Fact Check: The number of vocational-technical students graduating with associate degrees in New Jersey increased by 86 students compared to the previous year.

Fact Check: "The number of vocational-technical students graduating with associate degrees in New Jersey increased by 86 students compared to the previous year."

What We Know

The claim states that the number of vocational-technical students graduating with associate degrees in New Jersey has increased by 86 students compared to the previous year. According to a recent report from the New Jersey Department of Education, there has indeed been a notable increase in the number of vocational-technical students graduating. Specifically, the report indicates that New Jersey county vocational-technical schools have set a new record with 337 students from the Class of 2025 earning an associate degree, which reflects an increase from the previous year's figures (source).

However, the report does not specify the exact number of graduates from the previous year, making it difficult to confirm the precise increase of 86 students claimed.

Analysis

The evidence provided by the New Jersey Department of Education is credible, as it comes from an official state report that tracks educational outcomes. The report highlights a significant achievement in vocational-technical education, noting the record number of graduates. However, without the previous year's data explicitly stated in the report, we cannot independently verify the claim of an increase by exactly 86 students.

Moreover, while the source of the claim appears reliable, the lack of detailed comparative data raises questions about the accuracy of the specific figure cited. The increase in graduates is a positive trend, but the exact number of students from the previous year is essential for validating the claim.

Additionally, other sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) provide broader data on educational trends but do not offer specific year-over-year comparisons for New Jersey vocational-technical graduates (source). This lack of accessible historical data further complicates the verification process.

Conclusion

Needs Research. While there is evidence of an increase in vocational-technical graduates in New Jersey, the specific claim of an increase by 86 students cannot be confirmed without additional data from the previous year. Further research is needed to obtain the exact figures for the prior year to validate the claim accurately.

Sources

1. Educational and Employment Outcomes for the New Jersey ...
2. New Jersey - Digest State Dashboard - Department of Education
3. EOF Progress Report 2023_Final - NJ.gov
4. IPEDS - National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
5. Trending News | What's New Around the World | AP News
6. The New York Times International - Breaking News, US News, …
7. Your briefing
8. Record number of New Jersey vocational-technical high ...