More Than Half of NC Public School Graduates Earn College Credit in High School

Record-breaking 54% of 2025 graduates completed college-level courses, reflecting expanded access to advanced learning opportunities

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a stack of textbooks and a graduation cap repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the celebratory spirit of students earning college-level credentials in high school.North Carolina's public schools are empowering more students than ever to earn college credit before graduation, a milestone for educational equity and student success.Today in Raleigh

A historic 54% of North Carolina's public high school graduates in the Class of 2025 successfully completed at least one college-level course or exam while still in high school, the highest percentage ever recorded in the state. This achievement was driven by increased enrollment in the state's Career and College Promise (CCP) program, which allows eligible students to take college classes, as well as growth in Cooperative Innovative High Schools that provide a hybrid high school and college experience.

Why it matters

These record-breaking results demonstrate North Carolina's commitment to preparing all students for success after high school, whether that means pursuing a four-year degree, a two-year degree, or a career-focused credential. By expanding access to advanced learning opportunities, the state is empowering more students to see themselves as 'college material' and gain a head start on their post-graduation plans.

The details

Data from the Class of 2025 shows that 54% of graduates successfully completed at least one college-level course or exam through programs like Advanced Placement (AP), the Career and College Promise (CCP) initiative, or International Baccalaureate. This marks the highest percentage ever recorded for North Carolina's public schools. Enrollment in the CCP program, which allows high schoolers to take college classes, also reached an all-time high of 38% of graduates in 2024-25. Additionally, 6,560 students graduated from the state's 138 Cooperative Innovative High Schools (CIHSs) in 2024-25, with 3,498 of them earning an associate degree alongside their high school diploma.

  • In 2024-25, 54% of North Carolina public high school graduates successfully completed at least one college-level course or exam.
  • Enrollment in the Career and College Promise (CCP) program reached a record high of 38% of graduates in 2024-25.
  • In 2024-25, 6,560 students graduated from North Carolina's 138 Cooperative Innovative High Schools (CIHSs), with 3,498 earning an associate degree.

The players

Maurice 'Mo' Green

North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction, who said the state's achievements in college-level course completion exemplify its commitment to preparing students for their next phase of life.

Sneha Shah-Coltrane

Senior director of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, who said Cooperative Innovative High Schools provide a unique opportunity for students to participate in college-level work while receiving robust support, especially for first-generation college students.

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What they’re saying

“Having 54% of North Carolina public high school graduates pass at least one college-level course/exam is outstanding and exemplifies our commitment to preparing each student for their next phase of life as outlined in our strategic plan, Achieving Educational Excellence.”

— Maurice 'Mo' Green, North Carolina Superintendent of Public Instruction

“Through high-quality instructional programming and close partnerships with institutions of higher education, Cooperative Innovative High Schools provide a unique opportunity for students to participate in college-level work while receiving robust support. This program is especially powerful for first-generation college students and has the ability to drive economic mobility for families across our state.”

— Sneha Shah-Coltrane, Senior director of Advanced Learning and Gifted Education at NCDPI

What’s next

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction will continue to work with its higher education partners to expand access to college-level courses and industry-recognized credentials for all public high school students, with the goal of ensuring every graduate is well-prepared for their next phase of life.

The takeaway

North Carolina's public schools are leading the nation in empowering students to earn college credit while still in high school, a milestone that reflects the state's commitment to educational equity and preparing all students for success after graduation, whether that means pursuing a four-year degree, a two-year degree, or a career-focused credential.