Massachusetts has earned the top spot as the best state for college students in 2026, according to a new report from the nonprofit organization SmileHub. The ranking highlights the Bay State’s strong higher education system and its ability to offer students valuable opportunities both during and after college.
With over 3.8 million high schoolers expected to graduate nationwide in 2026, SmileHub analyzed all 50 states across 28 key factors. The criteria ranged from graduation rates and tuition costs to the quality of universities and post-graduation earning potential.
Massachusetts, home to some of the most renowned universities in the world, ranked first overall. The state stood out for its high-quality institutions, ranking second nationwide in average university quality and fourth in earning potential for college graduates. It also scored high marks for the proportion of residents aged 18 to 35, finishing eighth in that category…