Why EPSOs Matter: Preliminary Analysis of EPSO Completion and Student Outcomes

About the Brief

This brief highlights the positive relationship between completion of Early Postsecondary Opportunities (EPSOs) and subsequent student outcomes, including students’ performance on the ACT and college enrollment. We focus on six types of EPSOs routinely offered in MNPS public high schools: Cambridge International, Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Statewide Dual Credit, Local Dual Credit, and Dual Enrollment.

Key Findings

1. On average, students in the classes of 2018-2020 who completed at least one EPSO credit were more likely to score a 21 or higher on the ACT.
2. Students in the classes of 2018-2020 who completed at least one EPSO credit were more likely to enroll in college, a finding driven by enrollment in 4-year colleges.
3. The relationship between EPSO credit completion and college enrollment held true for students with varying levels of prior academic achievement.