Does SNHU Accept AP Credits? Alternative Credit Guide

If you took Advanced Placement (AP) exams in high school, you may already have a head start on your college degree. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is one of the online colleges that accept AP credits, allowing qualifying scores to count toward your degree requirements.

This guide covers whether Southern New Hampshire University accepts AP credits, which scores qualify, and how to make the most of your AP credit once you enroll.

Does SNHU Accept AP Credits?

SNHU accepts AP credits as part of its broader credit for prior learning (CPL) program, which recognizes more than 600 alternative credit sources, including AP exams and CLEP. In most subjects, a score of 3 or higher qualifies for college credit, consistent with the College Board's general recommendation for AP credit eligibility.

Credit amounts vary by subject, and a handful of world language exams award additional credit for scores of 4 or 5, rather than a flat pass/fail cutoff. One notable exception is Computer Science A, which may require a higher minimum score depending on which SNHU program you're applying the credit toward. Because SNHU's AP credit policy is subject to change, it's worth confirming your specific exam and score with an admission counselor before enrolling. 

How AP Credits Transfer to SNHU

SNHU evaluates AP credit by subject, with most exams requiring a minimum score of 3 for credit. Below are a few common examples of how AP exams translate to credit at SNHU. Note: these examples reflect SNHU's published AP credit policy as of our research and should be verified against SNHU's current experience lookup tool, since subject offerings and score requirements can change.

• English Language & Composition: Transfers as Foundations of Written Communication and earns three credit hours
• Calculus AB: Transfers as Calculus I: Single-Variable Calculus and earns three credit hours
• Biology: Transfers as General Biology I and General Biology I Lab and earns four credit hours 
• United States History: Transfers as United States History I: 1607-1865 and United States History II: 1865-Present and earns six credit hours
• Psychology: Transfers as Introduction to Psychology and earns three credit hours
• Macroeconomics: Transfers as Macroeconomics and earns three credit hours
• Spanish Language & Culture: Score of 3 transfers as Beginning Spanish I and Beginning Spanish II for six credit hours. Score of 4 also transfers as Intermediate Spanish I for nine credit hours, while a score of 5 adds Intermediate Spanish II for a total of 12 credit hours
• Computer Science A: Transfers as Foundation in Application Development and earns three credit hours

As with other colleges that accept transfer credits, AP credits count toward SNHU's overall transfer credit limits, allowing eligible bachelor's degree students to transfer up to 90 credits — as much as 75% of the program.

How To Transfer AP Credits to SNHU

Follow these steps to have your AP credits evaluated and applied toward your degree at SNHU.

1. Confirm your AP scores are eligible. Check that your exam and score meet SNHU's minimum requirements, typically a 3 or higher, before requesting your official score report.
2. Request your official AP score report from College Board. SNHU requires an official score report, not just a copy of your exam results, to evaluate your credit.
3. Submit your scores to SNHU. Send your official AP score report to SNHU's admissions or transfer credit office as part of your application.
4. Review your transfer credit evaluation. Once SNHU receives your scores, the university will evaluate them against its AP credit policy and apply any qualifying credit to your degree plan.
5. Meet with your academic advisor. After your credits are posted, meet with your advisor to see how they fit into your overall degree requirements and plan your remaining coursework.

Benefits of Using AP Credits at SNHU

Bringing AP credit into your degree can save you both time and money, especially if you took several AP courses in high school.

Save Money on Tuition

Since AP credits are typically earned during high school at little to no additional cost, applying them toward your SNHU degree can reduce the number of courses you need to pay for once enrolled.

Graduate More Quickly

Qualifying AP credit can allow you to skip introductory courses you've already mastered, shortening your overall path to graduation.

Start College-Level Coursework Sooner

With general education requirements already satisfied through AP credit, you can move into major-specific coursework earlier in your program.

Combine With Other Transfer Credits

AP credit can be combined with CLEP scores, transfer credit from another college, or other prior learning sources to maximize the total credit you bring into your SNHU degree.   

Tips for Maximizing AP Credits at SNHU

A little planning can help ensure your AP credit is evaluated correctly and applied to the right requirements.

• Send your official score report early: Request your official AP score report from College Board as soon as possible to avoid delays in your credit evaluation.
• Review your degree plan first: Confirm which general education or elective requirements your AP credit is likely to satisfy before assuming it will apply to a specific course.
• Avoid duplicating credit: If you've already received transfer credit for a similar course, additional AP credit in the same subject may not be awarded.
• Meet with your academic advisor: An advisor can confirm how your AP credit fits into your remaining requirements and help you plan your next courses accordingly.
• Combine multiple credit sources: If you also have CLEP scores or college credit from another provider, submit those alongside your AP scores to maximize your total transfer credit.

Alternatives to AP for SNHU Students

If you don't have AP credit, or want to explore additional ways to earn credit before or during your time at SNHU, consider these options:

• CLEP: Earn credit by passing a single standardized exam in subjects like English, history, math, and business.
• Sophia Learning: Complete self-paced online courses that can fulfill general education and elective requirements.
• StraighterLine: Take affordable, self-paced online courses that often apply toward general education requirements.
• ACE and NCCRS credit recommendations: Receive credit for military training, workplace training, or professional certifications evaluated by these credit recommendation services.
• Prior Learning Assessment (PLA): Submit a portfolio documenting work or life experience that hasn't already been evaluated by AP, CLEP, ACE, or NCCRS. 

FAQs About AP Credits at SNHU 

If you're considering using AP credit toward your degree at SNHU, these answers address some of the most common questions about eligibility, scores, and how AP credit fits with other transfer credit options.

What AP Score Do You Need To Get College Credit at SNHU?

In most subjects, a score of 3 or higher qualifies for college credit at SNHU. Some world language exams award additional credit for scores of 4 or 5.

How Many AP Credits Can You Transfer to SNHU?

There's no specific limit on AP credits alone, but they count toward SNHU's overall transfer credit limits. Eligible bachelor's degree students can transfer up to 90 credits total, including AP credit combined with other transfer sources.

Can You Combine AP Credits With CLEP or Other Transfer Credits?

AP credit can be combined with CLEP scores, Sophia Learning or StraighterLine courses, and other transfer credit sources, as long as you stay within SNHU's overall transfer credit limits and avoid duplicating credit in the same subject area.

Does AP Credit Count Toward General Education Requirements at SNHU?

Many AP exams fulfill general education requirements at SNHU, particularly in subjects like English, history, math, and social sciences. However, some AP credit may only apply as elective credit depending on your specific program, so it's worth reviewing your degree plan with an advisor.

Can You Submit AP Scores After Enrolling at SNHU?

Students can typically submit AP scores after enrolling, provided the credit still applies to their current degree plan. Since AP credit is usually most useful early in a program, it's best to submit your scores as soon as possible to avoid retaking a course you've already covered.

Find Transfer-Friendly Online Programs

Whether you're just starting your degree or transferring in existing coursework, AP credit can help you save time and money at SNHU. Explore the online degree programs featured on Learn.org, and reach out to SNHU directly to confirm your specific AP credit eligibility.