Indicator: Access to early college coursework

Why it matters

Many students lack access to early college coursework in high school, despite its importance for college admissions and success. A nationwide analysis found that Black and Latino students are not equitably represented in advanced courses, and that these disparities relate to whether schools offer these courses and the number of seats available in them. Another nationwide study found that Black and Indigenous students had significantly less access to AP coursework than their peers, based on the number of AP courses offered and the size of the student body in their schools. Inequitable access to early college courses is compounded by inequitable access to the end-of-course tests students need to pass to earn college credit.  According to the College Board, a typical AP exam fee in 2022 was $96, or $62 for eligible students from low-income households.  Just 29 states provide additional support to cover these costs.  For every 1,000 White students in the United States, 185 enroll in an AP course and 139 take an AP test. In contrast, for every 1,000 Black students, 105 take an AP course and 73 take an AP test.