Running Start & Credit By Exam

As an incoming first-year student, you may receive college credit at Gonzaga University a number of different ways. We've outlined our policies regarding some of the more popular programs available to students across the country.

Running Start/Dual Enrollment

Many high school students take courses at their local college while concurrently enrolled in high school. To receive college credit for these courses, please arrange to have an official transcript from the institution awarding credit forwarded to the Office of Admission. Although we will accept most courses taken at other regionally accredited institutions, credit transfer evaluations are done on a course-by-course basis. Review our Transfer Credit Database to learn how credits transfer from other colleges/universities.

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement (AP) is a program of college level courses and examinations for high school students which is sponsored by the College Board. AP exams are given once each year in May at participating high schools. Please have official scores forwarded to the Office of Admission. Gonzaga requirements for granting credit for individual AP subject exams are listed below.

AP Policy for students entering in Fall 2025 and beyond

AP Policy for students entering Fall 2024

AP Policy for students entering Fall 2023 through Spring 2024

AP Policy for student entering Fall 2022 through Spring 2023

AP Policy for students entering Spring 2021 through Spring 2022

AP Policy for students entering Fall 2020

International Baccalaureate

International Baccalaureate (IB) is a standardized and highly rigorous secondary school curriculum used worldwide. We will grant college credit for scores of 5 or better (6 for Biology, Chemistry, English, and History) earned on certain Higher Level IB exams. Gonzaga policies on granting credit for Higher Level IB exams and the policy regarding the IB diploma are listed below.

IB Policy for students entering Fall 2024 and beyond

IB Policy for Student entering Fall 2023 - Spring 2024

IB Policy for student entering Fall 2020 through Spring 2023

IB Policy for students entering Spring 2020 and prior

Cambridge International A and AS Level Exams

Cambridge International A Level (two-year course) and AS Level (one-year course) offer advanced curriculum to students preparing for colleges worldwide.  The Cambridge International A and AS level curriculum is recognized as a rigorous college preparatory curriculum.  Based on the results of Cambridge International Exams, students may receive 3 to 8 credits per advanced level exam.  Review our policy for granting credit based on the advanced level exam. 

German Abitur (Zeugnis der Allgemeinen Hochschulreife)

The Abitur is the certification that a student has successfully completed the German college preparatory educational program and has scored passing grades on the Abitur examinations administered during the final (13th) year of secondary school. Based on the results of the Abitur exam, students may receive 3 to 8 semester credits per Leistungsfach subject area with a minimum grade of 10.  Review our policy for granting credit based on the advanced level exam.