AP Credit at University of Washington
Score requirements, qualifying exams, and how to maximize your AP credit at UW Seattle.
Last updated: · Based on UW's published policies
The University of Washington has one of the most generous AP credit policies among major public research universities. UW accepts scores of 3 or higher on most AP exams and awards quarter credits that count toward the 180-credit graduation requirement. With up to 45 quarter credits accepted, AP exams can significantly reduce your course load and save thousands in tuition, especially for in-state students. UW uses the quarter system, so AP credit equivalencies are given in quarter credits rather than semester hours.
AP Score Requirements at UW
Most exams accept a 3, with some departments requiring higher scores for specific course equivalencies. Here are the key AP exams and their credit equivalents:
| AP Exam | Score Required | UW Credit |
|---|---|---|
| AP Calculus AB | 3, 4, or 5 | MATH 124; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Calculus BC | 3, 4, or 5 | MATH 124 & 125; 10 quarter credits (with AB subscore 3+) |
| AP Biology | 3, 4, or 5 | BIOL 180; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Chemistry | 3, 4, or 5 | CHEM 142; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Physics C: Mechanics | 3, 4, or 5 | PHYS 121; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Physics C: E&M | 3, 4, or 5 | PHYS 122; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Physics 1 | 3, 4, or 5 | PHYS 114; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Computer Science A | 3, 4, or 5 | CSE 142; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Statistics | 3, 4, or 5 | STAT 220; 5 quarter credits |
| AP English Language | 3, 4, or 5 | ENGL 131; 5 quarter credits |
| AP English Literature | 3, 4, or 5 | ENGL 131; 5 quarter credits |
| AP US History | 3, 4, or 5 | HIST 201; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Psychology | 3, 4, or 5 | PSYCH 101; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Macroeconomics | 3, 4, or 5 | ECON 201; 5 quarter credits |
| AP Microeconomics | 3, 4, or 5 | ECON 200; 5 quarter credits |
UW's acceptance of 3s across nearly all AP exams makes it one of the most AP-friendly universities in the country. AP Calculus BC is especially valuable, earning 10 quarter credits for two terms of calculus.
Computer Science and AP Credit at UW
AP Computer Science A earns credit for CSE 142 at UW. The UW CSE department is highly competitive for direct admission, and having AP CS A credit can help you start with CSE 143 in your first quarter. However, admission to the CS major itself depends on a separate application process, and AP credit alone does not guarantee admission to the major.
Maximum Credits and Financial Impact
UW accepts up to 45 quarter credits from AP exams. At UW's in-state tuition rate of approximately $12,000 per year, 45 credits (about one year of courses) represents savings of roughly $12,000 in tuition. For out-of-state students paying approximately $42,000 per year, the savings are even more significant. AP credit can also let you graduate up to a year early, saving additional living expenses.
How to Send AP Scores to UW
Send your official AP scores to the University of Washington through College Board using institution code 4854. Scores must be sent directly from College Board. Submit scores as soon as possible to ensure credit is reflected before your first quarter registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does UW accept AP credit?
Yes, the University of Washington is very generous with AP credit. Most AP exams earn credit with a score of 3 or higher. UW accepts AP credit for over 30 different exams and awards 5 quarter credits per qualifying exam in most cases. AP credit counts toward the 180-credit graduation requirement and can satisfy many general education requirements.
What AP score do you need for UW?
UW accepts a score of 3 on most AP exams, making it one of the more generous universities for AP credit. Some competitive departments like Computer Science may have additional policies, but the university-wide standard is a 3 for most exams. Higher scores (4 or 5) may earn additional credit on exams like AP Calculus BC.
How many AP credits does UW accept?
UW accepts up to 45 quarter credits from AP exams, which is equivalent to approximately three full quarters of coursework. This is very generous and can significantly reduce your time and cost at UW. Students on the quarter system at UW typically need 180 credits to graduate, so 45 AP credits represents 25% of the total requirement.
AP credit policies are based on publicly available information from the University of Washington's registrar website as of early 2026. Policies may change at any time. Always verify directly with UW's AP credit page for the most current requirements. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Washington or College Board.