AP Credit at University of Maryland
Score requirements, qualifying exams, and how to maximize AP credit at UMD College Park.
Last updated: · Based on UMD's published policies
The University of Maryland, College Park has one of the most generous AP credit policies among flagship state universities. UMD accepts scores of 3 or higher on most AP exams, does not impose a strict cap on total AP credits, and awards credit that counts toward both graduation and general education requirements. For Maryland residents, maximizing AP credit can save significant tuition dollars and allow for earlier graduation.
AP Score Requirements at UMD
Most exams accept a 3, with 4 or 5 earning additional credit on some exams. Here are the key AP exams and their credit equivalents:
| AP Exam | Score Required | UMD Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | 3, 4, or 5 | MATH 140; 4 credits |
| AP Calculus BC | 3, 4, or 5 | MATH 140 (3); MATH 140 & 141 (4-5); 4-8 credits |
| AP Biology | 3, 4, or 5 | BSCI 170/171; 4 credits |
| AP Chemistry | 3, 4, or 5 | CHEM 131/132; 4 credits (3); CHEM 131/132 & 271/272 (4-5); 4-7 credits |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | 3, 4, or 5 | PHYS 161; 3 credits |
| AP Physics C: E&M | 3, 4, or 5 | PHYS 260; 3 credits |
| AP Physics 1 | 3, 4, or 5 | PHYS 121; 3 credits |
| AP Computer Science A | 4 or 5 | CMSC 131; 4 credits |
| AP Statistics | 3, 4, or 5 | STAT 100; 3 credits |
| AP English Language | 3, 4, or 5 | ENGL 101; 3 credits |
| AP English Literature | 3, 4, or 5 | ENGL 101; 3 credits |
| AP US History | 3, 4, or 5 | HIST 200; 3 credits |
| AP Psychology | 3, 4, or 5 | PSYC 100; 3 credits |
| AP Macroeconomics | 3, 4, or 5 | ECON 201; 3 credits |
| AP Microeconomics | 3, 4, or 5 | ECON 200; 3 credits |
UMD stands out for its generous AP Chemistry policy — a score of 4 or 5 can earn credit for both General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry lab, saving significant time for STEM majors.
Computer Science and AP Credit at UMD
AP Computer Science A requires a 4 or 5 for CMSC 131 credit at UMD. This is notable because UMD's CS program is one of the top-ranked in the country. Having AP CS credit lets you start with CMSC 132 (Object-Oriented Programming II) in your first semester, which can be advantageous for early access to upper-level CS courses and research opportunities.
Maximum Credits and Financial Impact
UMD does not impose a strict cap on AP credits. Students regularly enter with 20-40 AP credits. At UMD's in-state tuition of approximately $11,000 per year, substantial AP credit can save $5,500-11,000 or more. Out-of-state students paying approximately $38,000 per year can save even more. Early graduation through AP credit is common at UMD.
How to Send AP Scores to UMD
Send your official AP scores to UMD through College Board using institution code 5814. Scores must be sent directly from College Board. Submit scores as early as possible to ensure credit is applied before your first-semester registration and orientation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the University of Maryland accept AP credit?
Yes, UMD is very generous with AP credit. Most exams earn credit with a score of 3 or higher. UMD accepts AP credit for over 30 exams and awards 3-8 credits per qualifying exam. AP credit counts toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and can satisfy general education requirements.
What AP score do you need for UMD?
UMD accepts a score of 3 on most AP exams. Some departments award additional credit or higher-level course equivalencies for scores of 4 or 5. For example, AP Calculus BC with a 3 earns credit for MATH 140, while a 4 or 5 earns credit for both MATH 140 and MATH 141. AP Computer Science A requires a 4 for CMSC 131 credit.
How many AP credits does UMD accept?
UMD does not impose a strict cap on AP credits. Students regularly enter with 20-40 credits from AP exams. Credits count toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and can satisfy general education requirements. Some students with extensive AP credit can graduate a semester or even a year early.
AP credit policies are based on publicly available information from the University of Maryland's registrar website as of early 2026. Policies may change at any time. Always verify directly with UMD's AP credit page for the most current requirements. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Maryland or College Board.