Press Release: 12/15/2025

Number of Massachusetts Students Succeeding on AP Exams Continues to Grow

 

Number of Black students scoring 3 or higher nearly tripled between 2021 and 2025; Number of Hispanic or Latino students scoring 3 or higher more than doubled 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

12/15/2025

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Karissa Hand, Press Secretary

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Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025

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 by 55 percent since 2021, with Black and Hispanic or Latino students making some of the strongest gains, according to recent data from the College Board.  

Overall, the number of Massachusetts public school students taking Advanced Placement tests grew 26 percent between 2021 and 2025, in part because the state expanded fee waivers available to help students afford the tests. Under this administration, Massachusetts has subsidized 90,783AP exams for nearly 50,000 low-income students. 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. 

“Massachusetts students continue to raise the bar, and these results show our investments in education are working,” said Governor Maura Healey. “More young people are taking on the challenge of AP courses and succeeding than ever before. That is a testament to their hard work, their educators’ dedication and commitment, and our shared belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality education that sets them up for success in college, the trades, career or any path they choose.” 

“These gains are incredibly encouraging,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.“More students are not only taking AP courses but also succeeding at the highest levels. This momentum inspires us to keep pushing forward so every student feels empowered to take on challenging, college-level work.”  

The number of Black students scoring 3 or higher on an AP test nearly tripled between 2021 and 2025, and the number of Hispanic or Latino students more than doubled, compared to an overall increase of 55 percent for Massachusetts public school students. These gains came as the number of Massachusetts students taking AP exams is rising, up 47 percent for Black students and 72 percent for Hispanic/Latino students, compared to 26 percent overall.  

AP exams cost almost $100 each without a fee subsidy. The state funds fee subsidies as part of the administration’s Reimagining High School initiative. With the state’s contribution, low-income students – or their school – will only need to pay $22 per AP test.  

“This is progress worth celebrating as we continue to recover from the pandemic,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “AP success opens doors to college and career pathways, and seeing such strong gains, especially among Black and Hispanic students, shows what’s possible when access, preparation and opportunity align.” 

"The number of students both taking and succeeding on the AP exam is a testament to this administration’s commitment to high academic achievement for all students,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "The gains made by historically underserved groups highlight our students' potential and our efforts to make the test more accessible." 

The administration announced in February a third of students who graduated from Massachusetts public high schools in 2024 scored a 3 or higher on an AP exam, the state’s highest percentage ever and the highest in the nation for the second year in a row. 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. 

MA Advanced Placement Participation by Race/Ethnicity
	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	% change, 2021-2025
American Indian	225	234	145	114	63	-72%
Asian	6,613	7,077	7,781	8,562	9,092	37%
Black	3,077	3,332	3,684	4,322	4,540	47%
Hispanic or Latino	6,253	7,181	8,572	9,768	10,753	72%
Pacific Islander	25	23	25	16	18	-28%
White	32,082	32,286	33,609	34,440	34,870	8%
Two or more races	2,138	2,333	2,509	2,727	2,884	34%
No Response	1,592	1,890	2,689	2,782	3,135	97%
Overall	51,975	54,316	58,941	62,639	65,355	26%

MA Advanced Placement Participation by Race/Ethnicity

                   Source: College Board 

MA Advanced Placement Performance by Race/Ethnicity - Students with Scores of 3, 4, or 5
	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	% change, 2021-2024
American Indian	100	102	71	47	36	-64%
Asian	5,083	5,602	6,329	7,286	8,078	59%
Black	903	1,249	1,452	2,077	2,595	187%
Hispanic or Latino	2,764	3,561	4,342	5,471	6,762	144%
Pacific Islander	13	7	6	10	15	15%
White	21,396	23,237	24,229	26,609	28,624	33%
Two or more races	1,436	1,683	1,884	2,141	2,398	70%
No Response	1,087	1,256	1,721	1,953	2,462	126%
Overall	32,771	36,671	39,990	45,524	50,970	55%

MA Advanced Placement Performance by Race/Ethnicity - Students with Scores of 3, 4, or 5

       Source: College Board