23 May 2025
Cambridge is celebrating the passing of landmark legislation in Indiana and Arkansas which will widen access to Cambridge programmes and reduce barriers to higher education for students and their families.
The new statewide policies reflect a growing recognition in the US of the value of the Cambridge AICE Diploma (and its constituent Cambridge International AS & A Levels) in boosting student achievement. Public colleges and universities in Indiana and Arkansas grant college credit for Cambridge International AS & A Levels, potentially enabling Cambridge students to shorten the duration, and reduce the cost of, higher education. The AICE Diploma comprises seven Cambridge International AS & A Levels.
Indiana: Extra funding for schools, and college admission guaranteed for Cambridge AICE Diploma students
The new, two-year statewide budget for Indiana – Indiana House Bill 1001 – has granted funds to increase college access, reward academic achievement, and expand rigorous learning opportunities for Indiana students.
Under HB1001, Indiana will allocate up to $500,000 annually for two years to support Indiana schools implementing the Cambridge programme. Participating schools will receive $2,495 for every student who completes the Cambridge AICE Diploma. These students will automatically receive the Honors Enrollment Plus Seal, an advanced certification, starting with the Class of 2029. Students with this Honors seal will be guaranteed admission to all the state’s public colleges and universities, including Indiana University, Purdue, and Ball State.
The new agreement builds on a series of prior commitments from the state that have made Indiana a national model for recognising the value of the Cambridge Pathway. These prior commitments include:
- covering the cost of up to three Cambridge exams per student every year. Any remaining funds after the exam fees have been paid are prioritised for teachers of the Cambridge Pathway and other advanced courses to attend professional development training.
- ensuring all public Indiana colleges and universities award college credit for passing Cambridge exams, helping students save on tuition and graduate faster.
Mark Cavone, Regional Director, North America for International Education at Cambridge, praised Indiana’s educational leadership: “Indiana has shown that bold investments in academic excellence pay off. With this partnership, students from all backgrounds will have access to a world-class education — and the clear path to college and career success that comes with it.”
Arkansas: Statewide initiative gives students greater access to Cambridge programmes
More Arkansas students will have access to Cambridge programmes under new statewide legislation – the Arkankas ACCESS Act – which is aimed at improving post-secondary access and completion.
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, schools across the state will offer at least four accelerated learning courses across core academic subjects. With the Cambridge AICE Diploma now formally recognised within this new accelerated learning framework, more students will be able to engage with college-level coursework leading to college credit and meaningful outcomes beyond graduation.
"We commend Arkansas for its commitment to expanding access to high-quality, college-level learning opportunities," said Mark. "By recognising the value of the Cambridge program, the state is helping more students prepare for the demands of college and career while also empowering families with meaningful pathways to earn credit in high school. We are proud to partner with Arkansas educators to support students as they work toward academic success and future opportunities." 15 US states or public systems of higher education now include Cambridge International AS & A Level examinations in their credit-by-exam policies. These include Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington.
Read more
The Cambridge AICE Diploma is a broad progamme of study with a strong emphasis on skills development. Students study a combination of Cambridge International AS & A Level subjects, plus Global Perspectives & Research – a cross-curricular course that engages students with some of the most challenging issues facing the world today.
Championing Cambridge at my alma mater – how Cambridge programmes are supporting student achievement in Florida and making college more affordable