indiana had a per-pupil education spending of $13,622 in 2024.

    Nicholas Klein/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $13,622

    Number of enrolled students: 978,458

    Median household income: $71,959

    39. Alabama


    Montgomery Alabama Downtown Drone Skyline Aerial

    Alabama has a median household income of $66,659.

    Kruck20/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $13,627

    Number of enrolled students: 741,082

    Median household income: $66,659

    38. Montana


    View from above of the Great Falls in Montana, in twilight. Black Eagle Point

    Montana had 154,013 public school students in 2024.

    Strekoza2/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $13,656

    Number of enrolled students: 154,013

    Median household income: $75,340

    37. Arkansas


    Aerial shot of downtown Little Rock, Arkansas.

    Arkansas has a median household income of $62,106.

    Rdlamkin/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $13,873

    Number of enrolled students: 458,186

    Median household income: $62,106

    36. Missouri


    Kansas City, Missouri, USA downtown city skyline at twilight.

    Missouri spent $14,241 per public school student in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $14,241

    Number of enrolled students: 865,208

    Median household income: $71,589

    35. Iowa


    Aerial view of Des Moines, Iowa skyline. Des Moines is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Iowa and it is the county seat of Polk County

    Iowa had 507,866 public school students in 2024.

    Ultima_Gaina/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $14,369

    Number of enrolled students: 507,866

    Median household income: $75,501

    34. Kentucky


    An aerial shot of the skyline of Louisville and the bridge at sunrise.

    The median household income in Kentucky is $64,526.

    Wirestock/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $14,596

    Number of enrolled students: 656,427

    Median household income: $64,526

    33. Nevada


    Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Downtown City Skyline.

    Nevada spent $14,812 per public school student in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $14,812

    Number of enrolled students: 417,474

    Median household income: $81,134

    32. South Carolina


    Myrtle beach Boardwalk sunset view

    South Carolina had 738,314 public school students in 2024.

    Larry Gibson/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $15,060

    Number of enrolled students: 738,314

    Median household income: $72,350

    31. Kansas


    Aerial panorama of Topeka, Kansas along the 10th Avenue. Topeka is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kansas and the county seat of Shawnee County

    Kansas has a median household income of $75,514.

    Ultima_Gaina/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $15,558

    Number of enrolled students: 482,136

    Median household income: $75,514

    30. Louisiana


    Shreveport, Louisiana, USA skyline over the Red River at dusk.

    Louisiana spent $15,581 per public school student in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $15,581

    Number of enrolled students: 628,335

    Median household income: $60,986

    29. West Virginia


    Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, USA on an autumn dawn.

    West Virginia had a per-pupil education spending of $15,640 in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $15,640

    Number of enrolled students: 244,054

    Median household income: $60,798

    28. Georgia


    Panoramic Photo of The Downtown Atlanta Skyline

    Georgia had 1,705,143 public school students in 2024.

    Sean Davis/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $15,833

    Number of enrolled students: 1,705,143

    Median household income: $79,991

    27. Colorado


    Aerial view of Colorado Capitol and Denver, Colorado skyline at sunset. Denver is a consolidated city and county, the capital, and most populous city of the U.S. state of Colorado

    The median household income in Colorado is $97,113.

    Ultima_Gaina/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $15,908

    Number of enrolled students: 841,065

    Median household income: $97,113

    26. Wisconsin


    Aerial View of Daniel W. Hoan Memorial Bridge Spanning Across Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, Showcasing Vibrant Urbanity and Natural Tranquility, 2023

    Wisconsin spent $15,952 per public school student in 2024.

    Nicholas Klein/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $15,952

    Number of enrolled students: 802,501

    Median household income: $77,488

    25. Nebraska


    Omaha, Nebraska, USA downtown cityscape at dusk.

    Nebraska had 328,848 students enrolled in public K-12 schools in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $16,147

    Number of enrolled students: 328,848

    Median household income: $76,376

    24. Minnesota


    Aerial cityscape image of downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, USA with reflection of the skyline in Mississippi River at stormy summer sunset.

    Minnesota had per-pupil education spending of $17,098 in 2024.

    RudyBalasko/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $17,098

    Number of enrolled students: 794,003

    Median household income: $87,117

    23. North Dakota


    Fargo is a the largest City in North Dakota on the Red River

    North Dakota has a median household income of $77,871.

    Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $17,102

    Number of enrolled students: 119,016

    Median household income: $77,871

    22. Virginia


    Richmond, Virginia, USA downtown skyline.

    Virginia spent $17,104 per public school student in 2024.

    SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $17,104

    Number of enrolled students: 1,258,795

    Median household income: $92,090

    21. Ohio


    Aerial view of Cleveland, Ohio skyline at sunset. Cleveland is a major city in the U.S. state of Ohio and the county seat of Cuyahoga County.

    Ohio had 1,550,261 students enrolled in public K-12 schools in 2024.

    Ultima_Gaina/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $17,257

    Number of enrolled students: 1,550,261

    Median household income: $72,212

    20. New Mexico


    Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA downtown cityscape at night.

    New Mexico had per-pupil education spending of $17,664 in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $17,664

    Number of enrolled students: 289,851

    Median household income: $67,816

    19. Oregon


    Aerial view of Portland, Oregon, showcasing the vibrant downtown with a mix of modern and classic skyscrapers. The Willamette River with a bridge and paddlewheel riverboat adds scenic beauty and historical charm.

