Michigan sees record growth in AP exam participation and success

In 2026, 69,878 Michigan high‑school students took one or more AP exams, a 6% rise from the 65,898 who tested the previous year and a record increase of nearly 19,000 students from five years ago. The data, released by the College Board and shared today by the Michigan Department of Education, shows a steady upward trend in AP participation across the state.

Of the 126,480 AP exams taken statewide, 94,598—75%—earned scores of 3, 4, or 5, indicating strong student performance. A total of 53,022 students scored 3, 4, or 5 on at least one exam, up 6.7% from the 49,708 who achieved similar scores the year before.

Only 52% of Michigan high schools directly offer AP classes, but the state’s $2.8 million investment in the 2027 budget will reduce fees for income‑eligible students and families, expanding access. In addition, 233 of 663 districts—35%—currently lack direct AP access, a gap the Department of Education aims to close.

Read the full story at michigan.gov.