SAT Exam Fees 2025: Your Complete Guide to Understanding the Costs

The SAT exam 2025 has a standard registration fee of $68 (INR 5.8K), but that’s just the beginning. Additional costs like late registration fees, score reports, and test center changes can quickly inflate the total. Knowing these details in advance helps you avoid unexpected charges and streamline the registration process, keeping things cost-effective. 

This SAT exam guide will give you all the details you need to plan effectively and avoid unnecessary costs, ensuring you can budget effectively and avoid surprises on test day. It will provide you with clarity on every aspect of the SAT fee structure.

SAT Exam Fees 2025: A Complete Breakdown

The cost of taking the SAT varies depending on several factors, including your location, chosen test services, and whether you're eligible for a fee waiver. Understanding the total cost is crucial for budgeting and ensuring no surprises when registering. 

Let’s break down the core registration fee, additional charges for specific services, and any extra costs associated with score reporting and exam changes.

SAT Registration Fee

The base registration fee for the SAT exam covers the primary cost of taking the test, which includes sending score reports to up to four colleges. It's important to note that this fee does not cover additional services such as changing your test center or ordering extra score reports. 

The standard fee for 2025 SAT registration is as follows:

Fee Type	Amount (USD)	Amount (INR)
Regular Registration Fee	$68	INR 5.8K
International Students	68$ + $49 (International Testing Fee)	INR 10K

Additional Fees for SAT Registration

While the base registration fee covers the essentials, there are additional costs you might encounter if you make any changes to your registration or test-related plans.

Fee Type	Amount (USD)	Amount (INR)
Late Registration Fee	If you miss the regular registration deadline, you can still sign up until the late registration deadline for an additional fee of $34.	2.9K
Test Center Change Fee	If you need to change your test center, expect to pay a $29 fee. You cannot change your test date; instead, you must cancel your registration and register again for a different test date.	2.4K
Canceling Your SAT Exam	If you decide to cancel your SAT exam, you'll be charged $29 if done before the deadline.	2.4K
Late Cancellation Fee	If you cancel your SAT exam after the deadline, you'll face a higher fee of $39.	3.3K

Service Fees for SAT Score Processing

In addition to the costs associated with the exam itself, there are fees for processing score reports. These services can be helpful if you need additional reports or faster processing.

Service	Amount (USD)	Amount (INR)
Additional Score Reports	After your test, you can order extra score reports for $14 per report. The first four reports are free if ordered within nine days after the test.	1.1K per report
Rush Score Reporting	If you need your scores sent quickly, you can opt for Rush Score Reporting, which costs an additional $31 per report.	2.6K
Archived Scores	If you need scores from a previous test, you can request archived scores for $35.	3K
Score Verification Services	$55 (Fee waiver available)  For digital SAT, call Customer Service at 866-756-7346 (U.S. and Canada) or +1-212-713-7789 (all other countries).	4.7K

These service fees ensure that you have flexibility when it comes to sending your scores to colleges, verifying your results, or obtaining reports after the test.

By understanding all the SAT exam fees associated with the SAT, you can better plan and budget for your testing experience.

Also Read: SAT Exam Pattern - Sections, Duration, and Score

Once you know the fees, the next step is selecting a payment method that works for you. Let's explore the available payment options.

Payment Methods for SAT 2025

Knowing how to pay for your SAT exam is essential to avoid any last-minute issues during registration. The College Board provides multiple payment methods, allowing you to choose the most convenient option.

These options are designed to ensure that students can easily manage their payments without facing complications. 

Here’s an overview of the available payment methods for the SAT:

• Paying with Credit or Debit Cards: A major credit or debit card is the most common method. Accepted cards include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. It's essential to ensure the card has sufficient funds to cover the SAT exam fees and any additional services you select.
• Using PayPal for SAT Payments: PayPal is also accepted as a payment method for SAT registrations, providing another convenient option for those who prefer not to use a credit card directly. (source: College Board).
• Pay by Check or Money Order: Checks and money orders are accepted only for mail-in registration and must be received by the College Board before the deadline.