    Households in Oregon have a median income of $85,220.

    Nicholas Klein/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $18,083

    Number of enrolled students: 545,641

    Median household income: $85,220

    18. Michigan


    Downtown Detroit skyline and Detroit River. Drone aerial photo of downtown Detroit, Michigan with skyscrapers and the Detroit River on a sunny day.

    Michigan spent $18,314 per public school student in 2024.

    Vadym Terelyuk/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $18,314

    Number of enrolled students: 1,224,595

    Median household income: $72,389

    17. Washington


    Seattle downtown skyline and Mt. Rainier, Washington. USA.

    In 2024, Washington had 1,086,202 students enrolled in public K-12 schools.

    SCStock/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $18,564

    Number of enrolled students: 1,086,202

    Median household income: $99,389

    16. Maine


    Augusta, Maine, USA downtown skyline on the Kennebec River.

    Maine has a median household income of $76,442.

    SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $19,962

    Number of enrolled students: 169,316

    Median household income: $76,442

    15. Maryland


    Baltimore Maryland Downtown Drone Skyline Aerial

    Maryland had 889,728 students enrolled in public K-12 schools in 2024.

    Kruck20/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $20,208

    Number of enrolled students: 889,728

    Median household income: $102,905

    14. Wyoming


    Jackson Hole, WY, USA - May 13, 2008: Ski slopes in Jackson Hole with panorama of vintage houses.

    Wyoming spent $20,521 per public school student in 2024.

    WitGorski/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $20,521

    Number of enrolled students: 90,761

    Median household income: $75,532

    13. California


    Downtown San Jose city skyline, cityscape of Silicon Valley in California, USA

    In 2024, California had 5,274,265 students enrolled in public K-12 schools.

    f11photo/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $20,791

    Number of enrolled students: 5,274,265

    Median household income: $100,149

    12. Alaska


    Aerial View of a Sunset over Downtown Anchorage, Alaska in Spring

    Alaska has a median household income of $95,665.

    Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $21,004

    Number of enrolled students: 131,243

    Median household income: $95,665

    11. Pennsylvania


    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA at twilight.

    Pennsylvania spent $21,091 per public school student in 2024.

    RudyBalasko/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $21,091

    Number of enrolled students: 1,506,485

    Median household income: $77,545

    10. Illinois


    Chicago skyline aerial drone view from above, lake Michigan and city of Chicago downtown skyscrapers cityscape, Illinois, USA

    Illinois had 1,831,215 students in public K-12 schools in 2024.

    JaySi/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $21,776

    Number of enrolled students: 1,831,215

    Median household income: $83,211

    9. Rhode Island


    Sunset Skyline in Providence Rhode Island

    Rhode Island had 122,128 students in public K-12 schools in 2024.

    Kelly Liu/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $22,110

    Number of enrolled students: 122,128

    Median household income: $83,504

    8. Delaware


    Saturated early morning light hits the buildings and architecture of downtown Wilmington Delaware

    Delaware has a median household income of $87,534.

    ChrisBoswell/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $22,201

    Number of enrolled students: 123,393

    Median household income: $87,534

    7. New Hampshire


    Manchester, New Hampshire, USA Skyline on the Merrimack River at dusk.

    New Hampshire spent $22,978 per public school student in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images/iStockphoto

    Per-pupil spending: $22,978

    Number of enrolled students: 156,325

    Median household income: $99,782

    6. Hawaii


    Honolulu skyline and lagoon at sunset. Scenic view of a tropical lagoon with palm trees, sandy beach, and the illuminated Honolulu skyline reflecting the warm hues of sunset

    Hawaii had 169,308 students in public K-12 schools in 2024.

    Iryna Olkhova/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $23,878

    Number of enrolled students: 169,308

    Median household income: $100,745

    5. Massachusetts


    View on Boston from the water

    Massachusetts has the highest rate of adults with bachelor’s degrees or higher in the US.

    Belia Koziak/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $24,429

    Number of enrolled students: 862,765

    Median household income: $104,828

    4. Connecticut


    Hartford, Connecticut, USA downtown skyline at sunset.

    Connecticut spent $26,316 per public school student in 2024.

    Sean Pavone/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $26,316

    Number of enrolled students: 472,293

    Median household income: $96,049

    3. New Jersey


    Skyline of Downtown Newark in New Jersey, United States

    New Jersey has the second-highest median household income in the US at $104,294.

    Leonid Andronov/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $27,234

    Number of enrolled students: 1,323,927

    Median household income: $104,294

    2. Vermont


    Autumn view over the historic city of Montpelier, Vermont, USA with church spires and colorful fall leaves

    Vermont spent $28,818 per public school student in 2024.

    jenifoto/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $28,818

    Number of enrolled students: 81,266

    Median household income: $82,730

    1. New York


    New York skyline

    New York spent the most per student on public education in 2024.

    Vadym Terelyuk/Getty Images

    Per-pupil spending: $31,918

    Number of enrolled students: 2,350,583

    Median household income: $85,820

    Share.

    Keep Reading

    © 2007-2023 Invesloan.com All Rights Reserved.