If you’re planning to take the ACT, one of your first questions is probably: how much does the ACT cost? The answer depends on which test options you choose, how early you register, and whether you qualify for any fee waivers.
Roughly 1.4 million high school seniors took the ACT test in 2024; it remains one of the most popular college entrance exams. And with that many students navigating the process, understanding the full cost, including optional sections and potential add-on fees, is more important than ever.
This guide breaks down everything from ACT fees and registration deadlines to score reports and eligibility for the ACT Fee Waiver Program. Whether you’re registering for your first ACT or planning a retake, knowing the costs involved can help you budget wisely and avoid unnecessary fees.
Key Takeaways
- Standard ACT cost: The base test fee is $68, with an optional $4 for the science section and $25 fee for the writing section.
- Registration deadlines: Register before the regular deadline to avoid the $40 late registration fee.
- Included score reports: Your test fee includes reports to your high school and up to four colleges.
- Additional fees: Expect extra charges for score verification, test date changes, and additional score reports.
- Fee waiver eligibility: Qualified students can take the ACT for free through the ACT Fee Waiver Program.
Standard ACT Test Fees
At the time of writing, the base ACT fee is $68.00. This includes the core multiple-choice tests: English, math, and reading. It also covers the cost of sending score reports to your high school and up to four colleges if you provide their codes during registration.
If you choose to take the optional writing test, you’ll pay an additional $25.00. This writing portion can be added or removed through the late registration deadline.
✅ ACT (No Writing): $68.00
✍️ Writing Add-On Fee: +$25.00
🧪 Science Add-On Fee (only applicable to certain test types): +$4.00
These fees cover more than just the test itself. They also include access to your scores online, a printed score report, and basic score distribution.
Additional ACT Fees and Services
In some cases, you may encounter additional fees depending on how and when you register or if you make changes to your registration. Here’s a breakdown:
| Service | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Late registration fee | $40.00 | Applies if you register after the regular registration deadline but before the late registration deadline |
| Standby testing fee | $72.00 | Charged if you miss the registration window entirely, but still want to test (refunded if denied admission on test day) |
| Change fee | $48.00 | Applies if you change your test center, test date, or test form |
| Score reports to the 5th and 6th colleges | $20.00 each | Order before your test date to send scores to additional colleges |
| Additional score reports | $20.00 each | Send ACT scores after your test to more schools |
| ACT My Answer Key (TIR) | $34.00 before test / $42.00 after | Allows you to review your test questions, answers, and answer key |
| Score verification | $61.00 per section / $122.00 for both | Have your multiple-choice and/or writing test hand-verified for accuracy |
If you plan to register late, switch your preferred test center, or want to verify your ACT scores, be aware that each change will add to your total cost.
ACT Registration Deadlines to Remember
To avoid late fees or surprises, it’s essential to know when to register:
- Regular registration deadline: No extra fees
- Late registration period: $40 late registration fee applies
- Standby deadline: Used when registering after all deadlines; subject to availability
You’ll also want to secure your preferred test date and test center early, as spots can fill up quickly. Please note that changes to the test date or test center require an additional change fee.
What’s Included With Your ACT Registration Fee
When you pay the standard test fee, you get:
- The ACT (English, math, reading)
- Score reports are sent to your high school and up to four colleges
- Access to your online ACT account
- ACT prep resources, providers like Achieveable or Prep Expert
If you’re applying to more than four colleges, you’ll need to purchase additional score reports, unless a fee waiver covers you.
Optional Add-Ons: Writing Test and TIR
Students preparing for the ACT may want to consider these two common add-ons:
- Optional Writing Test: Required by some colleges. You’ll write one essay on test day. Cost: $25.
- ACT My Answer Key (Test Information Release or TIR): Offered on select dates, this allows you to see the test booklet, answer key, and your answers. Great for reviewing performance and preparing for a retake.
Tip: If you want to order TIR, do it before the test begins to save money.
ACT Fee Waiver Program
If the ACT cost feels overwhelming, the ACT Fee Waiver Program may be able to help. This program supports students from qualifying households by waiving the registration fee, add-on test fees, and other associated costs.
What’s Included
Students who qualify for a fee waiver can receive:
- Free ACT registration for up to two test dates
- Free writing and science add-on fees
- Free ACT My Answer Key (TIR) on eligible dates
- Free access to ACT Kaplan self-paced online prep
- Free additional score reports, send as many as you want to colleges or scholarship programs
- Waiver of college application fees at participating schools
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for an ACT fee waiver, you must:
- Be in 11th or 12th grade
- Be enrolled in high school in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Puerto Rico
- Meet at least one of the following income-based requirements:
You may qualify if:
- You’re enrolled in a federal free or reduced-price lunch program
- Your family’s total annual income is at or below the USDA guidelines
- You live in federally subsidized public housing
- You participate in federally funded programs like GEAR UP or Upward Bound
- You’re in a foster home, homeless, or a ward of the state
- Your family receives public assistance
To apply, speak with your school counselor, who will verify your eligibility. If approved, you’ll receive a fee waiver code to use during ACT registration.
ACT Costs for International Students
For students testing outside the United States, ACT fees are higher than domestic rates. As of the most recent update:
- ACT (English, Math, Reading): $186.50
- ACT with Science: $196.50
- ACT with Writing: $211.50
- ACT with Science and Writing: $221.50
You can also add the writing section for $25 or the science section for $10, as long as changes are made by the late registration deadline.
All ACT registration options for international students include score reports to up to four colleges, if selected during the registration process. Additional fees still apply for late registration ($40), test date or test center changes ($48), and extra score reports ($20 each).
Keep in mind that through September 2025, the science section will be automatically included, even if you don’t select it. The separate science option will only apply to later 2025 test dates.
Can You Take the ACT for Free?
Yes, if you qualify for a fee waiver, you can take the ACT completely free of charge. That includes not only the test fee but also many additional fees that can otherwise add up.
The ACT Fee Waiver Program helps ensure all students have access to this critical standardized test and can send their ACT scores to colleges without financial barriers.
Final Tips to Save Money
- Register early to avoid late registration fees
- Choose your test date and test center carefully to avoid change fees
- Use your four free score reports wisely
- Consider whether your target schools require the writing section
- If eligible, apply for the ACT fee waiver to reduce or eliminate costs
- Take advantage of free test prep and practice tests to avoid paying for outside materials
Looking to save on prep courses? Check out verified ACT prep course discounts right here.
Bottom Line
The total cost to take the ACT ranges from $0 to $461, depending on your test options and whether you incur additional fees. Add-ons, such as additional score reports, test date changes, or score verification, can further increase the cost.
However, most students without waivers can expect to pay between $68 and $97, plus maybe one or two small additional fees if changes or extras are needed. Always check the latest ACT registration deadlines and test prep resources to stay on track for success.
FAQs
The SAT and ACT both cost $68 without optional sections. The ACT writing section costs an additional $25, making it more expensive if selected.
Yes, students who qualify for the ACT Fee Waiver can take the test for free and receive additional benefits.
The ACT costs $68 without writing and $93 with writing. Extra services may add more.
A 14 is below average and may not meet the requirements for most college admissions.
The fee includes the test and reports to four colleges. Changes or extras may cost more.