This option is available for U.S. residents, but payments must be received within a specific window. Payments by check or money order should be sent to the College Board's payment processing center.

• Fee Waivers: Fee waivers are available for U.S. 11th and 12th-grade students who meet specific income criteria. Eligible students can get up to two free SAT registrations and additional benefits like free score reports.

You must choose the payment method that suits your situation to avoid delays or complications with your SAT registration. Always double-check your payment details to ensure everything is processed smoothly before the registration deadline.

Also Read: How to Register for SAT Exam- Handy Tips

If you're someone facing financial challenges, fee waivers can make the SAT more accessible. Here’s what you need to know about them for 2025.

Fee Waivers for SAT 2025

The SAT exam fees can be a barrier for many students, but the College Board offers fee waivers to eligible individuals, ensuring financial constraints don't stand in the way of college aspirations. This initiative helps make education more accessible and equitable for all students.

Here's a detailed look at SAT fee waivers, including eligibility, benefits, and the application process.

Who Is Eligible for SAT Fee Waivers?

To ensure that the SAT remains accessible to students facing financial barriers, the College Board provides fee waivers to those who meet specific eligibility criteria.

Understanding these requirements is essential for students who wish to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.

• Income-Based Eligibility: Students from households with an income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level (FPL) are eligible for fee waivers. This aligns with the guidelines for students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch programs in schools.
  For the 2025 SAT cycle, the following family income levels are considered eligible for a fee waiver:

Levels	Criteria
Family of 1	Income at or below $19,720 (INR 16.8L)
Family of 2	Income at or below $26,130 (INR 22.3L)
Family of 3	Income at or below $32,540 (INR 27.8L)
Family of 4	Income at or below $38,950 (INR 33.3L)
Family of 5	Income at or below $45,360 (INR 38.8L)
Family of 6	Income at or below $51,770 (INR 44.3L)
Family of 7	Income at or below $58,180 (INR 49.8L)
Family of 8	Income at or below $64,590 (INR 55.3L)

Note: All income values are in USD, with approximate conversions to INR based on exchange rates.

The income thresholds increase by about $6,410 (INR 5.5L) for each additional family member.

• Government Assistance Program Enrollment: Students who participate in government assistance programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or other similar federal programs are eligible for SAT fee waivers, regardless of their specific income level.
• Homeless Students or Foster Youth: Students who are homeless or in foster care are automatically eligible for SAT fee waivers. These students often face additional challenges accessing education and standardized testing, making the fee waiver an essential support mechanism.
• School-Based Eligibility: Students from schools where a large percentage of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunch may also be eligible for fee waivers. The College Board allows school counselors to identify and assist eligible students based on these factors.

By targeting these specific student groups, the SAT fee waiver program ensures that financial barriers are minimized for those who need it most.

Benefits of SAT Fee Waivers

The benefits of the SAT fee waiver extend far beyond the initial registration cost. These waivers provide comprehensive support to help students access the SAT and college admissions resources. 

It ultimately reduces the financial burden and offers a more equitable opportunity to pursue higher education.

Here’s a look at the key benefits that come with receiving an SAT fee waiver:

Benefit	Description
Free SAT Registration	The SAT fee waiver covers the full cost of registering for the SAT exam. This includes the base registration fee of $68 (5.8K) (for the 2025 SAT).
College Application Fee Waivers	Students can receive up to four application fee waivers for applying to colleges. Many colleges charge $50 (4.3K) to $100 (8.6K) per application, so this benefit significantly reduces the cost of applying to college.
Free Score Reports	Students may send their SAT scores to up to four colleges or scholarship programs for free. Typically, sending additional score reports costs $12 (1K) per recipient.
Free Access to Test Prep	The College Board provides students free access to the Official SAT Practice at Khan Academy. This online resource offers personalized SAT practice and study plans.
Fee Waivers for Additional Services	SAT fee waiver recipients also receive free access to other College Board services, including college planning resources and specific financial aid programs that may assist with other educational costs.

These benefits aim to reduce the financial strain on students applying to college while ensuring they are equipped with the resources needed to perform well on the SAT and throughout the application process.

