Maryland ranked first and Pennsylvania 18th on a new statistical analysis by personal-finance firm WalletHub, which reviewed all 50 states and the District of Columbia across 12 key metrics. Only 11 states currently offer universal pre-K education, WalletHub officials said.
In order to determine the best early education systems in America, WalletHub compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across the 12 metrics, ranging from the share of school districts that offer a state pre-K program to the number of pre-K quality benchmarks met and total reported spending per child enrolled in pre-K.
While good elementary schools, high schools and colleges are important factors for parents to consider when choosing where to settle down, the availability of quality pre-K education is just as crucial. Children enrolled in early education programs are more likely to be academically prepared for future grades, as well as have higher graduation rates and higher earning potential than those who are not enrolled, according to the National Education Association.
In addition, those who attend pre-K programs have been shown to have less risk of future crime than those who do not, Wallet Hub officials noted. Plus, one estimate shows that every dollar invested in early education programs for disadvantaged families may generate $7.30 in economic benefits due to its impact on helping children grow up to be healthier, higher-earning adults.
“The more that states invest in early education, and the more accessible they make those programs, the more they will benefit in the future,” said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. “Having access to quality early education gives students a jump start that can improve their future performance in school, as well as lead to better job opportunities and higher earnings in the long-term. A better-educated, higher-earning population will in turn bring economic benefits back to the state.”
In the WalletHub study, Pennsylvania ranked 15th in terms of access the pre-K, while Maryland ranked 14th, although the state is also considering universal pre-K. While Maryland ranked first across all metrics, it ranked second in terms of quality and fifth in terms of overall resources. Pennsylvania ranked 38th in terms of quality and 13th in terms of resources.
The complete report can be found at 2025’s States with the Best & Worst Early Education Systems.
