Funding public education is one of the most important responsibilities of state and local governments in the United States. How much money states invest in K-12 education — and how they distribute that money — affects teacher salaries, class sizes, facilities, student supports and, ultimately, educational outcomes. However, best funding isn’t just about spending the most dollars — it includes equity, effort and how effectively funds support students who need them most.
1. Per-Pupil Spending: Top Funders
One of the simplest ways to compare education funding across states is to look at per-student spending — how much money is spent on each student annually in public schools. By this measure, states in the Northeast and some smaller states dominate.
