💰 2026 AP Exam Fees at a Glance
Standard: $99/exam | With Fee Reduction: $53/exam | International: $129/exam
Understanding AP exam fees—and how to reduce them—can save you hundreds of dollars during your high school years. Whether you're taking one AP exam or ten, knowing exactly what you'll pay and what financial assistance is available helps you plan ahead.
Once you've figured out your budget, check the 2026 AP exam schedule to see when your tests are and start preparing. I've put together everything you need to know about AP exam costs, fee reductions, eligibility requirements, and important payment deadlines.
📋 What's In This Guide
2026 AP Exam Fees
The College Board sets standardized fees for all AP exams. Here's what you'll pay depending on your location:
🇺🇸 U.S. & TERRITORIES
$99
per exam
💵 WITH FEE REDUCTION
$53
per exam
🌍 INTERNATIONAL
$129
per exam
💡 Good to Know
The $99 fee includes a $9 rebate that schools can keep to offset administration costs. This means College Board actually collects $90 per exam. For fee-reduced students, schools forgo this rebate.
College Board Fee Reduction Program
The College Board offers a $37 fee reduction per exam for students with demonstrated financial need. Combined with the $9 school rebate waiver, this brings your cost down significantly:
| Location | Standard Fee | CB Reduction | School Rebate Waived | You Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S., Canada, Territories | $99 | -$37 | -$9 | $53 |
| International Schools | $129 | -$37 | -$9 | $83 |
📊 The Savings Add Up
3 Exams
Save $138
5 Exams
Save $230
10 Exams
Save $460
Who Qualifies for Fee Reductions?
You may be eligible for the AP fee reduction if you meet any one of the following criteria:
Enrolled in Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program (NSLP)
Except at Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools where all students receive free meals
Family Receives Government Assistance
SNAP (food stamps), TANF, FDPIR, or Medicaid benefits (in some states)
Living Situation
Homeless, in foster care, a ward of the state, or living in federally subsidized public housing
Enrolled in Federal Programs
Upward Bound, Head Start, or other TRIO programs for low-income families
Family Income Within Guidelines
Annual household income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level (see table below)
2025-26 Income Eligibility Guidelines
If your family's annual income falls at or below these amounts, you qualify for the fee reduction:
| Family Size | 48 States + D.C. | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,953 | $36,168 | $33,282 |
| 2 | $39,128 | $48,896 | $44,992 |
| 3 | $49,303 | $61,624 | $56,703 |
| 4 | $59,478 | $74,352 | $68,413 |
| 5 | $69,653 | $87,080 | $80,124 |
| 6 | $79,828 | $99,808 | $91,834 |
| 7 | $90,003 | $112,536 | $103,545 |
| 8 | $100,178 | $125,264 | $115,255 |
| Each additional person, add: | +$10,175 | +$12,728 | +$11,711 |
*Based on 185% of the 2025 federal poverty guidelines. These guidelines are effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.
State Fee Assistance Programs
Beyond the College Board's $37 reduction, many states provide additional funding to further reduce or completely eliminate AP exam costs for eligible students.
🎉 Some Students Pay as Little as $0-$25!
When you combine the College Board fee reduction with state subsidies, some qualifying students pay very little—or nothing at all. The exact amount depends on your state's funding.
State assistance varies widely. Some examples of what states may cover:
💡 How to Find Your State's Assistance
Contact your school's AP Coordinator—they'll know exactly what funding is available in your state and district. Some districts also offer their own additional subsidies.
Additional Fees to Know About
Beyond the base exam fee, there are several other charges you should be aware of:
$40
Late Registration Fee
Charged per exam if you register after November 14, 2025
$40
Cancellation/Unused Exam Fee
Charged if you cancel an exam or don't show up on test day
$40
Unapproved Late Testing Fee
Charged if your late testing reason isn't on the approved list
$225
Late Payment Fee (Schools)
Charged to schools if payment isn't submitted by June 15, 2026
⚠️ Avoid Extra Charges
Register by November 14, 2025 to avoid the $40 late fee. If you're unsure whether you want to take an exam, register anyway—it's cheaper to cancel ($40) than to register late ($40 + exam fee).
Important Fee Deadlines
NOV
14
2025
Final Ordering Deadline
Last day to register without $40 late fee
MAR
13
2026
Late Registration Deadline
Final deadline for any new exam orders or changes (with $40 late fee)
APR
30
2026
Fee Reduction Status Deadline
Last day for AP Coordinators to indicate fee reduction eligibility
JUN
15
2026
Payment Due to College Board
Postmark deadline for school payments (late payments incur $225 fee)
How to Pay for AP Exams
You don't pay the College Board directly—all payments go through your school. Here's how the process typically works:
Register Through Your School
Your AP teacher gives you a join code. Join your class in My AP, then click “Register” to indicate you plan to take the exam.
Request Fee Reduction (If Eligible)
Talk to your AP Coordinator about fee assistance. Provide any required documentation to verify eligibility.
Pay Your School
Schools collect fees differently—online portals, checks, or money orders. Your school sets the payment deadline (usually by November).
School Pays College Board
Your school handles the payment to College Board after exams are administered (by June 15, 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel my AP exam?
You can get a refund minus the $40 cancellation fee. If you cancel before the November ordering deadline, you may get a full refund minus processing fees. After that, expect to pay the $40 fee. Check with your school for their specific refund policy.
Do I automatically get the fee reduction if I qualify?
No. You need to request it through your AP Coordinator and provide documentation. Your coordinator must indicate your fee reduction status in the College Board system by April 30, 2026.
What if I can't afford the exam even with fee reductions?
Talk to your school principal or counselor confidentially. Many schools have discretionary funds to help students, and some districts offer additional assistance beyond state and federal programs.
Is the fee the same for all AP exams?
Yes. All AP exams cost the same—$99 in the U.S. (or $53 with fee reduction). This includes AP Seminar, AP Research, and all other subjects.
Does fee reduction carry over from year to year?
No. Even if you received a fee reduction last year, your AP Coordinator must indicate your status again each year by the April 30 deadline.
When do I need to pay?
Your school sets the payment deadline—usually by mid-November. The College Board's payment deadline (June 15) is for schools, not students. Check with your AP Coordinator for your school's specific timeline.
📚 Related Resources
- 2026 AP Exam Schedule — Find your exam dates
- Understanding AP Scores — What scores mean for college credit
- How Many AP Classes Should You Take? — Plan your course load
Don't Let Cost Hold You Back
With fee reductions and state assistance, AP exams can cost as little as $0-$53 per test. Talk to your AP Coordinator today to explore your options.
The investment in AP exams can save you thousands in college tuition. 💰
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