CHICAGO (AP) — Illinois is among states that will share in $28.4 million in grants to reduce costs of advanced placement exams for low-income students.

The U.S. Department of Education announced the grants Wednesday. Illinois will receive nearly $2.6 million.
Some students could pay as little as $12 for an exam. Without the grants, some tests cost nearly $100.

The grants help pay for tests administered by the College Board, the International Baccalaureate Organization and Cambridge International Examinations.

The department said the reduced costs will encourage students to take placement tests and obtain college credit for high school courses, reducing time and costs for a postsecondary degree.

The Education Department offset costs for nearly 832,000 students during the 2014-2015 school year.