SAT Fee Waiver Eligibility: What Students and Families Need to Know

The SAT is a crucial step in college admissions, but the cost of registration and related fees can be a barrier for many students. Thankfully, the College Board offers SAT fee waivers to eligible students, helping to make college testing more accessible.

If you’re wondering whether your child qualifies for an SAT fee waiver and how to apply, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about SAT fee waiver eligibility.

What Is an SAT Fee Waiver?

An SAT fee waiver covers the full cost of:

  • The SAT registration fee
  • The Essay portion (if offered)
  • Up to two SAT Subject Tests (if available)
  • Additional score reports sent to colleges
  • The cost to change your test center or test date

Fee waivers help low-income students avoid financial barriers and ensure they can take the SAT without stress over fees.

Who Is Eligible for an SAT Fee Waiver?

Eligibility for the SAT fee waiver is based on family income and participation in government assistance programs. While exact requirements may vary slightly by state or school district, the general guidelines include students who:

  • Are enrolled in or eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • Are enrolled in or eligible for other free or reduced-price lunch programs
  • Are in foster care or are homeless
  • Participate in or are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Live in households receiving public assistance such as SNAP, TANF, or Medicaid
  • Are eligible for federal, state, or local public assistance programs based on income
  • Come from families with income within the guidelines set by the USDA for free or reduced-price lunch

Your child’s school counselor or testing coordinator can verify eligibility and provide fee waivers.

How Do Students Get an SAT Fee Waiver?

Students do not apply directly to the College Board for a fee waiver. Instead:

  1. School counselors or authorized school personnel distribute fee waivers to eligible students.
  2. Fee waivers are issued as codes that can be entered during online or paper registration.
  3. The waiver covers up to two SAT administrations, allowing students to retake the test for free if desired.
  4. Eligible students also receive free access to official SAT practice materials.

If your school doesn’t offer fee waivers, talk to your counselor or contact the College Board for assistance.

Important Notes About SAT Fee Waivers

  • Fee waivers are personal and non-transferable.
  • They cannot be used for late registration fees or other services outside the fee waiver scope.
  • The College Board has recently updated the SAT format to digital testing, but fee waivers remain available.
  • Students with fee waivers can also get free score reports sent to up to four colleges or scholarship programs.
  • Fee waivers are typically valid for the entire school year.

Benefits of Using an SAT Fee Waiver

  • Removes financial barriers to taking the SAT and Subject Tests.
  • Encourages students to take the SAT early and retake if needed without worrying about costs.
  • Gives access to free official practice materials, improving test preparation.
  • Helps students send scores to colleges without extra fees.

What If My Child Doesn’t Qualify for a Fee Waiver?

If your family’s income slightly exceeds eligibility limits, or if your school doesn’t provide fee waivers, there are still ways to reduce costs:

  • Many schools offer school-sponsored SAT test dates with lower fees.
  • Look for community organizations or nonprofits that offer test fee assistance.
  • Use free official practice resources from College Board and Khan Academy to improve scores and avoid multiple retakes.
  • Plan testing early to avoid late fees.

How to Prepare After Getting a Fee Waiver

Once your child has their fee waiver:

  • Register early to secure preferred test dates and centers.
  • Take advantage of free official practice tests available online.
  • Encourage regular study habits and focus on weak areas.
  • Consider using Khan Academy’s free personalized SAT prep linked directly to official test questions.

SAT fee waivers are a valuable resource for low-income and eligible students, removing cost barriers and helping students pursue higher education with confidence. If you think your child qualifies, reach out to their school counselor today to get started.

Remember, early preparation combined with fee waiver benefits can put your child on the path to success.