D1’s school (Tufts) had a formal requirement that students were supposed to attend for four years. I imagine (but don’t know for sure) that exceptions were possible, but do check into this for the privates.
Some schools cap the number of AP credits that can be used towards graduation. Keep an eye out for that too.
Going to a university that generously accepts AP/IB/CLEP credits has its advantages. DD has a lot of interests and chose a dual degree program in the business and communications schools. She picked up a third major in the college of arts and sciences using all her free electives. I find it a bit bizarre but the kid has a lot of passions. She will have had senior status for two years and got to pick the best professors and class times with her higher class standing. She has had several great internships and study abroad opportunities. When she was in middles school I saw her in a career that would require at least two of these majors and would be aided by her third choice.
I believe it all depends upon the student. My son did equally well at a school that was very stingy with AP credits. He chose the university that gave the least credit and is doing great in the work world. Both kids were on the 4 year track.
I can see advantages both ways.
Just an update, he has chosen Tulane and if he scored well on his AP Spanish he will get 4 credits after taking one higher level spanish class there (one semester is required for everyone, he will also get gen ed credits for AP Economics, credit for AP Calc and his dual enrollement calc classes. He will retake Bio because of medical school. Total right now looks like he will get 20 credits, shaving about a semester off his time there. Thanks everyone!