Yes, New Jersey we are really that smart! According to a study conducted by PennStakes, the Garden State ranks in the top 10 of the most intelligent states in the U.S.
The gambling site concluded that New Jersey is amongst the top 10 by “creating an index that considered six key factors, with each factor weighted according to its importance and influence.”
The factors are as follows:
With a weighted score out of 30:
- The percentage of the population with an Advanced Degree, with data collected from the United States Census Bureau.
With a weighted score out of 20:
- The percentage of the population with a Bachelor’s Degree, with data collected from the United States Census Bureau.
- Average IQ scores, with data collected from Pesta (2022).
The combined score for both factors is out of 40.
With a weighted score out of 10:
- The percentage of the population with a High School Diploma, with data collected from the United States Census Bureau.
- Mean SAT score, with data collected from Scholarship Institute.
- Average ACT score, with data collected from Test Geek.
The combined score for all three is out of 30.
The site then combined the scores to provide a final score out of 100. The higher the score, the smarter the state.
Take a look at where New Jersey ranks and the rest of the top 10 smartest states below:
