Complete List of AP Classes 2026-2027: All 40 Courses Ran...

Advanced Placement (AP) courses let high school students earn college credit, stand out on applications, and explore subjects at a deeper level. The College Board currently offers 40 AP courses for the 2026-2027 school year across seven subject areas, including two brand-new courses launching this year.

Complete List of All AP Courses (2026-2027)

Here is every AP course available for the 2026-2027 academic year, organized by subject area:

Arts

• AP 2-D Art and Design
• AP 3-D Art and Design
• AP Art History
• AP Drawing
• AP Music Theory

English

• AP English Language and Composition
• AP English Literature and Composition

History and Social Sciences

• AP African American Studies
• AP Comparative Government and Politics
• AP European History
• AP Human Geography
• AP Macroeconomics
• AP Microeconomics
• AP Psychology
• AP United States Government and Politics
• AP United States History
• AP World History: Modern

Math and Computer Science

• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Computer Science A
• AP Computer Science Principles
• AP Precalculus
• AP Statistics

Sciences

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry
• AP Environmental Science
• AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
• AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based
• AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
• AP Physics C: Mechanics

World Languages and Cultures

• AP Chinese Language and Culture
• AP French Language and Culture
• AP German Language and Culture
• AP Italian Language and Culture
• AP Japanese Language and Culture
• AP Latin
• AP Spanish Language and Culture
• AP Spanish Literature and Culture

New for 2026-2027

• AP Business Principles / Personal Finance (launching nationally 2026-2027)
• AP Cybersecurity (launching nationally 2026-2027)

Note: AP Seminar and AP Research are also available through the AP Capstone Diploma program.

AP Classes Ranked by Difficulty

Not all AP exams are created equal. Some have pass rates below 50%, while others routinely see 70% or more of students earning a 3 or higher. Here are the hardest and easiest AP exams based on historical pass rates:

Hardest AP Exams (Lowest Pass Rates)

Easiest AP Exams (Highest Pass Rates)

Keep in mind that difficulty is relative. A student who loves history might find AP United States History straightforward, while someone who struggles with writing could find AP Psychology harder than expected. The best AP class for you is one that aligns with your interests and your intended college major.

How Many AP Classes Should You Take?

The right number depends on the selectivity of the colleges you are targeting:

Admissions officers care more about the rigor of your course load relative to what your school offers than about a specific number. If your school offers 15 AP courses and you take 3, that tells a different story than if your school offers 5 and you take 3.

AP Exam Scores: What Do They Mean?

AP exams are scored on a 1-5 scale:

Most competitive colleges grant credit for scores of 4 or 5. Some accept 3s depending on the subject. Check each college's AP credit policy on their website before assuming you will receive credit.

Can You Retake an AP Exam?

Yes. AP exams are given once a year during the first two weeks of May. If you are not satisfied with your score, you can retake the same exam the following May. Colleges typically only see the scores you choose to send through the College Board's score-sending service.

Tips for Choosing Your AP Classes

• Start with your strengths. Take AP courses in subjects you already enjoy and do well in. A strong grade in AP Biology means more than a mediocre grade in AP Physics just because Physics is "harder."
• Align with your major. If you are interested in engineering, prioritize AP Calculus, AP Physics, and AP Computer Science. If you are leaning toward pre-med, focus on AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Statistics.
• Balance your workload. Taking five AP courses while working a part-time job, playing a sport, and leading a club is a recipe for burnout. It is better to earn As in fewer AP classes than Bs and Cs in many.
• Use free resources. Online platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy offer free or affordable courses that align with AP curricula — great for self-study or supplementing your classroom learning.

For more guidance on college admissions, explore our guides on what is a good GPA, college acceptance rates 2026, and how to get into the Ivy League.

Level up for less: Udemy has 250,000+ courses starting under $15 — from SAT prep and coding to Excel and public speaking. Courses are self-paced with lifetime access, and sales run almost every month.