ILLINOIS SCHOOL SYSTEMS AMONG THE BEST IN US, WALLETHUB SAYS

Illinois ranks among the top ten states with the best school systems this year, according to a study performed by WalletHub.

The personal finance website measured the quality of education in all 50 states and the District of Columbia using 13 key metrics, which include student-teacher ratios, standardized test scores, dropout rates and bullying incident rates.

WalletHub's analysis produced results for two lists, one measuring the quality of a school system and one measuring its safety. The school system's overall rank is a combination of the two.

Illinois ranked tenth overall, eighth in quality and 32nd in safety. Massachusetts ranked first overall and in safety. Colorado took the top slot in quality.

Illinois school systems have the second highest average SAT scores, according to WalletHub's study.

WalletHub stressed the importance of continuing education in its findings. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said people who have a bachelor's degree make 65 percent more than those with a high school diploma.

The analysis also found that Illinois is a state that invests more in education than others. WalletHub cited the Economic Policy Institute's report, which said people make more money in states with a better educated and more productive workforce.