AP Credit
Grinnell College AP Credit
Grinnell College awards credit on 12 of the 12 common AP exams listed here. A 3 is enough on 1, and the other 11 need a higher score.
Lowest score accepted
3
Limit on AP credit
24 pre- and post-matriculation credits (AP, IB, A-level, CAPE, college credits) for first-time first-year students
Chart applies to
College-wide, 2026-27 Advanced Placement Policy, 2026-27
AP credit is canceled if the student completes the equivalent Grinnell course.
What each AP exam earns at Grinnell College
Twelve common exams. An exam is left out when Grinnell College’s page does not name it.
| AP exam | Lowest score | What it earns | With a 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calculus AB | 4 | 4 credits as MAT-131, not for major credit | Same |
| Calculus BC | 3 | 4 credits as MAT-131, not for major credit | Same |
| English Language and Composition | 4 | 4 credits in Humanities Division, not for major credit | Same |
| English Literature and Composition | 4 | 4 credits in Humanities Division, not for major credit | Same |
| United States History | 4 | 4 credits in Social Studies Division, not for major credit | Same |
| Biology | 4 | 4 credits in Science Division, not for major credit | Same |
| Chemistry | 4 | 4 credits as CHM-129, for major credit | Same |
| Physics C: Mechanics | 4 | 4 credits as PHY-131, for major credit | Same |
| Computer Science A | 4 | 4 credits in Science Division, not for major credit | Same |
| Statistics | 4 | 4 credits as SST-115 | Same |
| Psychology | 4 | 4 credits as PSY-113, not for major credit | Same |
| Spanish Language and Culture | 4 | 4 credits in Humanities Division, not for major credit | Same |
“AP/IB/A-level/CAPE credits awarded count toward the 124 credits required for the degree.”
Frequently asked questions
Does Grinnell College accept AP credit?
Grinnell College awards credit on 12 of the 12 common AP exams listed here. A 3 is enough on 1, and the other 11 need a higher score. AP credit is canceled if the student completes the equivalent Grinnell course.
What AP score do you need at Grinnell College?
The lowest score that earns anything on the non-language exams listed here is a 3. The score needed differs by exam, so check the row for each one.
Is there a limit on AP credit at Grinnell College?
Yes. Grinnell College states this limit: 24 pre- and post-matriculation credits (AP, IB, A-level, CAPE, college credits) for first-time first-year students.
Read from Grinnell College’s own page and last checked 2026-10-08. Colleges change these charts, and rules can differ by school within a university, so confirm with the official page before you plan around it.
