More Massachusetts Students Finding Success on AP Exams

State’s investment in fee subsidies enables more to participate

Boston - The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that the number of Massachusetts public school students who took Advanced Placement (AP) exams and earned a score of 3 or higher has risen since 2021, with Black and Hispanic/Latino students making some of the strongest gains, according to new data from the College Board. Overall, the number of Massachusetts public school students taking Advanced Placement tests grew 20 percent between 2021 and 2024, in part because the state has expanded fee waivers available to help students afford the tests. Students who take AP courses in high school are more likely to enroll in a 4-year college and perform better in introductory college courses.

The number of Black students scoring 3 or higher on an AP test more than doubled between 2021 and 2024, and the number of Hispanic/Latino students nearly doubled, compared to an overall increase of 39 percent for Massachusetts public school students. These gains came as the number of Massachusetts students taking AP exams was rising, up 40 percent for Black students and 56 percent for Hispanic/Latino students, compared to 20 percent overall. 

“These increases in both participation and performance are the result of the ambitions and hard work of our students and teachers, who are helping Massachusetts live up to our reputation as the best state for education,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’ve been proud to expand access to fee waivers to help more students than ever take and perform well on AP tests, which will pave the way for them to succeed in higher education and the workforce.”

“We hope that any student who may be wondering if they are capable of taking an AP course and succeeding on the test will see this data and be encouraged to enroll,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re happy to help defray the cost of these exams, which can open up access to earning college credit and can make their higher education experience more affordable.” 

A score of 3 out of 5 on an AP exam indicates a student’s ability to complete work for an introductory college-level course in that subject area. Some colleges will award students credit for AP scores of 3 or higher.

From spring 2022 through spring 2024, the state used federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to defray the costs of AP tests for low-income students. The exams cost almost $100 each without a fee subsidy. During the current school year, the state has committed to funding up to $1.25 million in fee subsidies for AP and International Baccalaureate exams as part of the Executive Office of Education’s efforts to reimagine high school. With the state’s contribution, low-income students – or their school – will only need to pay $22 per AP test. 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has been focused on expanding access to AP courses and making the test more affordable so all students can excel, particularly for historically underserved students. While there is still more progress to make, it’s very clear that our efforts are working,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I hope students see this as a signal that we believe they can tackle difficult courses with support from their teachers.”

“We want all students to have the supports they need to excel at grade level or beyond, and helping students access these courses and exams is part of that support,” said Russell D. Johnston, acting commissioner of elementary and secondary education. “As we work to ensure that students of all backgrounds have the confidence and support they need to succeed in advanced coursework, it’s very encouraging to see the increases over the last several years.”

Source: College Board

Source: College Board