How States Stack Up in School Funding

School funding is not a one-size-fits-all issue. Each state has its own set of challenges and resources. A recent study by the Education Law Center (ELC) looked at how states fund education using three different measures. The study, "Making The Grade 2025, " used data from 2023 to give a more detailed look at how states rank in their commitment to public education. First, let's talk about the amount of money spent per student. The national average is $17, 853. But some states spend a lot more, while others spend much less. New York is at the top, spending $29, 440 per student. Vermont, D. C. , New Jersey, and Connecticut are also high on the list. On the other hand, Idaho is at the bottom, spending only $11, 805 per student. Florida, Oklahoma, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, and North Carolina are also among the lowest spenders. But it's not just about how much money is spent. It's also about how that money is distributed. ELC looked at how much funding goes to low-poverty districts compared to high-poverty districts. Utah, for example, ranks near the bottom in total funding but is at the top for distribution. High-poverty districts in Utah receive 60% more per-pupil funding than low-poverty districts. California, Wyoming, Minnesota, and New Mexico also rank high in this area. However, Connecticut, which ranks near the top for total funding, actually allocates 19% less for high-poverty districts. Florida, Missouri, Oregon, and New Hampshire are also at the bottom of the list.Another important factor is funding effort. This looks at PK-12 revenue as a percentage of the state's gross domestic product. South Carolina, for instance, spends less than the national average per student but ranks in the top ten for funding effort. Vermont tops the list with a funding effort score of 5. 44%, followed by New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Connecticut. North Carolina is at the bottom, with a score of 1. 98%, right behind Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and Tennessee. The ELC was founded in 1973 by Professor Paul Tractenberg of Rutgers Law School. In their early years, they focused on funding practices in New Jersey, but have since expanded their focus nationally. Their website states that they pursue justice and equity for public school students by enforcing their right to a high-quality education in safe, equitable, non-discriminatory, integrated, and well-funded learning environments.