College Credit Frequently Asked Questions
When must the student apply for credit?
Students must take the exam by June 30 the calendar year the course is completed and must apply for credit by Dec. 31 of that calendar year. Students cannot decide, later in their high school career, that they want to receive credit for courses taken in previous years.
How much credit is offered?
3 s.h. per course
Does credit transfer to other universities?
Iowa State University - Credit is transferrable to other universities after completing one full semester enrolled as a student at ISU. NO college credits are issued if you don't attend ISU
University of Iowa - Credit transfers to any university the same as any other University of Iowa credits
When is credit issued?
Iowa State University - At the end of the first semester of attending ISU as a full time student.
University of Iowa - At the end of the summer semester after taking the course.
What is the charge?
Iowa State University - $100 nonrefundable processing fee per course.
University of Iowa - $150 fee per course, returned if you fail exam verification.
Which PLTW courses produce college credits that apply directly to an engineering major?
Iowa State University - Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) directly replaces the freshman introductory course. The remaining courses do not currently cover any engineering electives or requirements.
University of Iowa - Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) directly replaces Engineering Problem Solving 1, a course every engineering major is required to take. Biotechnical Engineering (BE) counts as an elective in the Biochemical focus area in Chemical Engineering. Civil Engineering and Architecture (CEA) replaces the introductory course required for all Civil Engineers. The remaining courses do not currently cover any engineering electives or requirements.
Which PLTW courses product college credits that directly apply towards minors for liberal arts or business majors?
Iowa State University - To be determined.
University of Iowa - Any of the eight PLTW courses can be used for up to 15 s.h. of elective credit (of 120 s.h. total for graduation) in the College of LAS, Education and Business.
What is the benefit of the credit?
The major benefit is reducing the number of courses required to graduate from college. Many students take more than four years to graduate. In addition, engineering is a very demanding curriculum. Reducing the number of courses required by even one can make a big difference in the freshman year when the student is adapting to college life. In addition, the credits can allow the student an earlier registration, allowing them to register before courses and course sections are filled. Finally, the cost is significantly less than in state tuition ($100-150 for 3 s.h. vs. more than $900 for in-state tuition for a 3 s.h. course).