It’s no secret that college costs are on the rise. But even before stepping foot on campus for classes, students are expected to pay for an array of items including placement tests, college entrance exams and application fees.

Irving ISD aims to minimize the financial impact on families by paying for many college-related exams including the PSAT, ACT, SAT, TSI and even Advanced Placement (AP).

“It makes me feel like the district is supporting me and giving me the chance and opportunity to do the best I can,” says Nimitz High School senior Fernanda Uscanga.

“It saves them so much money,” adds Cristina Windom, lead counselor at Nimitz High School. “Each test could cost anywhere between $85 and $100. So if a student started taking AP courses as a freshman, they can save up to, if not more than, $1,000.”