How much does the SAT cost

Okay, so I’m a junior in high school and I’m starting to look into taking the SAT. I know colleges look at the scores, and I want to get a good one. But my family is on a pretty tight budget, and I need to know how much all this is going to actually cost.

I’m not just talking about the basic registration fee. What are all the possible costs involved?

Specifically, I’m wondering about:

• The base registration fee: What is it currently?
• Late registration fees: How much extra do you pay if you register late?
• Changing your test date or location: Can you do that, and if so, does it cost anything?
• Adding or changing sections: Like adding the essay (if that’s even still a thing)?
• Score reports: Do you have to pay extra to send your scores to colleges? How much per college? Is there a limit to the number of free reports you get?
• Fee waivers: Are there fee waivers available for low-income students? How do you qualify, and what exactly do they cover (like, everything or just the registration fee)? What’s the process for applying for one?
• Any other hidden fees or costs I should be aware of?

Basically, I’m trying to get a realistic picture of how much I need to save up. Thanks!

Answer

The cost of the SAT varies depending on several factors, including where you are taking the test, whether you register late, and if you choose to add optional services. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with the SAT:

Base Registration Fee:

• The standard SAT registration fee is $60. This fee covers the basic cost of taking the SAT at a designated test center on a specified test date.

Additional Fees (if applicable):

• Late Registration Fee: If you register after the regular registration deadline, you will be charged a late registration fee. This fee is currently $30. It’s important to register before the deadline to avoid this extra cost.
• Standby Testing Fee: Standby testing is only available for students who have missed the late registration deadline. Students testing standby are admitted at the discretion of the test center coordinator after all other registered students have been admitted. If you are admitted to test, there is an extra $64 standby testing fee.
• Test Center Change Fee: If you need to change your test center after you have registered, you may be charged a fee. This fee is $35.
• Score Verification Fees: If you want to verify your scores, you can request score verification services for a fee. The fee to verify the multiple-choice section is $55, while the fee to verify the essay (if taken) is $55.
• Cancellation Fee: If you cancel your registration, a refund is not provided.
• International Fees: Students testing outside of the United States also pay international fees that vary depending on the country. These fees are in addition to the base registration fee.

Fee Waivers:

• Fee waivers are available for eligible students who demonstrate financial need. These waivers cover the basic registration fee and may also include other benefits, such as free score reports and college application fee waivers. Students can check with their school counselor to see if they qualify for a fee waiver.

Important Considerations:

• Fees are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the College Board’s official website for the most up-to-date information.
• The costs mentioned above are primarily for the standard SAT.
• Check for any additional fees or requirements specific to your test center or location.

Written by

Studentanswers Editorial Team

University Admissions, GPA, SAT/ACT, Teacher Careers, Student Finance Expertise: Education Content Specialist & Research Writer 19+ years of experience

I'm Mustafa Bulut, an education researcher and content specialist with over a decade of experience helping students navigate the complexities of academic life — from decoding GPA scales to understanding what top universities actually look for in applicants. My work focuses on making higher education accessible and understandable. I've spent years researching university admissions processes, standardized testing systems (SAT, ACT, TOEFL), and the real-world career paths that follow graduation. Whether you're a high school junior trying to figure out if your GPA is competitive for Ivy League schools, or an adult learner weighing the cost of going back to school, I write with you in mind. I cover five core areas on StudentAnswers: university admissions and GPA benchmarks, SAT and ACT test preparation strategies, teacher career outlooks and education job markets, global literacy trends and education access, and student finance including loans, scholarships, and hidden costs of higher education. Before launching StudentAnswers, I worked extensively with education data — analyzing acceptance rates, salary statistics for education professionals, and literacy reports from UNESCO and national education departments. I believe that good education content should give readers a clear answer, not just more questions. Every article I publish goes through a research and editorial review process. I cite primary sources wherever possible — official university data, government labor statistics, and peer-reviewed education research — because students deserve accurate information when making decisions that shape their futures.

✓ Reviewed by: Studentanswers Editorial Team ✓ Fact-checked: 19 October 2025

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