10 Online Colleges That Accept AP Exam Credits 2025

The costs of a college education continue to rise, with average tuition rates increasing for both on-campus and online degree programs. Advanced Placement tests (AP tests) are college-level courses and exams that high school students can complete to earn college credit before graduation. Students with qualifying AP scores can use these credits at accredited online colleges to reduce their total tuition costs.

Many online universities recognize AP classes for college credit, but schools often have unique guidelines concerning which test scores they accept.

Online Schools Offering College Credit for AP Exams

Students looking to save money on their total tuition costs can find enrollment opportunities through online universities that accept transfer credits and AP exam scores. AP exams are graded on a scale of 1-5, and each school is allowed to select unique thresholds for what score is accepted for credit.

1. University of Phoenix

The University of Phoenix was one of the first fully online degree providers and is a very popular choice among distance learners. Students can use a variety of alternative credit options, including AP exam scores.

In addition to AP exams, the University of Phoenix allows students to take College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, which are offered by the same organization as the AP tests. Speaking with an academic advisor at The University of Phoenix will give you the best understanding of how your scores will apply.

2. Lehman College

Lehman College accepts scores from multiple AP subject areas, including Calculus AB, Calculus BC, and English Language and Composition. Although the school recognizes most AP subjects, each program has a different minimum score.

Most entry-level courses will only require a three, while higher-level coursework will require at least a four. Learners can also apply CLEP, College Proficiency Examinations Program (CPEP), and certificates to further reduce their credit loads and costs.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Learners at Southern New Hampshire University can apply up to 90 transfer credit hours in addition to their AP exam and CLEP results. Most of the fields of study only require a three to be eligible for course credit, but some programs, such as foreign language courses, will require a four or five. SNHU is one of the most affordable online colleges in the nation and has some of the most generous transfer and alternate credit opportunities.

4. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a leader in online programs and allows students to use AP and other exams to test out of up to half of their credit requirements (60 for a bachelor's degree or 30 for an associate degree). Students must choose if they want to apply their credit for lower and prerequisite or higher-level courses, as ASU won't allow AP credits to be used for both. Most classes at ASU will require a four or five, but some will accept a three to receive credit.

5. Georgia Southern University

Students at Georgia Southern University can receive college credit for passing AP exams in subjects including Macroeconomics, Human Geography, English Literature, and more. Students will be able to receive anywhere from three to 12 credit hours in a subject area depending on their score. For example, students who receive a five in a foreign language AP course could receive up to 12 credit hours satisfying lower and upper-level courses.

6. University of Massachusetts Global

Learners can receive three credit hours per subject area at the University of Massachusetts Global with scores of three or more. UMass doesn't guarantee that all AP exams will be accepted, though. Students must complete their exams at a designated testing center to ensure their scores will be recognized.

Learn More: UMass Global AP Credit Policy

7. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa accepts AP exam results from 30 fields of study, with differing amounts of credits based on a student's desired degree. Most students will need to score a four or five to receive credit, but some programs, such as Music Theory, will only need a three.

The College of Engineering at the University of Iowa has strict requirements around which credits will be accepted, with multiple tests not being recognized. Before applying, speak with a school counselor to get a better understanding of which AP exams will be accepted.

8. Strayer University

Strayer University has nearly 50 campus locations across 17 states, as well as a full catalog of online courses. Strayer University accepts AP scores above three for credit substitution. Students can also apply other exams, including the CLEP and DSST, to fulfill credit requirements.

Learn More: Strayer University AP Credit Policy

9. New Jersey Institute of Technology

Students at the New Jersey Institute of Technology with scores of either four or five can receive college credit. Most of the fields of study at NJIT will accept a four, but the following programs require scores of five: Chemistry, Calculus BC, and Studio Art: Drawing. The amount of credits received varies from subject to subject, ranging from three to eight.

10. University of Florida Online

Online students at the University of Florida will receive college credit for AP scores above three. Some AP exams don't have a direct equivalent at the University of Florida (e.g., World History and Computer Science). The University of Florida might still accept test scores from these exams as electives or general education credits instead of satisfying major credits.

Our Selection Criteria

Many top online universities accept AP credits, but some have different restrictions and guidelines around them. We used strict guidelines to select the above list to ensure that your AP results will improve your higher education journey.

• Must Accept AP Credits from Multiple Subjects: All of the programs we selected accept a wide variety of AP subjects for major credit hours.
• Fully Online: Every school on this list offers a minimum of three online bachelor's programs, with some having nearly their full academic catalogs offered through distance learning.
• Learning Options Nationwide: We selected programs across the country to ensure that students can find programs near them.

How Advanced Placement (AP) Credits Work

The credits from an AP course come from the final exam, but the program is much more than just a test. Each year high school students can enroll in AP courses through their school that deliver college-level education. After completing the coursework, students will take the official AP exam and be graded on a scale of one to five.

Students can have their results sent to specific schools as part of their college application process using codes found on the College Board website. Colleges have different acceptance policies regarding AP credits, but most schools will accept a score of four or five as a replacement for taking an equivalent college course. Even if your AP courses aren't directly related to your college major, you might be able to apply them as elective credits.

Benefits of Earning College Credit in High School With AP Exams

The biggest benefit of taking AP courses is to get a head start on college. Students who earn college credits through AP exams won't be required to retake those courses in college. This can speed up your graduation and reduce total costs since you won't have to pay tuition costs for these courses at the college.

How To Find Online Colleges That Accept AP Credits Using College Board

College Board is the organization that coordinates AP courses and exams. It offers resources that make it easier to find universities that accept credits. Students should visit the College Board website and look up their school's AP code. This will help them see what the school's policy is, including minimum scores and how many credits can be earned.

FAQs About Earning AP Credits at Online Colleges

Many students enroll in AP courses each year, but these programs can still be misunderstood. There are many common questions about AP courses and how learners can prepare for them.

How Can I Prep for AP Courses?

Most AP courses are delivered through a high school and don't require any special preparation. The AP exam is essentially just a final exam for a year-long course and won't require anything different than preparing for other exams. Students can also find online AP courses including all the relevant materials to prepare for the exam.

What Score Do You Need for Each AP Course?

It depends on which school you attend, but most schools require a minimum score of three to be considered for credit. Some school requirements vary based on individual fields of study. The best way to learn which score you need is to check either your school or the College Board website.

Where Do I Take an AP Exam If My School Does Not Offer the Course?

Students who are trying to take an AP exam that isn't offered at their high school should use the College Board AP Ledger to find schools near them that offer that program. Many schools allow students from other schools to sit for the exam with proper advanced registration.

Explore Online Programs That Accept AP Credits

Our school profiles have information that you need to find programs that accept AP credits. Once you've read up on the schools available to you, use our resources to reach out and start your application process today.