| Index | Rutherfordton | North Carolina | National |
| Average Test Scores | 45% | 43% | 48% |
| Student/Teacher ratio | 14:1 | 15:1 | 16:1 |
| Total public schools | 5 | 1,895 | 79,221 |
| Total private schools | 2 | 510 | 24,874 |
| Total post-secondary schools | n/a | 183 | 7,963 |
| Index | Rutherfordton | North Carolina | National |
| Completed 8th grade | 81.5% | 83.4% | 84.3% |
| Completed high school | 80.3% | 81.9% | 83.0% |
| Completed some college | 57.1% | 59.9% | 59.4% |
| Completed associate degree | 36.9% | 38.1% | 38.5% |
| Completed bachelors | 25.0% | 29.0% | 30.3% |
| Completed masters | 9.4% | 10.2% | 11.5% |
| Completed professional degree | 1.8% | 2.9% | 3.3% |
| Completed doctorate | 0.0% | 1.3% | 1.3% |
There are a total of 5 public schools, 2 private schools and n/a post-secondary schools in Rutherfordton. Using the proficiency score averages, the average test scores for Rutherfordton, NC schools is 45%. The average student to teacher ratio is 14:1. In Rutherfordton, NC, an average of 81.5% of students have completed 8th grade and an average of 80.3% have completed high school.
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Mooresboro, NC | 220 | 73% | 51.0% |
| Columbus, NC | 1,240 | 59% | 21.9% |
| Ellenboro, NC | 794 | 58% | 19.8% |
| Spindale, NC | 4,193 | 57% | 17.7% |
| Cliffside, NC | 707 | 52% | 8.3% |
| Rutherfordton, NC | 4,071 | 45% | 5.5% |
| City | Population | Avg. Test Scores | National Avg. |
| Monte Vista, CO | 4,072 | 35% | 27.1% |
| Egg Harbor City, NJ | 4,072 | 25% | 48.6% |
| Pocomoke City, MD | 4,072 | 59% | 23.6% |
| Hazlehurst, GA | 4,069 | 40% | 17.4% |
| Mosinee, WI | 4,075 | 46% | 5.2% |
| Rutherfordton, NC | 4,071 | 45% | 5.5% |
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