Worst Colleges in America by State

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The United States of America is home to some of the best educational opportunities that the world has to offer. We have some of the best schools for people of all ages, but our universities and colleges really stand out on the world stage. People come from all over the world to take classes and earn a degree from a school in the United States.

However, there are fantastic colleges across the country, there are decent colleges across the country, and then there are the colleges on this list... In this list, you will find the worst of the worst colleges in every state in the United States. If you are considering attending one of these schools, you might want to look into your other options.

You won't see many of their graduates proudly displaying these diplomas on the wall! Whether it's tuition costs, job prospects post-graduation, or a host of other things, these colleges simply didn't make the grade. What do you think about the universities that are the lowest of the low? Did you attend one of these colleges or know someone who did?

All stats and numbers from the United States Department of Education, Niche, and College Factual.

Featured image: Ronald Martinez/Staff/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images & Wesley Hitt/Contributor/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images & Jamie Squire/Staff/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images

Alabama State University has over 5,000 students, but one of the lowest graduation rates in the state (26%). Even after graduation, the median earnings six years later sits at $27,700—well below the national average.

Alabama – Alabama State University

Even worse, around 21% of students will default on their loans just after three years. The only good news about Alabama State is that they accept 98% of the people that apply. 

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Did you know...

  • Boston has the highest concentration of higher ed institutions in the nation. There are over 100 colleges and universities in the Greater Boston area. It also has seven R1 "very high research activity" universities: Harvard, MIT, Boston University, Brandeis, Boston College, Northeastern, and Tufts. This R1 concentration, too, is a record.
  • Among industrialized countries, French students are at school the least! A normal school week is 4.5 days, compared to 5 on average. It's common to take a mid-week break by having Wednesdays off. Typically, they are in school 162 days a year, compared to 185 on average for everyone else.
  • Finland has some of the highest performing schools in the world. They often lead world rankings in education. Even so, primary school isn't compulsory until the age of seven. There are no national tests, no rankings, no inspections, and very few private schools. Finish students also report some of the highest satisfaction levels and lowest anxiety levels.
  • Did you know that illiteracy and crime are correlated? One study found that up to two-thirds of students who could not read with proficiency by the end of 4th grade ended up on welfare or in jail. One of the most effective anti-crime efforts is to fund quality educational programs.
  • Teaching is a hard job, and when compared to other industrialized nations, American teacher pay is middle-of-the-pack. Maybe that’s what explains a University of Pennsylvania study that found a third of teachers quit the profession within the first 3 years. When you extend the time frame to five years, 46% leave.