AP Credit Savings Calculator
Calculate how much tuition you can save by earning college credit through AP exams.
See total credits and dollars saved.
Total AP Savings
AP credit savings calculates how much tuition money you save by passing AP exams and skipping college courses.
Total Credits Earned = AP Exams Passed × Credits per Exam
Tuition Savings = Total Credits × Cost per Credit Hour
Typical AP credit policies:
- Most colleges award 3–4 credits per AP exam (score of 3+)
- Some require a 4 or 5 for credit
- Maximum AP credits accepted varies: typically 30–60 credits
Cost per credit hour (2025–2026):
- Community college: $150–$300
- Public university (in-state): $300–$500
- Public university (out-of-state): $800–$1,200
- Private university: $1,200–$2,000
AP exam cost: ~$98 per exam (2025)
Additional savings:
- Potentially graduate 1 semester early = room & board savings
- Get ahead in your major or add a minor/double major
- A full year of AP credits can save $20,000–$60,000+