SAT Test Fees: Complete Guide to Costs, Waivers, and What You Get
The SAT is a crucial step in the college admissions process, but it’s not free. If you’re a student, parent, or educator preparing for this standardized test, understanding the SAT test fees is essential. From the base cost to optional services, fee waivers, and cancellation policies—this guide covers everything you need to know about the money side of the SAT.
Whether you’re budgeting ahead or seeking financial assistance, this comprehensive article breaks down SAT costs to help you plan smartly and avoid surprise charges.
How Much Does the SAT Cost?
The base cost for the SAT in 2025 is $60. This includes registration for the test and access to your online score report.
However, depending on your situation, you may pay more if you:
- Register late
- Change your test date or test center
- Want to send additional score reports
- Need a rush order or archived scores
Let’s take a closer look at the optional and extra fees that could apply.
Additional SAT Fees and Services
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| SAT Registration (Standard) | $60 |
| Late Registration Fee | $30 |
| Change Test Center or Date | $25 |
| Waitlist Fee (if accepted) | $53 |
| Additional Score Reports (each) | $14 |
| Rush Score Reporting | $31 |
| Archived Scores Request | $31 |
| Answer Services (QAS/SAS) | $16 |
Keep in mind, these fees are for students testing in the U.S. or U.S. territories. International students have slightly different pricing, which may include regional fees.
What Does the $60 SAT Fee Include?
Your SAT registration fee gives you:
- Admission to one test date
- Your score report sent to four colleges or scholarship programs (if requested within nine days after the test)
- Online access to your scores
- Free score reporting to schools and programs for up to nine days post-exam
This fee does not include late registration, test changes, or additional services like score verification or rush shipping.
SAT Fee Waivers: Who Qualifies?
For eligible students, SAT fee waivers can reduce or eliminate costs. The College Board offers fee waivers for students who meet certain income-based criteria.
You qualify for an SAT fee waiver if you meet any of the following:
- Enrolled in or eligible for the National School Lunch Program
- Family income meets federal income eligibility guidelines
- Receiving public assistance
- Living in federally subsidized housing or homeless
- A ward of the state or an orphan
What Fee Waivers Cover:
- Two free SAT registrations
- Free unlimited score reports to colleges
- Free Question-and-Answer Service or Student Answer Service
- No fees for changing test dates or centers
- College application fee waivers for over 2,000 participating colleges
To get a waiver, contact your school counselor or college advisor. Homeschoolers can request one directly through the College Board.
When and How to Pay for the SAT
You’ll pay SAT fees during online registration via your College Board account. Accepted payment methods include:
- Credit or debit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, etc.)
- PayPal (select locations)
- SAT fee waiver (if eligible)
Be sure to register before the deadline to avoid extra charges. Late registration costs an additional $30.
Can You Cancel or Reschedule Your SAT?
Yes, but it may cost you. Here’s what to expect:
- Changing Your Test Date or Center: $25 fee
- Canceling Your Registration: You may get a partial refund (about $10) if you cancel at least five days before the test. No refund if you cancel late.
- No-Shows: If you don’t show up, you lose the full $60 registration fee.
If you suspect you might need to switch test dates, do so early to save money.
How to Avoid Unnecessary SAT Fees
- Register Early: Avoid late fees by signing up before the deadline.
- Confirm Your Test Date and Center: Double-check to avoid change fees.
- Use Your Free Score Reports Wisely: Submit to colleges within nine days post-test.
- Request a Fee Waiver if Eligible: Don’t pay more than you have to.
- Plan Your Test Strategy: Fewer retakes = lower total cost.
SAT vs. ACT Fees: How Do They Compare?
Wondering if the SAT is more expensive than the ACT? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Test | Base Fee | With Writing |
|---|---|---|
| SAT | $60 | N/A (No essay) |
| ACT | $68 | $93 |
The SAT doesn’t have an optional essay anymore, so the base price is often cheaper than the ACT with Writing. However, both tests have similar fee structures for extras like score reports and rescheduling.
Final Thoughts: Is the SAT Worth the Cost?
Although the SAT does come with fees, the potential rewards—college admission, scholarships, and academic recognition—can far outweigh the investment. Fee waivers make the test accessible to millions of students each year.
To get the most value:
- Register early and avoid extra charges
- Use your included score reports strategically
- Apply for a fee waiver if eligible
- Prepare well so you don’t need to retake the test multiple times
Bonus: Tools to Help You Budget and Prepare
- Official College Board Fee Waiver Info: collegeboard.org/fee-waivers
- SAT Registration Portal: mysat.collegeboard.org
- Khan Academy SAT Prep: Free personalized study tools
Bookmark this post, share it with your classmates, and explore our other SAT prep guides to save time, money, and stress on your college journey!