Dual Credit and Exam-based Credit Acceptance

Dual credit and exam-based credit acceptance policies in Minnesota colleges and universities

Minnesota colleges and universities generally have written policies for awarding credit for dual credit and/or exam-based credit programs. In almost all cases, these policies are publicly displayed on the institution's website. In addition to general system-wide guidelines for the Minnesota State and the University of Minnesota systems, individual colleges have specific institutional policies regarding the acceptance and use of dual credit and exam-based credit. However, multiple departments/offices generally oversee the acceptance of dual credit and exam-based credit. Knowledge of specific dual credit and/or exam-based credit programs can be dispersed among multiple positions on each campus.

• Dual Credit and Exam-based Credit Acceptance Policies of Minnesota Colleges and Universities
• Appendix A: Technical Information
• Appendix B: AP, IB, and CLEP Tables

Dual Credit Acceptance

• 98% of Minnesota colleges and universities award college credit for successful dual credit program participation
• 88% of Minnesota colleges and universities have a written, approved campus policy that guides decisions on dual credit acceptance within their institution
• The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities rely on their general transfer policy when making decisions about credit transfer and do not differentiate between dual credit and general transfer credit
• Most colleges and universities (85%) do not place a limit on how many credits a new freshman can be granted for dual credit participation
• When handling dual credit or exam-based credit decisions, there are typically multiple staff with decision-making power across two or more departments within the same institution
• Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits are not as widely accepted liberal arts/general education credits and are handled differently by colleges and universities, likely due to the specialized nature of CTE courses

Exam-based Credit Acceptance

• 95% of Minnesota colleges and universities award college credit for "passing" AP, IB, and CLEP scores
• 95% of Minnesota Colleges and universities have a written, approved campus policy that guides decisions on exam-based credit acceptance within their institution
• All Minnesota State Colleges and Universities accept AP scores of 3 or higher
• Of AP, IB, and CLEP, AP is the most widely accepted exam-type among Minnesota colleges and universities
• Almost all colleges and universities (93%) apply exam-based credit toward core requirements if there is a comparable course offered at the college or university
• Most colleges and universities (89%) permit AP, IB, and CLEP credits to count towards the student's major if the subject is applicable to their major and there is a comparable course offered at the college or university
• Most colleges and universities (72%) do not place a limit on how many credits a new freshman can be granted for test-taking.

About the Data

Minnesota Statutes §136A.87(b) requires the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) to gather and share information related to institutional acceptance policies for concurrent enrollment courses, Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) courses, Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses for all colleges and universities in Minnesota.

In order to fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Statutes §136A.87(b), OHE surveyed all colleges and universities and asked them to report information on their institutional policies regarding the acceptance of Postsecondary Enrollment Options, b) concurrent enrollment, c) articulated credit, d) Advanced Placement, e) International Baccalaureate, and f) the College Level Examination Program credit. A total of 80 postsecondary institutions were identified and asked to participate in this survey. 80 responses were recorded.

Related Reports

• Rigorous Course Taking: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Concurrent Enrollment and Postsecondary Enrollment Options Programs, Fiscal Year 2017 Report to the Legislature
• Rigorous Course Taking: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Concurrent Enrollment and Postsecondary Enrollment Options Programs, Fiscal Year 2016 Report To the Legislature
• Rigorous Course Taking: Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Concurrent Enrollment and Postsecondary Enrollment Options Programs, Fiscal Year 2014 Report To the Legislature