Earning College Credit Before Attending Alma

Dual Enrollment Credit

Dual Enrollment (DE) allows you to take college‑level courses while still in high school. At Alma College, these courses can count toward your degree as long as they meet a few basic criteria.

• Completing the MTA or an Associate’s Degree can earn waivers on the Core Curriculum requirements.

How Dual Enrollment Credit Transfers to Alma

• Courses must be taken through an accredited college or university.
• You must earn a grade of C or better for the credit to transfer.
• Courses transfer as equivalent Alma courses when a match exists, or as general elective credit when no direct equivalent is available.
• DE credit can apply toward:
  • General education requirements
  • Major or minor requirements (when equivalent)
  • Elective credits toward the 120 credits required for graduation

What Dual Enrollment Cannot Replace

• Some majors require specific Alma‑taught foundational courses. In those cases, DE credit may count as elective credit rather than replacing a required course.
• DE courses cannot replace upper‑level (300–400 level) Alma coursework.

Why It Matters

Dual Enrollment can help you lighten your first‑year course load, explore academic interests early, or even graduate sooner.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit

If you’ve taken AP courses and exams, Alma College awards credit based on your AP exam score, not your course grade.

How AP Credit Works at Alma

• AP scores of 3, 4, or 5 may earn credit, depending on the subject.
• High scores may place you into higher‑level courses or fulfill general education requirements.
• Some AP exams award full course credit, while others award elective credit.

Examples of How AP Might Apply

• AP Biology → may fulfill a Natural Science requirement or place you into the next biology sequence.
• AP English Language → may satisfy a writing or communication requirement.
• AP Calculus → may place you into the appropriate math level and award course credit.

(You should review Alma’s official AP credit chart for specific score requirements.)

Why It Matters

AP credit can help you skip introductory courses, move into advanced classes sooner, and build a schedule that fits your goals.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit

Alma College recognizes the rigor of the IB curriculum and awards credit for strong performance in Higher Level (HL) IB courses. If you have the full IB diploma, you will be awarded 30 credits from Alma.

If you do not have the full diploma, credit is typically awarded for HL exams with scores of 5 or higher.

IB credit can fulfill:

• General education requirements
• Major or minor prerequisites (when equivalent)
• Elective credits toward graduation

Why It Matters

IB coursework demonstrates strong academic preparation, and Alma rewards that effort with meaningful credit toward your degree.

How These Credits Fit Into Your Alma Degree

No matter which type of credit you bring in, Alma College ensures it fits into your academic plan in a way that supports your success.

Your earned credit can help you:

• Start college with fewer required courses
• Explore majors earlier
• Create more room for internships, study abroad, or a second major
• Graduate on time—or even early

What You’ll Still Need to Complete at Alma

• At least 46 credits must be earned directly through Alma College
• You must meet all general education and major/minor requirements