SAT Fees & Waivers: What It Really Costs to Take the Test (and How to Save)

If you’re planning to take the digital SAT test, you’re focused on scores, prep strategies, and deadlines. But there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked, what does the SAT Exam cost?

And with the SAT cost, we don’t just mean the registration fee.

We also meant paying extra for changing your test center. Sending SAT scores to colleges costing us $15 each time.

If you're applying to multiple Ivy League schools or taking the SAT more than once, you could spend over $200 just on fees.

Education can be expensive if not planned properly. At IvyStride, we understand this, which is why we leave no stone unturned while preparing your child for the SAT. Our fall SAT preparation batch offers customized practice test series, mentorship, counseling, and effective essay coaching. This preparation is a smart move towards achieving a high success rate on the SAT exams.

At IvyStrides, we believe SAT prep should be accessible, transparent, and focused.. That’s why we created this transparent guide to every fee, every waiver, and every smart move you can make to avoid surprise charges.

Whether you're a student in the U.S., testing from abroad, or applying for fee waivers, you’ll find exactly what you need to know right here, without the fine print confusion.

Here’s why this guide matters:

• We break down every fee registration, score reports, cancellations, international surcharges clearly and simply.

• We explain how to qualify for a fee waiver (yes, even internationally in some cases).

• We help you plan your budget, timeline, and strategy to avoid last-minute surprises.

• And most importantly, we answer every question students and parents ask us in plain language.

How Much Does the SAT Cost in 2025?

The base cost to take the August 2025 SAT in the U.S. is $68. If you’re an international student, there’s an added $43 international fee, bringing your total to $111.

But that’s just the beginning. From rescheduling fees to rush score reports, costs can sneak up if you’re not careful. 

Pro Tip from IvyStrides: Many students accidentally overpay because they don’t plan their test dates or prep timeline carefully. Our free SAT planning call helps families build a timeline that avoids extra costs and late registration fees.

SAT Fees in Detail: What You’re Paying For (And What You Might Miss)

At first glance, the SAT seems simple: register for the SAT exam, show up, take the test. But once you look closer, you'll find a layer of optional and not-so-optional charges that can affect your budget and your choices.

Let’s walk through every SAT-related fee you might encounter, both in the U.S. and internationally.

Standard SAT Registration Fees (2025–2026)

Fee Type	Amount (USD)	Who Pays It
SAT Registration (U.S.)	$68	All students registering for the SAT
SAT Registration + Intl. Fee	$111	Students outside the U.S.

This covers just one SAT test date. If you retake the SAT, you'll pay again.

Optional SAT Registration Modifications

Sometimes life happens, but you always have a chance to make up for it by paying some additional costs for the changes you may opt for.

Service	Fee	Details
Late Registration	$38	After the regular deadline, before the late deadline
Change Test Center	$29	Change location (not date)
Cancel Test (on time)	$34	Before the change deadline
Cancel Late (last-minute)	$44	After the deadline but before test day
Waitlist Registration	Not available currently	Stay updated via the College Board

Changing your test center or date is often cheaper if planned early. Don’t wait until deadlines approach.

SAT Score Services: Sending Scores Costs Too

SAT score services are optional services offered by the College Board after your test is scored. They allow you to:

• Send scores to colleges and scholarship programs

• Send scores after the test or to additional colleges

• Speed up score delivery (rush reports)

• Retrieve older (archived) scores

• Get scores by phone

• Verify scores if you suspect an error

Service	Fee
Additional Score Report	$15 per college
Rush Reporting	$31
Scores by Phone	$15
Archived Score Retrieval	$35
Score Verification	$55

Your first four score reports are free—but only if you send them within 9 days of your test. After that, the $15/report fee kicks in.

International Student-Specific Charges

In addition to the $43 international fee, some global test centers charge a local test center fee of around $24. This is particularly common in parts of Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea.

IvyStrides helps international students verify center-based costs before registering. A smart move, especially for families trying to budget.

SAT Fee Waivers: Who Qualifies and What You Get for Free

Good SAT scores should never be limited by a student’s ability to pay. That’s why the College Board offers SAT Fee Waivers, and if you’re eligible, they unlock more than just free test registration.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the SAT fee Waiver.

