AP Credit Estimator

Turn your high school effort into college freedom. Estimate how many credit hours and tuition dollars you might save based on your scores.

Your AP Scores

Add your exam scores below (3, 4, or 5 typically earn credit)

Estimated Savings

- Credit Hours

Tuition Saved (Est.) $-

Assume ~$1,200 per 3-credit course.

Cash for Credit: How AP Scores Save You Thousands

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are not just about college admissions; they are about College Tuition. Most universities charge between $500 and $2,000 per credit hour. A typical college course is 3 or 4 credits. This means passing a single AP exam (scoring a 3, 4, or 5) is financially equivalent to receiving a check for $1,500 to $8,000. Our AP Credit Estimator helps you visualize exactly how much time and money your high school efforts are saving you.

Understanding "Credit" vs. "Placement"

Actual Credit (Units)

The college adds credits to your transcript. You need 120 credits to graduate. If you get 3 credits for AP Psych, you now need only 117. This saves money and time.

Advanced Placement (Exemption)

The college lets you skip "Intro to Biology" and start with "Intermediate Biology," but they DO NOT give you credits toward graduation. You still need 120 credits, but you can take more fun classes. This is common at Ivy Leagues.

Subject Caps

Some colleges have limits. For example, they might only accept a maximum of 30 AP credits total, or they might say you can't get credit for both AP English Language and AP English Literature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 3 count for credit?

At approximately 70% of US colleges, YES. Scores of 3 are passing. However, top-50 universities usually require a 4 or 5.

Which AP exams are worth the most?

Foreign Languages (Spanish, French) often grant up to 8-12 credits because they cover multiple semesters of college work. Calculus BC is also high-value, often granting 8 credits (Calculus I & II).

Should I send all my scores?

Generally, yes. Colleges look at the scores you self-report on the application for admission, but the official report for credit is sent after you are accepted. There is rarely a penalty for sending a 2 after you're already admitted.

APUSH Calculator

AP Credit Estimator

Your AP Scores

Estimated Savings

Cash for Credit: How AP Scores Save You Thousands

The "Freshman Skip" Strategy

Public vs. Private Universities

Understanding "Credit" vs. "Placement"

Actual Credit (Units)

Advanced Placement (Exemption)

Subject Caps

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 3 count for credit?

Which AP exams are worth the most?

Should I send all my scores?

AP Credit Estimator

Your AP Scores

Estimated Savings

Cash for Credit: How AP Scores Save You Thousands

The "Freshman Skip" Strategy

Public vs. Private Universities

Understanding "Credit" vs. "Placement"

Actual Credit (Units)

Advanced Placement (Exemption)

Subject Caps

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 3 count for credit?

Which AP exams are worth the most?

Should I send all my scores?

Maximize Your High School Years