Despite Ohio policymakers’ continued effort to meddle with education — at all levels — a recent study suggests there has been limited success on a national scale.

“Most and Least Educated States in America (2026)” by WalletHub doesn’t even place the Buckeye State in the top half of states. We are 35th. That’s not a good look for a state that has worked diligently to attract large employers looking for a well-educated and well-trained workforce.

Ohio is 36th for educational attainment, though 19th for the quality of education. Further, it was bundled into the worst category of states for this study with both low education level AND low median household income. In that column, Ohio is 39th.

Neighboring West Virginia remains 50th — not just overall, but in several of the subcategories ranked. Perhaps it is that comparison that has lulled some into a false sense of accomplishment on the matter.

“There’s a strong correlation between being more educated and receiving higher compensation,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “The most educated states provide high-quality educational experiences from elementary school all the way to graduate programs, which helps parents raise children in an environment that gives them as many opportunities as possible. The top states also provide equitable schooling conditions, with low racial and gender gaps in educational attainment.”

Massachusetts, Vermont and Maryland were the top three in the study. And while there are some factors in those states that simply cannot be replicated in Ohio, it is worth taking a look at whether what is working there can be adapted to help students succeed here.

Without change that helps them reach their educational goals, young people are less likely to stay — not just when it comes time to make post-secondary decisions, but when it comes time for them to reach their career goals as well