AP Scores Are Out Soon: What Iowa Students and Families Should Know About Exam Results and College Credit
Though summer break is well underway, Advanced Placement (AP) students across the country are beginning to receive their long-awaited exam results—just in time to prepare for the upcoming 2025 fall semester.
AP programs, offered at high schools nationwide, allow students to take college-level courses and potentially earn college credit by scoring well—typically a 3 or higher—on year-end AP exams. These programs are especially valuable for motivated students aiming to get a head start on college.
Iowa’s AP Performance and Participation
Iowa students have demonstrated strong performance on AP exams. In 2024, 70% of Iowa test-takers scored a 3 or above, outperforming the national average of 65%. However, while performance has been strong, participation has historically lagged behind other states—largely due to Iowa’s significant rural population, as noted by the Iowa AP Index.
The number of Iowa high schools offering AP courses saw steady growth between 2001 and 2023, rising from 156 to 190 schools. But in 2024, the number slightly declined to 177 schools. Despite fluctuations in availability, more students are taking AP exams than ever before. In 2001, just over 4,000 Iowa students took an AP exam; by 2024, that number had grown to over 12,000.
When Will 2025 AP Scores Be Released?
Students can expect their 2025 AP exam scores to be available beginning Monday, July 7. According to the College Board, release times may vary by location, though scores have traditionally been posted online starting at 8 a.m. local time.
How to Check AP Scores
Once scores are ready, students will receive an email notification. To view their results, students must log in to their My AP account on the College Board website. It’s important to have College Board credentials ready and to verify that the correct email is linked to the account to avoid any delays in accessing results.
Do Iowa Colleges Accept AP Credit?
Many colleges and universities in Iowa, including the state’s three Regent Universities (University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa), accept AP credits to fulfill certain course requirements—depending on the student’s score and the college’s individual AP credit policy.
Some private colleges in Iowa also recognize AP exam scores for credit or placement purposes. To find out which colleges accept AP scores and what their specific requirements are, students and families can use the AP Credit Policy Search Tool available on the College Board’s website.
