North Dakota Ranks Among the Top 10 States for Public Education in America

When people think about North Dakota, they often picture wide-open prairies, breathtaking Badlands, friendly communities, and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Add in all four seasons and a strong sense of community, and it's easy to see why so many people love calling the Peace Garden State home.

Now there's another reason for North Dakotans to be proud.

A new study from WalletHub ranks North Dakota as the 10th best state in the nation for public-school education, placing it firmly among the country's educational leaders.

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ND Education

ND Education

North Dakota Leads the Region with High Marks for Quality and School Safety

The ranking also shows North Dakota outperforming all of its neighboring states. Minnesota ranked 23rd, Montana finished 25th, and South Dakota came in 26th, making North Dakota the clear regional leader in public education.

WalletHub evaluated all 50 states and the District of Columbia using two major categories: Quality and Safety. Together, these categories were measured using 32 different metrics to determine each state's overall score.

Quality carried the most weight, accounting for 80% of each state's score. Researchers looked at factors including math and reading test scores, graduation rates, dropout rates, Advanced Placement exam performance, SAT and ACT scores, pupil-to-teacher ratios, the percentage of licensed teachers, and the number of nationally recognized Blue Ribbon Schools.

Safety made up the remaining 20% of the rankings and examined issues such as bullying rates, school violence, student access to illegal drugs, school safety plans, digital learning preparedness, road safety around schools, and whether students and parents felt safe in the school environment.

The study also considered whether states have comprehensive digital learning plans and policies that ensure students can access instructional materials both inside and outside the classroom—an area that has become increasingly important in recent years.

North Dakota's strong finish suggests the state continues to provide students with a high-quality education while maintaining safe learning environments. From smaller class sizes in many communities to dedicated teachers and strong academic performance, the state has built a reputation for delivering excellent educational opportunities.

Read More: North Dakota Cybercrime Victims Lost $37.8 Million In 2025

Regional Education

Regional Education

For families considering where to live, the ranking offers another reminder that North Dakota has much more to offer than beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreation. Strong schools can play a major role in attracting new residents, supporting local communities, and preparing students for future success.

While every school district has its own strengths and challenges, North Dakota's overall performance demonstrates that the state's investment in public education is paying off. Landing in the top 10 nationwide is no small achievement, and it's one more reason North Dakotans can take pride in calling this state home.