Georgia ranks 16th in the nation and exceeds the national average for the percentage of students passing Advanced Placement (AP) exams, according to data released by the College Board today.

In Georgia public schools, 24.9% of the Class of 2025 earned a 3 or higher on an AP exam – more than two percentage points above the 22.3% rate for the Class of 2024.

“I’m incredibly proud of the Class of 2025 for continuing to raise the bar in Advanced Placement performance,” State School Superintendent Richard Woods said. “More Georgia students are stepping into rigorous coursework, and more are earning scores that translate directly into college credit and real savings for their families. That’s a win for students, a win for families, and a win for Georgia’s future. We will continue working to ensure every student has access to opportunities that challenge them and prepare them for success in college, career, and beyond.”

As Georgia continues efforts to ensure we are the Top State for Talent, results like these reflect the strength of our public schools in preparing students for future success.

AP is one of several advanced learning options available to Georgia students, and the Georgia Department of Education remains committed to expanding access to these opportunities statewide.

Georgia continued to outperform most Southern states in AP success, with students scoring higher than their peers in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

Overall, 37.3% of Georgia’s class of 2025 took at least one AP exam during high school, compared to 35.9% in the class of 2024. Georgia has the 17th-highest AP participation rate in the nation.

Georgia high school students earned 172,809 qualifying scores of 3, 4, or 5 – representing an estimated 518,427 college credits and a total potential cost savings of $147,580,614 for students and families.

While a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam in high school gives students the chance to earn college credit, advanced placement in college courses, or both, evidence shows that students benefit from taking AP courses and exams regardless of their exam scores. Thank to funding provided by the Georgia General Assembly, the state funds one AP exam in a STEM subject area for all students, or an AP exam in any subject area for students who qualify for free- and reduced-price school meals.