Maryland has taken the top spot overall in the study's education category, placing first for lower disparities for eighth graders in math and reading scores, and third for four-year public college graduation rates. The state has even made sure to prioritize K-12 education throughout the years, with both Democratic and Republican leaders, the report continues.
The state also ranks number four in balanced representation and power. The study shows that states in the Northeast, West Coast, and to the west of the Great Lakes are outperforming those in the South and Midwest in the topic of gender parity.
The rankings are calculated using metrics from the categories of education, economy, health, family planning and care, and representation and power.
To read the full report by US News, click here.
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