The statement lacks sufficient context to verify: it does not specify which jurisdiction 'we' refers to, which ranking methodology or school year is being cited, or whether the comparison includes all 50 states plus DC. Without these details, the claim cannot be confirmed as factually true or false.

Recent data (Education Week, NEA) shows North Carolina's per-pupil spending ranks around 38th nationally, not 49th; South Carolina spends more per pupil than NC, but Mississippi spends less, so the claim that both states out-invest NC is incorrect.

National data on per‑pupil K‑12 spending shows North Carolina typically ranks near the low‑30s among the 50 states, not 49th; both South Carolina and Mississippi spend less per student than North Carolina, contradicting the claim.

North Carolina is typically ranked in the low-to-mid 40s for per-pupil education spending, not 49th. While South Carolina often spends slightly more than North Carolina, Mississippi usually spends less.