Where do American students rank in the world?

Asked by: Lexus Daugherty  |  Last update: September 20, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (47 votes)

U.S. students scored above the OECD average in reading and science but below average in mathematics. The U.S. ranked 13th overall, with significant improvement since 2015 but still behind top performers like China and Singapore.

Did the US ever rank #1 in education?

As recently as 20 years ago, the United States was ranked No. 1 in high school and college education. Much of the boom in American education during the second half of the 20th century was fueled by the Montgomery G.I.

How do American students compare to other countries?

Recent global standardized test scores show that students in the U.S. are, in fact, lagging behind their peers in other wealthy nations when it comes to math. But America's students are doing better than average in science compared with pupils in these other countries.

What is the US ranked in the world?

The world's best countries for 2024 revealed — here's how the US achieved its highest ranking yet. We're great again! The United States is now the third best country in the world, apparently — our highest score ever achieved in US News & World Report's annual Best Countries survey.

What things is America #1 in?

Contents
  • 1 Civil liberties.
  • 2 Economics.
  • 3 Education.
  • 4 Environment.
  • 5 Globalization.
  • 6 Healthcare.
  • 7 Peace.
  • 8 Politics.

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24 related questions found

Why is the US ranked low in education?

These challenges extend beyond mathematics. American students also face significant gaps in other key subjects, including reading comprehension, science, and problem-solving skills. These shortcomings in multiple subjects further compound the nation's educational concerns and hinder its ability to compete globally.

Where does America rank in math?

Some 620,000 students in 38 mostly industrialized countries and a total of 81 education systems, including four in China, participated in PISA in 2022. Of all education systems in OECD, The United States ranked 6th in reading, 10th in science, and 26th in math.

Does the US actually have a good education system?

Many families all over the world aspire to and strive for an American education for their children. That's because American schools are well known for providing high-quality education through a balanced, tried-and-tested curriculum.

Did the US ever lead the world in education?

In the 1960s and 1970s, the United States had the best-educated young people in the world, or pretty close to it.

Where does the US rank in spending on education?

In 2021, the US spent about 5.6 percent of GDP on education, compared to the OECD average of 5 percent, 4.5 percent in Germany, 3.5 percent in Japan, and 5.2 percent in France.

Which country is best for living?

  • Switzerland. #1 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Japan. #2 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • United States. #3 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Canada. #4 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Australia. #5 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Sweden. #6 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Germany. #7 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • United Kingdom. #8 in Best Countries Overall.

Where does the US rank in healthcare?

U.S. ranks last in health care compared with nine other high-income countries, report finds. People in the U.S. die the youngest and experience the most avoidable deaths, despite spending much more on health care. By Berkeley Lovelace Jr. The health system in the U.S. is failing, a startling new report finds.

How good is the average American at math?

U.S. adults have basic numeracy skills. In the United States, adults weighed in at an average numeracy rate of 253 out of 500. That puts us at level 2, or basic, numeracy skills.

Where does America rank in reading?

Norway, France, Iceland, and Portugal, for example, all scored better than the U.S. in math in 2018, but are now scoring at the same level statistically. The U.S. ranked sixth in reading and 10th in science among the 81 school systems that gave the PISA last year.

What US state is lowest in education?

1. West Virginia. West Virginia is the least educated state in America with nearly half of its adult population aged 25 and above having only a high school diploma or less as their education. Higher education attainment also remains extremely low in the state.

Is the US falling behind in education?

'Sharp, Steep Declines': U.S. Students Are Falling Behind in Math and Science. More countries are edging ahead of the United States in math and science achievement, according to the latest results from an international test of 4th and 8th graders in the subjects.

Where do US public schools rank in the world?

As of now, the United States education ranking is in the 13th place with a score of 0.883, trailing behind countries like Germany (2nd) and New Zealand (3rd). In the QS World University Rankings 2023, 11 out of the top 20 universities are American, including prestigious institutions like MIT, Stanford, and Harvard.

Which country has the happiest education system?

The Finnish education system has garnered widespread acclaim for its progressive and inclusive practices, which prioritize individualized learning, student well-being, and overall holistic development. At the heart of Finland's education system is the principle of equity.

Which country is richest in education?

What makes the Education System the Best in these Countries? 🏆
  • United States. Fact: The USA is home to the highest number of globally ranked universities, including the famous trio—MIT, Harvard, and Stanford. ...
  • United Kingdom. ...
  • Germany. ...
  • Canada. ...
  • France. ...
  • Japan. ...
  • Switzerland. ...
  • Australia.