It's Mormons: Low-spending Utah is #4 for education

Photo: Martha Harris/KUER

Utah is the best state in the union, according to U.S. News, thanks to a strong economy, a sense of community and -- despite spending less per pupil than any other state but Idaho -- its education system.

New Jersey ranks first in education, including K-12 schools and higher education, with Florida close behind, Colorado third and Utah fourth, according to the magazine.

Utah spends $10,333 per student. It has the largest class sizes in the country. By contrast, per-pupil spending averages $26,280 in New Jersey.

How does Utah do it? I'd say: Mormons. Utah students are likely to come from stable, sober, middle-class two-parent families.

Of course, the rankings include higher education, where Utah is strong. But one reason they're strong is, again, Mormons.