44th Place – South Carolina

Landing at 44th out of 50 may not seem like a victory lap, but for South Carolina, it’s a reason to pop the champagne! In 2019, the state was pinned as education’s underdog by the US News and World Report. That same year, WalletHub declared it the second-to-last paradise for teachers. But hey, who doesn’t love an underdog story?

South Carolina, the southern belle of the US, is unfortunately trailing behind in the academic marathon. With preschool enrollment, math and reading scores, college readiness, and two-year college graduation rates all languishing below the national average, it’s clear there’s room for improvement. But don’t despair. As we’re about to reveal, it’s not always a downhill journey in the Palmetto State. So, buckle up and stay tuned!