Raising AP test prices affects students’ ability to afford test
For students planning to take a 2017 AP test, this year’s cost will amount to $93.
Already significant, this price has risen in small increments over the past years. From 2016 to 2017, the price showed a small increase of only $1.
However, according to guidance counselor Tyler Egli, the cost has consistently risen between $1 and $2 every year for the seven years he has provided AP tests.
For every AP test, $9 of the overall cost goes to the providing school.
“We use that money to pay for students who need help,” Egli said.
Unlike the general test cost, money going to the providing schools has not increased.
Federal and state assistance for AP tests has also seen a change since 2016.
According to the College Board’s official website, states that participated in the AP Test Fee program in 2016 were able to secure federal funding to help pay for tests taken by low-income students. The program has since been eliminated and replaced with the Every Student Succeeds Act, meaning states and districts must act to ensure funding for students.
Egli expressed that the new lack of funding can be frustrating when trying to help students pay for tests, especially those taking multiple. Schools no longer have the same availability of funds that they had to help students pay in prior years.
WHS offers opportunities for low-income students who cannot afford to pay for the test. According to Egli, “We try to help as many kids as we can if they can’t afford it.”
WHS helps through both providing funds and setting up payment plans for students and their families, allowing for payment to be spaced out over the course of several months.
Although costs continue to rise, WHS is dedicated to ensuring all students the opportunity to take AP tests.
For more information or help paying for AP tests, contact Egli in the guidance office.
