How Much is the SAT? Complete Breakdown of SAT Fees in 2025-2026

If you or your child are preparing for college admissions, understanding the cost of the SAT is an important first step. The SAT fee structure can feel complicated, with various costs for registration, score reports, and optional services. In this article, we’ll break down exactly how much the SAT costs in 2025-2026 and what extra fees you might encounter — so you can budget wisely and avoid surprises.

Basic SAT Registration Fees

The base registration fee for the SAT in the United States is $68. This fee covers taking the test on a standard test day and includes sending your scores to up to four colleges or scholarship programs for free.

For students taking the SAT outside the U.S., there is an additional international testing fee of $43. This means that international students typically pay a total of $111 to register for the SAT.

Additional Registration Fees

Sometimes students need to make changes to their registration or miss the regular registration deadline. These situations come with extra fees:

  • Late Registration Fee: $38 (if you register after the regular deadline but before the late registration deadline)
  • Test Center Change Fee: $29 (if you want to change your test location)
  • Cancel Test Fee: $34 (if you cancel before the cancellation deadline)
  • Late Cancellation Fee: $44 (if you cancel after the cancellation deadline but before test day)

Being aware of these fees can help you plan ahead and avoid unnecessary costs.

Score Report Fees

After taking the SAT, sending your scores to colleges is an important part of the process. Here’s how score report fees work:

  • You can send your scores to up to four colleges for free as part of your registration.
  • Additional score reports cost $15 each.
  • If you want your score reports sent quickly, there is an optional rush fee of $31, added to the $15 per report fee.
  • Requesting scores by phone also costs $15.
  • If you need scores from tests taken over a year ago, retrieving archived scores costs $35.
  • For manual score verification or re-scoring, there is a fee of $55.

SAT Fee Waivers

If you qualify for financial assistance, you might be eligible for SAT fee waivers. These waivers provide:

  • Free SAT registration for up to two tests
  • Free score reports with no limit on the number of recipients
  • Waivers for late registration fees, test center changes, and cancellation fees

Fee waivers are offered to eligible U.S. students based on family income, school lunch program participation, or other criteria. It’s important to check with your school counselor or testing coordinator if you believe you qualify.

Summary of Typical SAT Costs

  • U.S. Students: $68 base registration fee
  • International Students: $68 base fee + $43 international fee = $111 total
  • Late registration, changes, or cancellations may add $29 to $44 extra
  • Score reports beyond the four free ones cost $15 each
  • Rush or special services add extra fees

Tips for Saving Money on the SAT

  • Register early to avoid late registration fees.
  • Use your free score reports by ordering them within 9 days of the test date.
  • Apply for a fee waiver if you qualify to cover registration and other fees.
  • Plan carefully to avoid test center changes and cancellations.

Understanding SAT fees is essential for test takers and families planning for college admissions. While the base cost is $68 for most students, additional fees can add up quickly if you’re not careful. Budgeting ahead and knowing when and how to register can save you money and stress.

If you want to succeed on the SAT without breaking the bank, stay informed about the fee structure and deadlines. This knowledge empowers you to focus on preparing for the test itself and reaching your best score.