Illinois was named the third best state for college students in 2025, according to a recent study from a non-profit charity rating organization SmileHub.

In order to determine the rankings, SmileHub compared each of the 50 states based on 28 key metrics and three specific dimensions: education quality and support, social life, and economic environment.

Illinois ranked fourth for education quality and support, and fifth for social life – with an overall ranking of third with a score of 60.15.

Higher education is extremely important to Illinois with nearly 700,000 students enrolled in higher education programs across the state.

The ranking also looked at highest state funding for higher education and Illinois tied for first.

View the full SmileHub ranking here.

The U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona recognized 18 Illinois schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2024. The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes elementary, middle and high schools based on their overall high academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”

In a recent study analyzing 14 key metrics demonstrating innovative educational practices, Illinois ranked fifth — establishing it as a leader in innovative education.

The metrics included factors such as remote learning accessibility and project-based learning, which prepares students for the real world while in school and improves their creativity and flexibility. Other factors included the number of schools in each state offering Advanced Placement courses, the number of universities with test-optional policies, the number of education charities in each state, and how many resource center awards each state has received.

Education is one of the fundamental pillars of our society, shaping the minds and futures of generations of students. Recognizing the vital role that educators play in this process, the Golden Apple Awards were established in Illinois to honor outstanding teachers and their invaluable contributions. Additionally, May 7 is National Teachers Day, making this time of the year the perfect opportunity to celebrate the educators and teachers in our communities.

The Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching was established in 1986 by Mike and Pat Koldyke through the Golden Apple Foundation. This distinguished accolade is awarded annually to exceptional teachers and school leaders in Illinois who exhibit excellence in teaching and educational leadership. The mission of the Golden Apple Foundation goes beyond mere recognition – it aims to inspire, develop and support teacher excellence in Illinois, especially in schools of need.

Music in our schools day happens every year on March 6. Music is an important part of a well-rounded education. High school students who take part in music courses are more likely to have higher GPAs and attendance rates than students who do not participate in music education.

The arts are essential to a complete and competitive education for all students. Through the arts, students learn critical thinking, effective communication, collaboration and creative problem solving. Music education has also been linked to better emotional regularity and an increase in verbal memory.

Illinois’ public schools have a lot to offer on the music education front, and one of the ways to support music in schools is attending one of your local schools’ concerts. The Illinois Music Education Association is a big supporter of music in schools. They have yearly band, orchestra, jazz and choral performances where students from all high schools in Illinois come together for one performance. Another way they help encourage music in schools is by pairing music teachers with current job openings. Celebrate Music in our Schools day by supporting your local school music concert and events.