How Much Does it Cost to Take the SAT? Guide to SAT Fees

Did you know that many of the colleges and universities that dropped their requirements for the SAT have reinstated them? Based on that alone, it’s a good idea to not only question whether you need the SAT at all, but also how much it costs to take the SAT. After all, pretty much everything is more expensive these days, right?

Prepping for the SAT can be a bit like planning for a road trip. Based on your plan, you grab your gear, ready to go, and then—surprise!—you have to pay for tolls you didn’t even know existed. If you’re a future test taker who’s about to register for the SAT, I’m here to clear things up before you hit the road to college. And not just the cost of the SAT, although I will start with that.

Currently, the SAT registration fee is $68. But if you want to learn about any extra costs, and maybe a few shortcuts other students have used, stick around for a walk-through of the SAT fees, how to save money, and what to expect on test day.

Key Takeaways

• Registration Fee: The SAT registration fee is $68 for test takers in the U.S.
• Additional Fees: If you register late, change your test center, or need additional score reports sent, expect extra charges.
• Fee Waivers: The College Board offers fee waivers for eligible low-income students.
• Plan Ahead: Check test dates with your school counselor and then register early to avoid paying more.
• Score Reports: Your registration only includes four free score reports.

SAT Registration Fee and Required Costs

So the base cost—as of this writing—to register for the digital SAT is $68. This covers your spot at a test center and allows you to send your score reports to up to four colleges. There are additional fees if you’re testing outside of the U.S. for whatever reason.

Heads up: Some states and school districts have programs called the SAT School Day. In that case, the cost is covered by them. If you’re not sure about your school, ask your school counselor.

Extra Fees: What Else Might You Pay?

Just like those “hidden” costs when you order a pizza—extra cheese isn’t free, is it?—the SAT can nail you with a few surprise costs if you’re not careful. Here are some things you might run into:

• Late registration: Don’t delay, or it will cost you an extra $38 for registering after the deadline.
• Test center charge: $29
• Cancelling your registration: $34 if you cancel by the deadline, $44 if you cancel after the deadline.
• Additional score reports: After your four free reports, there’s an extra $15 for each report you want to send.
• Score verification: If you’re not the trusting sort and want your exam scored again, the fee is $55.
• SAT prep course: Expect to spend around $250 for a budget-friendly self-study package from a provider like UWorld, or closer to $1,000 if you want 1-on-1 tutoring from a provider like PrepScholar.

So, unless you have special circumstances, that covers everything you need to know about how much it costs to take the SAT. And since I can hear you saying what special circumstances, let’s address that next.

Who Qualifies for a Fee Waiver?

If you are a low-income student who would struggle to afford and pay the SAT registration fee, the College Board offers waivers to eligible students. And yes, I still hear you. To meet the eligibility criteria, you must meet one or more of the following:

• You must be enrolled in or eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
• Your family income is within the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s Income Eligibility Guidelines.
• You’re enrolled in a federal, state, or local program that helps children from low-income families.
• You, or your family, receives public assistance.
• You live in federally subsidized public housing, a foster home, or you’re unhoused.

Assuming you’re eligible for the waiver, you can take advantage of two free SATs, free score reports, and schools that will waive the application fee. And in some cases, there may be additional benefits, so be sure to connect with your school counselor well before your test date, because they’ll be able to share all you need to know.

How to Register for the SAT and Avoid Extra Fees

Now that you know that waiting until the last minute to register will likely cost you, I recommend registering at least two weeks before the deadline. The College Board opens up SAT registrations months before each test, so set a reminder for yourself.

Here’s how to register:

1. Create a College Board account online.
2. Choose your preferred SAT date and test center.
3. Complete the registration and pay your $68 fee. Or, if you have a waiver, submit your code.

What to Expect on SAT Test Day

Unfortunately, you can’t just roll up to the desk in the corner of your bedroom. Since the test is supervised, you need to show up at the testing center with your admission ticket, an approved calculator, and some ID. It’s a good idea to map out the route to your test center in advance and get there early.

If you need to change the location or date of your SAT, do it before the deadline to avoid an extra charge.

Score Reports and Sending Your SAT Scores

About two weeks after your test, you’ll get your SAT scores online. Once you have them, the College Board lets you send four score reports for free, as long as you send them within nine days of your test date. If you have more than four colleges you’d like to send reports to, there’s an additional cost of $15 each. If you think you got an incorrect score, you can request a score verification, but it will cost you $55.

Conclusion

So, how much does it cost to take the SAT? For U.S. students, the SAT registration fee is $68. But remember, costs can add up. Late registration, changes to location or date, and extra reports can quickly increase your total. The good news for those who are part of a family that’s already struggling financially—within guidelines—the College Board offers a waiver to anyone eligible. If you’re not sure, you can talk to your school counselor about the best approach.

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