Artwork by DJ Hernandez
Last week, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) announced it would restore funding for AP test fees.
In a letter to public school leaders, state superintendent Maurice “Mo” Green wrote that he wanted to provide an update with the budget issues they have been facing.
“We received several questions over the past week about the status of funding allotments that have been paused while we await a comprehensive state budget,” Green stated.
On July 1, NCDPI put a hold on money and contracts for the 2025-26 school year. This pause affected things like AP and IB exam fee coverage, payments for school administration interns and other programs.
On Aug. 6, Governor Stein signed a law (House Bill 1125) that sets a basic budget for the school year of 2025-26. Because of this, NCDPI can now move forward with contracts and funding that were on hold except for money that was cut in the bill.
On Aug. 19, Green told lawmakers that if they don’t raise concerns or pass a new budget, the NCDPI would restart contracts and funding that were on hold starting Sept. 2, 2025. Since no one objected, NCDPI moved forward on that date and restored funds for AP and IB exam fees as well as payments for school-level administrative interns.
The senate passed a budget in April that would cut funding for AP exams, but it has not been signed into law. As of now, students are not required to pay any fee for the AP test, but the problem is still being resolved.
“NCDPI staff will follow up with relevant PSU leadership next week regarding next steps for resuming the contracts and distribution of funding,” wrote Green.
Restoring funds for AP tests would save Riverside students significant money. Exam fees range from $99 to $129, according to The College Board’s website. Last year, the state covered the fees and only charged students if they took the class but not the exam.
Students who take multiple AP classes could pay $500 or more to take their tests in 2025-26 if the state doesn’t cover the cost.
Junior Savana Clarke takes AP human geography. She said she wouldn’t mind paying the fee for now.
“The class is benefiting me, but I wouldn’t take AP classes my senior year if I have to continue to pay the fee,” Clarke said.
Social studies teacher Janet Heape, who teaches 2 sections of AP US Government & Politics, hopes that students choose to take her class, regardless of the state’s decision.
“I hope that students are still able to see AP as an opportunity even if the fee is required there’s still a lot of benefits to taking AP classes,” said social studies teacher Janet Heape.
