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College Board Fee Waiver: Eligibility for SAT and AP Exams

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The College Board fee waiver is provided to students with a demonstrated financial need and for whom it would create an undue burden. Becuase of financial difficulties, waivers are provided to ensure that no student misses the opportunity to pursue admission to the college of their choice.  If test fee is a barrier for you, you may want to check how waivers work for standard entrance tests like SAT and AP Exams.

College Board Fee Waivers

Your high school counselor or an authorized community-based organization can offer you a waiver if you qualify. So, if you are a homeschool student, you can also request a College Board fee waiver from your local public high school counselor.

Eligibility Requirements for SAT Fee Waivers

High school student in the Unites States or U.S territories who cannot afford to pay the test fees may be eligible for College Board fee waivers.  Therefore, students that meet at least one of the following requirements are considered:

  • Enrolled or eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
  • Annual family income must fall within the income eligibility guidelines set by the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
  • Your family receives public assistance.
  • Enrolled in a state, federal, or local program that aids students from low-income families.
  • Live in a federally subsidized public housing or a foster home, or are homeless.
  • Have an award of the state or an orphan.

What Does a SAT Fee Waiver Cover

Your SAT fee waiver covers 100% registration fees for a single test date. There are in total of four fee waivers, out of which you can use two for SAT and two for SAT subject tests.

AP Exams Fee Reductions

For AP or Advance Placement exam the College Board provides a $29 fee reduction per exam for those with financial hardships. Also, because the school forgoes its $9 rebate. As a result, the cost of $53 per exam for each student.

Eligibility Criteria

Starting 2015, the College Board has listed different eligibility criteria for AP exam fee reductions. The school or district participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), the eligibility for fee reduction is based on family income. Please refer to eligibility chart below to find if you qualify.

Size of Family Unit Annual Family Income* Annual Family Income*
for Alaska		 Annual Family Income*
for Hawaii
1 $21,590 $26,973 $24,827
2 $29,101 $36,371 $33,467
3 $36,612 $45,769 $42,106
4 $44,123 $55,167 $50,746
5 $51,634 $64,565 $59,385
6 $59,145 $73,963 $68,025
7 $66,656 $83,361 $76,664
8 $74,167 $92,759 $85,304
Each add’l family member add: $7,511 $9,398 $8,640

* The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 185 percent of the 2014-15 federal income poverty guidelines. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintain these guidelines. The levels published in the Federal Register, Vol. 79, No. 43, 3/5/14, p. 12467.

Source: collegeboard.org, Inc.

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