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.
Illinois continues to expand access to AP coursework through state funding and support. Governor JB Pritzker’s fiscal year 2025 budget invested $3 million in AP, including $500,000 for the AP Course Implementation Grant, which supports school districts in expanding rigorous coursework opportunities, and $2.5 million for AP Exam fee waivers, reducing 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.
Learn more about Illinois’ AP program on the ISBE Advanced Placement webpage.
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For more information:
Lindsay Record
Phone: 217-685-3585
Email: press@isbe.net
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