Alternative Sources of Credit

If you have completed coursework through non-collegiate agencies—including the federal government, military services or professional associations—you may be eligible to earn non-collegiate instruction credit.

To be considered for such credit, students must present official documentation at the time of admission for evaluation.

The Advanced Placement (AP) program of the College Board gives students an opportunity to pursue college-level study while still in high school, and to receive college credit by examination. AP courses are offered in many high schools in a variety of subject areas.

Score reports must be sent directly from the College Board to Elmhurst University to be considered official for review. Elmhurst’s AP code is 1204. Elmhurst University grants credit for scores of 3 or better up to a maximum of 32 semester hours (8 course credits). Please note that AP credit does not count toward the 300/400 level requirements for graduation.

• How your AP credits count at Elmhurst University (PDF chart)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a rigorous, two-year secondary school curriculum leading to examinations that allow its graduates to fulfill the requirements of several national education systems. Courses are taught at the standard level or higher level.

Elmhurst University awards college credit for scores of 5 or above on higher-level examinations up to a maximum of 32 semester hours (8 course credits). To be considered for the awarding of credit, official grade reports must be sent directly from International Baccalaureate to Elmhurst University. Please note that IB credit does not count toward the 300/400 level requirements for graduation.

International Baccalaureate [IB] Examinations

• Integrated Curriculum Credit and Course Equivalencies
• Minimum Score of 5 on HL Exams to Receive Credit

Through CLEP, students may be able to earn college credit by passing an exam in a variety of subject areas. CLEP credit is usually accepted as Integrated Curriculum (general education credit) or general elective credit. To be considered for the awarding of college-level credit, students must have an official score report sent directly from College Board to Elmhurst University.

Credit may be earned up to a maximum of 32 semester hours (8 course credits). Please note that CLEP credit does not count toward the 300/400 level requirements for graduation.

• How your CLEP credits count at Elmhurst University (PDF chart)

As the American Council on Education (ACE) is not a federally recognized accrediting body, courses approved by ACE are not normally accepted for credit by Elmhurst University. Exceptions will be granted for credit approved for military learning or experience, as well as for courses used to complete a degree at another accredited institution of higher education.

High schools may establish the State Seal of Biliteracy program to recognize high school graduates who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and in one or more other foreign, or world, languages. This recognition must be designated on a student’s transcript and high school diploma with a receipt of the State Seal of Biliteracy, provided that all conditions and requirements for the program have been met.

Upon receipt of official high school transcripts or a copy of the high school diploma by Elmhurst University, 1.0 course credit at the 301 level in the stated world language will be granted for the Seal of Biliteracy and 1.0 course credit at the 201 level will be awarded for the Commendation of Biliteracy.

Special Note: Education majors with the Seal of Biliteracy are exempt from taking the Target Language Proficiency exam as part of Teacher Licensure.