AP test fees reduced for Tennessee low-income students

A federal grant will help cover Advanced Placement test fees for low-income students.

Tennessee is one of 41 states to receive the U.S. Department of Education grant.

The $362,985 grant will cover costs for approved Advanced Placement tests administered by the College 
Board, the International Baccalaureate Organization and Cambridge International Examinations.

High school students who score high enough on year-end AP tests can earn college credit. AP tests, which are optional, cost $93 each.

The Advanced Placement Test Fee Program is expected to pay all but $15 of the cost of each test taken by low-income students. States may opt to require students to pay a portion of the costs.

Qualifying students include those who receive free or reduced lunch or those who meet other standards for low-income students set by various government agencies.

Obtaining college credit while in high school will reduce the time and cost required to complete a postsecondary degree, according to a U.S. Department of Education news release.

The federal grant is part of the U.S. Department of Education's efforts to boost college- and career-readiness for historically underserved students

Reach Melanie Balakit at 615-926-1638 and on Twitter @MelanieBalakit.