First-Year Credit by Exam and Dual Enrollment

URI is Credit Friendly

200+ students are able to graduate from URI early each year.
>30% of first-year students enroll with some credit earned in high school.

Applying With Credit

Students who have taken college coursework prior to high school graduation should apply as first-year applicants. This includes students pursuing an associate’s degree while finishing high school.

The evaluation of credits awarded by examination or through dual enrollment is subject to change and may be reviewed and revised periodically by faculty. To be considered for credit, all transcripts must be sent to URI directly from the college through which the credit was earned or from the official examination board(s).

How Credit is Determined

Course equivalencies are based on a determination by department faculty responsible for instruction in the subject area. A list of pre-approved credits can be accessed by visiting The University of Rhode Island Transferology database.

Types of Credit

Advanced Placement (AP)

Students may receive credit for a score of 3, 4 or 5 on some College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams depending on the department. If a student takes an AP exam more than once, only the higher score will be counted. Credit is automatically recorded when scores are received from the College Board.

There is no limit on the number of advanced placements credits a student can transfer. A student who has received college credit by passing the examination shall have the number of credits granted by the University for the accepted course applied toward the total credits required for the student’s baccalaureate.  

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Students who earn scores of 5, 6, or 7 on International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher Level (HL) Examinations taken before high school graduation may receive credit toward their degree at the University of Rhode Island for each such test completed with the required scores, provided official scores are submitted to the Office of Admission. The University does not grant credit for Standard Level (SL) exams.

Cambridge International Examination Program (A Levels) 

Students may be eligible to transfer credit from Advanced Level courses earned through Cambridge International Examinations. Credit will be granted to students who have obtained a grade of A, B, or C or under the new grading scale scores between 4 through 9. The University does not grant credit for Advanced Subsidiary (AS) courses. 

Dual Enrollment

Courses taught at an accredited institution of higher education may be eligible for transfer credit. Transfer credit may be given if the student received a grade of “C” or better.

Seal of Biliteracy

Students must demonstrate proficiency in at least two languages, including English. This recognition will appear on high school diplomas and transcripts. Gold and Silver Seal credits are granted after an advanced course in the sequence has been completed at URI.