SAT Fees and Refunds: What You Need to Know Before You Register

If you’re planning to take the SAT, it’s important to understand the fees involved and what your options are if you need to cancel or reschedule. While the SAT is a valuable step toward college admissions and scholarships, the costs can add up—especially if you’re registering late or changing your test date.

Standard SAT Registration Fees

The SAT base registration fee covers taking the test on a scheduled test date at an official test center.

As of the most recent update:

  • SAT Test Fee (Digital SAT in the U.S.): $60

This includes:

  • The full SAT exam (Reading and Writing, and Math)
  • Free score reports sent to up to four colleges (if requested within nine days of the test)

Additional SAT Fees

There are a few extra charges students may encounter depending on their circumstances:

  • Late Registration Fee: $30
    Applied if you register after the regular deadline but before the late registration deadline.
  • Change Fee (Test Center/Test Date): $25
    Charged when you change your test center or move your test date after registration.
  • Waitlist Fee: Eliminated
    The SAT no longer supports standby testing or waitlist status, so this fee has been removed.

SAT Score Services Fees

  • Additional Score Reports (after the test): $14 per report
    After your free score reports are used (or the nine-day window closes), each extra report sent to colleges costs $14.
  • Rush Order Fee: $31
    For faster delivery of scores to colleges (typically 1–2 business days).
  • Archived Score Fee: $31
    If you’re requesting SAT scores taken more than a year ago.
  • Scores by Phone: $15
    Optional service if you want to receive scores over the phone (not commonly used).

SAT Fee Waivers

Students from low-income families may qualify for SAT fee waivers, which cover:

  • Full SAT test fee (including two free SATs)
  • Free unlimited score reports to colleges
  • Free CSS Profile submissions to participating colleges
  • Free access to college application fee waivers

To get a fee waiver, students must meet eligibility requirements and typically request one through their school counselor. Fee waivers are a powerful way to reduce the cost of applying to college.

SAT Refund Policy

Refunds are limited and depend on the timing and circumstances of your cancellation.

Here’s what you need to know:

Canceling Before the Test Date

  • If you cancel your SAT registration more than five days before the test date, you may receive a partial refund (usually $10).
  • Full refunds are not issued unless there are exceptional circumstances.

No-Show on Test Day

  • If you do not show up for your test and don’t cancel in advance, no refund is provided.

Changing Test Dates

  • Changing your test date is allowed up until the deadline, but you will need to pay a $25 change fee.
  • You won’t be refunded for the original date; the fee allows you to transfer your registration.

Refunds for Extra Services

  • Fees for services like rush reports, late registration, or additional score reports are nonrefundable once submitted.

What to Do If Your Test Is Canceled

If the College Board cancels a test (due to weather, technical issues, or health emergencies), you are typically offered:

  • A full refund
  • Or the option to reschedule at no additional charge

In these cases, the College Board will contact you directly with instructions.

Tips to Avoid Extra Fees and Missed Refunds

  1. Register Early: Avoid late fees by registering before the regular deadline.
  2. Double-Check Your Test Center and Date: Making changes later costs money.
  3. Use Score Reports Wisely: Send your four free reports within nine days of the test.
  4. Request a Fee Waiver If Eligible: Don’t miss out on major savings if you qualify.
  5. Cancel in Advance: If you know you can’t attend, cancel before the deadline to recoup part of the fee.

SAT Fees and Refunds

Understanding SAT fees and refund policies can help you avoid unnecessary costs and financial surprises. Whether you’re registering for your first test or rescheduling a date, knowing what’s refundable and what’s not can make the process smoother and less stressful.

Taking the SAT is an investment in your future—but that doesn’t mean it has to break the bank. Plan ahead, stay informed, and take advantage of fee waivers if you’re eligible.