WASHINGTON (AP) — A College Board study says Texas is one of the least highly-educated states in the nation.

The board, which administers the SAT and AP tests, ranks Texas 40th in the number of people ages 25 to 34 who hold at least a college associate degree.

In addition, less than one-third of Texans in that age group have a postsecondary degree, far below the 41 percent national average.

University of Texas at Austin education professor Richard Reddick told the Houston Chronicle that the state's large number of first-generation college students and high percentage of low-income students play a role. They are often not well-prepared for college or unable to finish because of financial struggles.

The study, released Thursday, says the District of Columbia has the highest percentage of young people with college degrees; Arkansas has the lowest.

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Information from: The Houston Chronicle: www.chron.com