Oklahoma ranks very low in education nationally. In the most recent 2025 WalletHub study, Oklahoma is ranked 50th out of 50 states for public education, placing it last in the nation. This ranking is based on analysis of factors such as test scores, graduation rates, school safety, and bullying rates. Only New Mexico ranks lower in educational quality. Oklahoma performed poorly on the National Assessment of Educational Progress tests, with declining reading scores and lower ACT scores despite increased funding. The state ranks near the bottom for K-12 school quality, safety, funding, and student outcomes. Various reports agree that Oklahoma is among the worst states overall in education quality, with rankings of 49th or 50th in multiple 2024 and 2025 assessments. However, Oklahoma ranks in the top 10 nationally for educational choice and parental empowerment in education programs, according to a 2025 report from the Center for Education Reform, highlighting strong school choice initiatives. But the overall quality of public education remains a significant concern in the state.