Fact Check: Education is higher in blue states

Fact Check: "Education is higher in blue states"

What We Know

The claim that "education is higher in blue states" can be evaluated through various metrics, including educational attainment and student performance on standardized tests. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, states like Massachusetts and New Jersey, which are typically classified as blue states, have some of the highest educational attainment levels in the country, with Massachusetts having 50.6% of its population aged 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher. Conversely, states like West Virginia, often classified as red, have significantly lower educational attainment rates, at 24.1%.

However, the recent analysis of student performance during the pandemic reveals a more nuanced picture. A study published by Education Next indicates that while blue states had higher average scores in 2019, they experienced a steeper decline in student performance between 2019 and 2024 compared to red states. Specifically, students in blue states fell further behind in both reading and math, with the analysis suggesting that the longer school closures in blue states during the pandemic contributed to this learning loss (Education Next).

Analysis

The evidence suggests that while blue states may have historically higher educational attainment, the recent trends in student performance indicate a significant decline in these states compared to their red counterparts. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data shows that by 2024, the average scores for 4th and 8th graders in blue states were lower than those in red states, marking a reversal from pre-pandemic trends. This decline is attributed to various factors, including prolonged school closures and differing educational policies influenced by political affiliations.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is generally high. The U.S. Census Bureau is a reputable source for demographic data, while the NAEP is a well-established assessment tool for measuring student performance across states. However, the Education Next article, while informative, may carry some bias as it is published by an organization that often advocates for education reform, particularly in favor of policies that may be more prevalent in red states (Education Next). Therefore, while it provides valuable insights, it should be considered alongside other data sources for a balanced view.

Conclusion

The claim that "education is higher in blue states" is Partially True. While blue states tend to have higher educational attainment levels, recent data indicates that they have experienced greater declines in student performance during the pandemic compared to red states. This suggests that the educational landscape is more complex than a simple blue versus red dichotomy, with historical advantages in educational attainment not necessarily translating to better outcomes in recent years.

Sources

1. State Profiles - Nation's Report Card
2. Red States Have Seen Less Learning Loss
3. List of U.S. states and territories by educational attainment
4. Do smarter states vote blue? Study finds the most educated states lean Democratic
5. Education reform in red versus blue states
6. Least Educated States 2025 - World Population Review
7. Red State Education, Blue State Education
8. Rankings: Education - States With the Best Education