Who Can Get an SAT Fee Waiver?

To qualify, you typically need to meet one or more of the following:

• Enrolled in or eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)

• Annual family income falls within the USDA Income Eligibility Guidelines

• Enrolled in federal, state, or local programs aiding low-income students

• Living in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home

• Homeless, an orphan, or a ward of the state

• Receiving public assistance

• An international U.S. citizen meeting equivalent low-income criteria

How to apply: You’ll usually request a waiver through your school counselor or college access organization.

What’s Covered by an SAT Fee Waiver?

Benefit	Value
2 Free SAT Tests	Up to $136
No Late Registration Fees	Save $38
No Cancellation Fees	Save $34–$44
4 Free Score Reports (x2 Tests)	Save up to $120
Unlimited Score Reports After Testing	Priceless — removes stress
Free CSS Profile Applications (financial aid)	$16–25 per school saved
Free College Application Fee Waivers (participating colleges)	$50–90 per college saved
No Intl. Regional Fees for U.S. Citizens Abroad	Save $43 per test

We help fee waiver students map out the maximum value from these perks, including the best time to use free score reports and where app fees are waived.

What’s NOT Covered?

• Resending scores after the free 9-day window

• Score verification requests (partial reduction available)

• Additional test center fees (only in some global locations)

• Retake beyond two free tests.

Still, the overall savings can exceed $300+ for eligible students.

SAT Retakes, Refunds, and Lesser-Known Fees: What You Should Know (But Most Miss)

When students think about SAT costs, they usually only think about the registration fee. But there’s more behind the scenes, from retake expenses to refund policies and even small service charges you didn’t expect. Here’s a breakdown to keep you (and your wallet) read.

Can You Retake the SAT? Yes — and It Might Be a Smart Move

Retaking the SAT can be strategic. Many students improve their score by 50–150 points on the second or third try. But each retake has its own cost:

• SAT retake registration: $68 (U.S. students)

• + $43 international fee (if testing outside the U.S.)

• + $38 late registration fee (if you miss the deadline)

Plan your first attempt early (Grade 11 spring is ideal) so you have time to retake if needed, without rushing or overpaying.

Is There a Refund Policy?

• If you cancel before the change deadline, you get a partial refund ($34).

• If you cancel late, the refund drops (a $44 fee applies).

• If you’re a fee waiver student, no worries — cancel anytime and retain your waiver credit.

SAT Fees for International Students: Region-by-Region Breakdown

The base SAT registration fee is $68, whether you’re testing in California or Cairo. But international students also pay a $43 international fee, and some test centers add local administrative charges.

Why?

Logistics, regional staffing, security, and digital testing infrastructure costs. Additional handling for local currencies, ID checks, and regional compliance.

It’s frustrating, but knowing this ahead of time lets you plan smartly and avoid surprise charges.

International SAT Fee Table: What You’ll Really Pay (2025–2026)

Region	Base Fee	International Fee	Possible Local Test Center Fee	Total (Est.)
India	$68	$43	None (usually)	$111
UAE	$68	$43	~$24 (varies by location)	$135
Singapore	$68	$43	~$24–$28	$135–$139
South Korea	$68	$43	~$24 at private universities	$135
Taiwan	$68	$43	Some charge ~$24	$135
Rest of World	$68	$43	Varies (most don’t charge extra)	$111–$139

College Board lists certain centers that apply test center fees, usually in premium facilities, hotels, or university halls.

Examples include:

• Regal Airport Hotel, Hong Kong: +$24

• MDIS Campus, Singapore: +$24–$28

• Harbour Plaza, Hong Kong: +$24+

Always verify with your test center before finalizing registration.

Testing Abroad as a U.S. Student?

If you're a U.S. citizen living overseas, you still pay international fees — unless you qualify for a fee waiver. Fee waivers will eliminate both the base and international charges if you are eligible.

How to Pay Your SAT Fee (And Avoid Payment Errors)

Paying for your SAT should be simple, but it's also where many students (especially international ones) get stuck. Whether your SAT payment fails, your card is declined, or you're unsure if UPI works, this section clears it all up for you.

