The Impact of International Baccalaureate (IB) Courses: Experience and Outcome Differences for Full IB Diploma Earners Versus Nondiploma Earners in an Urban School in the United States

This study examines differences in educational experiences and outcomes for high school (HS) students who participated in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program and earned full diplomas compared to those who participated in the IB Diploma Program but did not earn the diploma. ACT scores, after-HS placement, and HS graduation rates of 256 participants were collected. One hundred and twenty two participants completed an online survey, and 12 participated in interviews. The results revealed that the educational outcomes and experiences for diploma and nondiploma earners were vastly similar. Diploma earners had significantly higher ACT scores, but their college entrance and other academic outcomes were similar to nondiploma earners. However, students who participated in the IB program had significantly higher academic success than other students. Even students who did not earn the full IB diploma had higher graduation rates and high average ACT scores than students at this school, state, and even at the federal level.