District and School Pricing Details (SAT Suite of Assessments)

The SAT Suite of Assessments—which includes the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9—has become a cornerstone of college and career readiness in schools across the U.S. As more districts shift toward in-school testing, it’s crucial for administrators to understand the pricing structure, funding options, and associated services provided by the College Board.

This guide breaks down the cost details of the SAT Suite for schools and districts, providing a comprehensive look at what to expect when planning and budgeting for in-school testing.

Why Understand Pricing?

Understanding pricing is essential for school and district leaders who:

Want to expand access to testing
Are budgeting for state or district-wide initiatives
Are deciding between digital and paper-based formats
Need to determine student eligibility for fee waivers

Knowing the full cost ahead of time helps ensure smooth implementation and cost-effectiveness.

SAT Suite Pricing Overview for Districts and Schools

Each assessment within the SAT Suite has its own cost, which may vary slightly based on services, test formats, and accommodations. Here’s a breakdown of the typical base pricing:

SAT School Day (for in-school testing)

Digital or Paper Testing: Around $60 per student (standard)
With Essay: Not offered in the digital format (discontinued for most students)
Fee waivers are available for eligible students
Bulk pricing may apply for districts ordering in large quantities

PSAT/NMSQT

Digital or Paper: Approximately $20–$22 per student
Typically given to 10th and 11th graders
Schools are billed only for students who test

PSAT 10

Digital or Paper: Usually priced at $20–$22 per student
Administered to 10th graders in the spring
Includes access to score reporting and instructional tools

PSAT 8/9

Digital or Paper: Roughly $13–$14 per student
Administered to 8th and 9th graders
Helps set a baseline for college readiness tracking

What’s Included in the Price?

When schools or districts pay for SAT Suite assessments, the price covers more than just the test booklet or digital access. These services are typically included:

Secure digital or paper test administration
Student score reports with detailed insights
Access to Official SAT Practice tools on Khan Academy
Online dashboards for educators to track performance and trends
Score reports for students, educators, and parents
Accommodations support and SSD (Services for Students with Disabilities) coordination
Instructional planning tools based on performance data

Additional Costs Schools Might Incur

While base testing fees are straightforward, some schools and districts may encounter additional costs, including:

Proctoring staff and substitute coverage
Device rental or lending programs (for digital testing)
Shipping and handling for paper materials
Extended testing time or make-up days
Technology upgrades or wireless access improvements for digital testing environments

It’s important to plan ahead and communicate with IT and school staff to ensure all logistics are accounted for.

Fee Waiver and Funding Support

Many students qualify for fee waivers based on income or eligibility for federal programs like free/reduced lunch. When using a fee waiver, the College Board provides:

Free SAT School Day testing
Free score reports sent to colleges
Free access to college application fee waivers
No-cost Question-and-Answer Service (QAS), when available

Districts may also receive funding support through state initiatives or federal grants such as Title I or ESSA funding. Some states fully cover the cost of SAT or PSAT testing as part of statewide assessment strategies.

Device Lending and Technology Costs (Digital Testing)

Since the transition to digital SAT and PSAT assessments, technology planning has become essential. Schools are responsible for ensuring every student has access to a compatible device.

Options include:

Using school-owned Chromebooks or laptops
Partnering with the College Board for device lending programs
Renting devices from third-party providers

Some states and districts receive additional funding to support digital testing, especially during the first few years of implementation.

Invoicing and Payment Structure

Schools that order tests through the SAT Suite Ordering and Registration (SSOR) platform will receive an invoice after testing is completed. Invoicing is based on:

The number of students who actually tested (not just those registered)
Any applicable accommodations or alternate format usage
Whether materials were returned correctly and on time

Invoices are typically issued within weeks of the test window’s close. Payment can be made through district business offices or school funds, depending on the agreement with the College Board.

Key Tips for Budgeting and Planning

Start early: Begin planning and budgeting at least 6 months before your chosen test window.
Estimate realistically: Overestimating the number of test-takers may result in unnecessary costs. Accurately project participation.
Leverage fee waivers: Encourage eligible students to use waivers for SAT and maximize available support.
Coordinate with IT teams: Ensure digital testing devices are available, charged, and compliant.
Explore funding options: Check with your district or state for financial assistance or grants.

Overview: District and School Pricing Details

Pricing for the SAT Suite of Assessments varies depending on the test, format, and additional services, but it is designed to be accessible and scalable for schools and districts. By understanding the costs and planning ahead, administrators can ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate—regardless of income or location.

If your school or district is considering launching in-school SAT Suite testing, now is the time to align your calendar, prepare your budget, and take advantage of available support.

Need help drafting a custom SAT Suite implementation plan for your district or looking for tools to help track costs? Let me know and I’ll prepare a resource guide just for you.