Accepted SAT Payment Methods

When registering through the College Board website, you can pay your SAT fee using:

• Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)

• Debit card (as long as international transactions are enabled)

• PayPal (available in select countries)

• E-check (U.S. bank account holders only)

 Not Accepted:

• UPI

• Google Pay / Apple Pay

• Wallet apps like Paytm, PhonePe, Revolut, or Wise

Trying to use UPI or a domestic-only card? It may fail at the final checkout step.

SAT vs ACT: Cost, Waiver Access & Hidden Differences

When choosing between the SAT vs ACT, many students start by asking, “Which test costs less?” Below is a clear comparison of the two exams based on registration fees, hidden costs, fee waiver access, and overall affordability.

Registration Costs

• SAT (2025): Base registration fee is $68

• ACT: Base fee is $68 without the Writing section and $93 with Writing

The SAT does not include an essay section anymore, while the ACT still offers it at an additional cost. If writing isn’t required by your target colleges, the SAT may be slightly more cost-efficient.

Both SAT and ACT include four free score reports if you request them at the time of registration. Beyond that, SAT charges $15/report and ACT charges $18/report. Both tests offer fee waivers, but their benefits and eligibility criteria differ. SAT fee waivers generally offer more comprehensive benefits than ACT, especially for students applying to multiple colleges or testing internationally.

Add-On and Administrative Fees Comparison

Both exams come with optional and unavoidable extra charges, depending on how and when you register:

Additional Fees	SAT	ACT
Late registration:	$38	$36
Test center change:	$29	$42
Cancel registration:	$34 (early) or $44 (late)	No full cancellation refund policy
Additional score reports beyond the first 4	$15 each	$18 each
Score verification:	$55	$55–$60

SAT tends to offer slightly more flexible fee structures and lower charges for changes and cancellations than the ACT.

IvyStrides recommends starting with a free diagnostic quiz to see which test plays to your strengths. Because the cheapest test is the one you only take once, and do well on.

SAT Fees FAQ

Is there a discount available on the SAT?

Yes. If you're a U.S. student from a low-income household or meet certain eligibility criteria, you may qualify for the SAT Fee Waiver, which covers your registration fees and more. IvyStrides can help you check your eligibility and apply confidently.

When and how do I pay the SAT fee?

You’ll pay your SAT registration fee during the online sign-up process. Accepted payment methods include credit or debit cards only. Payment must be completed in one go, no offline, UPI, or cash options are available.

Is the digital SAT more expensive than the paper SAT?

No. The base registration fee for the SAT is $68, whether you’re taking the digital or paper version. However, international students or those requesting extra services (like rush reports) may pay additional fees.

Can I retake the SAT for free?

If you’ve received a fee waiver and haven’t used both of your free test attempts, you can retake the SAT at no cost. Otherwise, standard fees apply for each additional registration.

Does a fee waiver also cover score reports?

Absolutely. Students with a valid fee waiver can send unlimited score reports to colleges at no additional cost. Without a waiver, you get 4 free score reports (if requested within 9 days of test day) and pay $15 per report after that.

Is standby testing or waitlist available in 2025?

No. As of now, the College Board does not offer standby testing or waitlist options. Always register on time to avoid missing your preferred date.

Does the SAT still have an essay section with an extra fee?

No. The SAT Essay has been discontinued, so there is no additional essay fee in 2025.

What happens if I miss the SAT payment during registration?

Your test slot will not be confirmed. You’ll need to start a new registration. If deadlines have passed, you might only be eligible during the late registration window, which includes a $38 surcharge.

Does the SAT fee include multiple test dates?

No. Each SAT date you register for is treated separately. If you plan to retake the SAT, you’ll need to pay the fee again for each new date.

Is there a cancellation or change fee?

Yes. Canceling your registration before the change deadline costs $34, and canceling after that costs $44. Changing your test center location costs $29. If you have a fee waiver, these charges are waived.

Is there a fee for uploading your photo?

There’s no charge to upload your required ID photo for the SAT. However, if your photo doesn’t meet the College Board’s specs, you could be denied entry on test day, so be careful.

Does the Bluebook app cost anything?

No. The Bluebook app, which is mandatory for taking the digital SAT, is completely free and available directly from the College Board website.