AP® Credit Savings Calculator
For parents and students: estimate how many college credits your AP® scores could earn and what that's worth in tuition.
Last checked 2026-10-24
AP® exams
How the savings are estimated
Each exam scored at or above the college's minimum is counted at the credits you enter (3 is the most common award). Total credits are multiplied by the college's cost per credit hour.
Savings = accepted credits × cost per credit hour. If you enter a semester price, it's divided by 15 credits (a typical full-time load); a yearly price is divided by 30.
About 30 credits is a full year of college. Whether AP® credit actually shortens your degree depends on whether it counts toward general education or your major, rather than as elective credit.
Find your college's exact policy
Every college sets its own minimum score and credit amount per exam, and some give placement instead of credit. Look up the exact rules in the College Board's AP Credit Policy Search or on the college's registrar page, then adjust the credits above.
Frequently asked questions
How many college credits is an AP exam worth?
Most colleges that award credit give 3 to 8 credits per exam, most often 3 or 4. Each college sets its own policy, including the minimum score.
What score do colleges accept for AP credit?
Many accept a 3 or higher, but selective colleges often require a 4 or 5 and some give placement instead of credit. Look up your college in the College Board's AP Credit Policy Search.
Where do I find cost per credit hour?
Your college's bursar or tuition page lists it. If only a semester price is shown for full-time students, divide it by the typical 15 credits per semester.
Can AP credit really let you graduate early?
About 30 credits is roughly one full year. Whether you can graduate early depends on whether the credits count toward your major or general education requirements.