​SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Board of Education announced today that Illinois students’ Advanced Placement (AP) performance and participation not only continues to rebound from the pandemic but has outpaced all other states in the nation. Between 2012 and 2022, Illinois had the largest increase of any state in its percentage of high school graduates scoring a 3 or higher on an AP Exam, according to data released by the College Board.

AP Cohort Report, Graduating Class of 2022, Illinois Supplement, p. 4. 

The number of high school students taking dual credit courses has also notably surged 30 percent since 2018 – leaping from approximately 61,500 in 2018 to approximately 90,000 in 2022. 

“The best investment we can make for our state's future is in our young people—and that means making higher education more affordable. While we work to pass a state budget that includes historic investments in the MAP grant program, we've also prioritized expanding access to Advanced Placement programs in our state's high schools—especially for low-income students," said Governor JB Pritzker. “Through these investments, more Illinois students than ever before have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars in tuition costs as they further their education. It's clear so many of our bright and talented young people are working hard to take advantage of those opportunities that will continue to benefit them after graduation." 

“Illinois students work hard. These impressive results in both AP and dual credit prove that our students are not only choosing to academically challenge themselves, but that they are exceeding expectations," said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “Congratulations to the tens of thousands of Illinois students across the state who, while up against the setback of an unprecedented pandemic, are leading the pack, preparing for successful futures, and earning well-deserved national recognition for their achievements." 

"Broadening the invitation to AP courses has a powerful impact on students' college plans and career ambitions," said Trevor Packer, Senior Vice President, AP & Instruction. “Illinois' success in preparing students for AP will have lasting benefits for students and their families." 

Among the class of 2022, more than one in four Illinois public high school graduates scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam. 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 Public Act 99-0358, passed in 2015. Participation numbers have continued to grow in part thanks to $3 million in supplemental funding from the state reducing exam costs to only $7 for low-income students and providing grant opportunities for districts seeking to expand AP offerings, with priority given to districts that do not currently offer any AP courses. 

The number of public high school graduates in Illinois who took an AP exam during high school has increased by a notable 42 percent over the last decade, compared to a 14 percent increase nationwide. In 2022 alone, 55,025 Illinois graduates took an AP exam, with 36,240 scoring a 3 or higher. 

Public and private high school students in Illinois earned 137,446 qualifying AP scores of 3, 4, or 5 in 2022. These scores translate into an estimated 412,338 potential college credits. At a cost of $498.67 per college credit, this would allow Illinois students and families to save more than $205 million on tuition and fees.  

Additionally, Illinois has expanded student access and diversity in computer science courses, with 40 institutions earning the AP Computer Science Access and Female Diversity Award in the 2021-22 school year. And the University of Illinois this year is launching its inaugural AP Summer Institutes for Humanities courses with the goal of providing access to professional learning to teachers to increase AP exam participation in central and southern Illinois. 

Learn more about Illinois' AP program here. View Illinois' AP exam data here.