Oregon Students Smash Records in AP Exams, Boosting College Readiness Statewide

A recent College Board report revealed that Oregon students with access to challenging courses continue to do better in college readiness, particularly through the state’s growing participation and success in Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams.

Oregon Advanced Placement Students Increased the State’s College Readiness Statistics

In 2025, 21,862 Oregon students took 37,203 AP exams, up from 19,464 students taking 32,007 exams in 2019.

The 2025 Advanced Placement State and District Integrated Report for Oregon shows that the number of Oregon students participating in AP courses increased by 4% between 2024 and 2025, bringing the total increase to 70% since 2021.

Oregon’s High School Success initiative played a key role in expanding access to advanced coursework. More students are not only taking AP courses but also succeeding in them. In 2025, 71.9% of Oregon AP exams received a qualifying score of 3, 4, or 5, surpassing the national average score of approximately 70%.

This is a 17.9% increase over 2024 in the number of exams earning qualifying scores.

The 2025 College Board highlights included:

• Overall participation in AP exams increased by 8.5% between 2024  and 2025.
• Participation in AP courses grew 4.4% overall from 2024, including a 16.2% increase among Black/African American students and a 4.1% increase among Hispanic/Latinx students.
• 20.9% of AP test-takers qualified for the state-funded AP Test Fee Program for students experiencing poverty.
• Compared to 2024, 32.9% more Black/African American students and 17.7% more Hispanic/Latinx students received scores of 3, 4, or 5.

Oregon’s AP participation and performance can mean tangible savings for students and their families.

A 4-credit class could cost $375 to over $1,000 at a community college or public university in Oregon, so the 26,738 qualifying AP scores in 2025 mean Oregon students could save significant time and money.

Dr. Charlene Williams, Director of the Oregon Department of Education, said. “These results show that Oregon students are rising to the occasion when given the opportunity to learn at the highest levels.”