The Illinois State Board of Education has released new data from the College Board that shows the Illinois Class of 2024 set new records in Advanced Placement (AP) participation and performance:
The percentage of Illinois graduates scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam has increased by 6.7 percentage points over the past decade, rising from 21.6% in 2014 to 28.3% in 2024 — outpacing the national average of 22.6%.
Illinois now ranks among the top five states in multiple AP success metrics, including:
- Third in the nation for the 10-year increase in the percentage of graduates scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam during high school.
- Fifth in the nation for the percentage of the Class of 2024 scoring a 3 or higher on an AP exam during high school, up from sixth place last year.
- Fourth in the nation for the percentage of Black/African American graduates taking an AP exam during high school, a jump from 11th place last year.
- Fifth in the nation for the percentage of Hispanic/Latino graduates taking an AP exam during high school, maintaining the same ranking as last year.
- Third in the nation for the percentage of Asian graduates taking an AP exam during high school.
- Fifth in the nation for the percentage of graduates taking an AP exam during high school.
Participation in AP courses has grown across all racial and ethnic groups, reflecting the state’s commitment to expanding access to rigorous coursework for all students.
The state government declared that the report highlights the results of the state’s “commitment to college readiness and equity pertaining to access to advanced coursework.”
“Illinois students continue to rise to the challenge of college-level coursework in high school, and I am incredibly proud of their achievements,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “The state’s investment in AP opportunities is helping more students, especially previously underrepresented students, access AP courses and exams and earn college credit, which not only helps to prepare students for the rigor of postsecondary education but also saves students time and money toward a degree.”
Illinois continues to expand access to AP coursework through state funding and support. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s fiscal year 2025 budget included an investment of $3 million in AP, including $500,000 for the AP Course Implementation Grant, supporting school districts in expanding rigorous coursework opportunities, and $2.5 million for AP Exam fee waivers to reduce test costs for low-income students to just $15 per test in districts participating in the College Board’s direct-billing program.
Public Act 101-0654, enacted in 2021, requires school districts to automatically enroll students in the next most rigorous level of advanced coursework, which can include AP, if they meet or exceed state standards on assessments. Automatic enrollment began for qualifying students this school year, potentially further expanding equity in access to AP and other advanced learning opportunities.
Illinois students excelled across a diverse range of AP subjects, including STEM, humanities, world languages, and the arts. A score of 3 or higher on an AP exam qualifies for free college credit at all public colleges and universities in Illinois, thanks to state law. In 2024, 57,089 Illinois graduates had taken an AP exam during high school, with 37,513 scoring a 3 or higher, representing a potential cost savings of $264 million for the state’s students and families.
Research shows that students who succeed in AP courses are more likely to graduate college on time, reducing student debt and increasing lifetime earnings.
“Over the years, we’ve seen that when we provide our students with the right opportunities, they rise to the occasion,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to our targeted investments in expanding access to Advanced Placement courses and reducing costs, participation has grown across the board, and Illinois students are excelling on their AP exams — outpacing the national average. It’s especially encouraging to see Illinois ranked in the top 5 states for participation among Black and Latino students – highlighting Illinois’ diversity and commitment to supporting all of our communities. Our efforts are opening doors, breaking down financial barriers, and helping more students save thousands on tuition later on.”
