How Many College Credits Is an AP Class Worth?
Written by: Mary Olinger
Reviewed by: Liam Taft
Published

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If you’re taking AP classes, you may be hoping that they will help you earn some college credits or advanced placement.
It is possible to earn college credits for some AP courses. There are several factors that come into play when it comes to how many college credits you may be able to earn for your hard work.
Let’s take a look at how you may be able to earn credits for your AP coursework, and what kind of scores you will need to make them count.
How Many College Credits Can You Earn From an AP Class?
On average, AP classes can earn you between 3 and 8 college credits. This will depend on the subject, your AP exam score, and the colleges you apply to.
Some schools may give you 3 credits, which is the equivalent of a single-semester college course, as long as you get a passing score.
An AP exam score of 3 or above on an AP exam is usually considered passing. Some schools may grant more credits for more challenging subjects, like AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, or AP Physics.
Sometimes, this is enough to cover two semesters' worth of content. However, there are several factors that can affect how many college credits you earn from AP classes.
Your AP Score
Some colleges require that students make at least a score of 3 on AP exams for college credit. Community colleges and local universities may only require a score of 3 to grant college credit for some courses. However, more competitive universities will usually require a score of 4 or 5 to earn credit.
The AP Subject
Different AP subjects may be worth more credits than others. General subjects like AP English Language will only earn 3 college credits. Other courses, such as AP Biology or AP US History, may earn from 6 to 8 college credits.
Specific School Policies
Each university or college sets its own AP credit policies. Two schools may treat the same AP score very differently. They may even treat each AP subject differently.
Major Requirements
Even schools that accept AP credit may not count your score toward your specific major. For example, an engineering major may still need to take specific math or science classes as part of their program, regardless of your AP exam scores.
How College Credit Varies By Institution
AP credit policies can differ greatly from one college to another. Some institutions give credit for AP exam scores of 3 or higher. Other schools may require a 4 or 5 to earn credit. Even within one university, different departments may have varying standards for awarding college credit. For example, scoring a 3 on an AP Biology exam may earn you credit at one school, but not at another. It may allow you to skip an introductory course without any actual credit hours given.
Schools may offer credit in different ways, too. Some schools recognize AP credits by giving you actual college credits that will eventually count toward those needed to graduate. In other cases, you may be allowed to skip some introductory courses without receiving college credit for them. This is still helpful as it will save you money and time in the long run.
Then, there are other schools that will consider your AP courses for admissions. However, you won’t earn college credit or placement for them. Always check the AP credit policy of the colleges you are considering attending. Policies can change in each school and each of its departments or majors.
Here’s a look at how some Ivy League schools handle AP credit.
Harvard University
Harvard only grants AP credit for exam scores of 5. Credits are still limited and used mostly for advanced placement instead of for direct course credit. Here’s an example:
AP Exam | Minimum Score Required | Harvard Credits Awarded |
Biology | 5 | 1 |
Chemistry | 5 | 1 |
Physics C: Mechanics | 5 | 1/2 |
U.S. History | 5 | 1 |
Psychology | 5 | 1/2 |
Students who have four or more qualifying AP scores might be eligible for Advanced Standing. If you’re eligible, it would allow you to graduate early or pursue a combined bachelor's/master’s program. Harvard will not accept AP scores of 4 for credit.
Yale University
Yale will award credit or placement for AP scores of 4 or 5. However, the type of credit granted will differ by department. Some departments have specific requirements or restrictions, so it’s important to contact relevant departments for details. Yale has a detailed table that explains which courses are eligible for credit based on AP scores.
Scoring a 4 or 5 in some courses may earn you credit, but there are some subjects that you will need to score a 5 in order to earn acceleration credit. Sometimes AP credits only allow students to bypass introductory courses so they can go directly into more advanced classes.
Columbia University
Columbia University will offer credit for some AP exams, with a score of 4 or 5. However, students can only earn a total of 16 credits. This is equivalent to one semester of college. Earning AP credit or placement at Columbia can depend on the subject, department, and major.
Princeton University
If you score a 4 or a 5 on your AP exams, you may be able to skip some prerequisite courses, or you may qualify for advanced courses. The different departments have specific policies. However, Princeton is soon going to discontinue Advanced Standing options. Princeton also uses internal placement tests for language and some of their science courses before granting credits.
University of Pennsylvania (UPenn)
UPenn has one of the most flexible policies among the Ivy League schools. The school grants actual credit for a wide range of AP exams as long as you get a score of 4 or 5. This varies greatly by department, and some AP exam scores don’t automatically mean you’ll get any credit at all. Here is the Advanced Placement Chart for UPenn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Don’t Pass My AP Exams?
If you don’t pass your AP exams, which means you score below a 3 on them, you will not be able to earn college credit or advanced placement at most colleges. However, taking AP classes is still helpful and may strengthen your college application. By taking AP courses, you demonstrate your willingness to take on more challenging courses.
What AP Score Do I Need To Get College Credit?
Most universities require a score of at least 3. However, the more selective the school, like Ivy League schools, will require a score of 4 or 5 for placement or credit. Always check with the schools and relevant departments for their specific policies.
Can AP Credits Replace College Classes?
Yes. AP credits are sometimes used to replace introductory classes in college. This means you can skip some of the prerequisite courses and still fulfill general education requirements. However, always check with the college because some schools only use AP scores for placement and not credit hours. You’ll still need to complete a minimum number of college credit hours for your degree program.
Final Thoughts
AP classes can help you earn college credit or advanced placement. It will depend on your exam scores and which college you choose to attend. Usually, a score of 4 or 5 will earn you 6 to 8 credits, but some schools do not offer placement, and some do not offer credit. Always look at a school’s AP policy before counting on credits from AP courses.
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References
Yale Table of Acceleration Credit
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