How to Apply for the 2025 SAT Fee Waiver?

Applying for an SAT fee waiver is straightforward but requires specific steps to ensure students receive the benefits they are entitled to. The College Board allows students to apply for fee waivers through their high school or their board account.

Here’s a quick step-by-step process: 

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility 

Before applying, students should verify that they meet one of the eligibility criteria listed above. This may involve checking household income levels, enrollment in government assistance programs, or other qualifying factors like homelessness or foster care status. 

Step 2: Request a Fee Waiver 

The fee waiver can be requested in two different ways:

• Through High School: The most common way to apply for an SAT fee waiver is through a high school counselor. Counselors are responsible for assessing students' eligibility based on the criteria and submitting the request to the College Board. Students should reach out to their school counselor to initiate this process.
• Direct Application via College Board: There can be students who have previously used a fee waiver or are applying independently, such as homeschool students or those attending schools that don't automatically process fee waivers. 

These students may be able to request a fee waiver directly through their College Board account.

Step 3: Fee Waiver Code or Automatic Application:

Once eligibility is confirmed, students will receive a fee waiver code, or the waiver will be applied directly to their College Board account. The 12-digit fee waiver code is entered during the SAT registration process.

If students are applying through a counselor, the fee waiver will automatically appear on their College Board account once their eligibility has been verified.

Step 4: Register for the SAT 

When registering for the SAT, students should enter the provided fee waiver code, or the waiver will automatically apply to their registration. They can confirm that the waiver has been applied by reviewing their registration summary.

Step 5: Track Your Benefits 

Once registered, students should ensure that all benefits (such as free score reports or application fee waivers) are appropriately applied. These benefits will appear in the student's College Board account, which students can access during college application.

By following these steps, students can ensure that they make full use of the benefits associated with the SAT fee waiver, allowing them to apply to college without financial obstacles.

Understanding the cancellation and refund policies is also an important aspect of SAT exam fees. Read ahead!

Cancellation Fees & Refunds for SAT 2025

SAT exam cancellations may be necessary for various reasons, such as personal circumstances or scheduling conflicts. The College Board offers refunds for SAT exam fees under specific conditions, ensuring students are not unnecessarily penalized. 

Understanding the refund process is crucial to avoid unnecessary costs and ensure you know the deadlines and conditions for receiving a refund, especially in cancellations or changes to your SAT registration. 

Knowing the policy helps you make informed decisions and avoid losing money. Below are the different scenarios under which a student may be eligible for a refund:

1. Refund for Cancellations Before the Change Deadline

Students who decide to cancel their SAT registration before the ‘official’ Change Deadline are eligible for a full refund of the $68 (INR 5.8K) SAT registration fee. This includes the standard SAT fees for the scheduled exam date.

The Change Deadline is generally five to six days before the test date. Exact dates vary by test administration and can be checked on the College Board website.

2. Partial Refund for Cancellations After the Change Deadline

When a cancellation occurs after the Change Deadline, the College Board does not offer a full refund. Instead, a partial refund may apply, subject to specific conditions.

• Partial Refund: If you cancel after the Change Deadline, the College Board typically deducts a processing fee of around $25 (2.1K), leaving you with around a $45 (3.8K) refund. However, refund policies may vary based on test center rules.
• Late Cancellations: Cancellations made closer to the test date (but after the Change Deadline) will incur a $25 (2.1K) cancellation fee, reducing the refund to around $45 (3.8K) of the original $68 (5.8K) fee.

3. No Refund Policy: When Are Refunds Not Provided?

There are scenarios where students are not eligible for any refund. These typically involve situations where the cancellation is either not made in time or the student fails to attend the scheduled test date without prior cancellation.

• Failure to Appear: If a student misses their scheduled SAT exam and does not cancel before the test date, no refund will be issued. This applies even if the student has valid reasons but fails to notify the College Board prior to the exam.
• Late Cancellations Without Valid Reasons: Students who cancel after the Change Deadline without providing an acceptable justification (such as a medical emergency) will not receive a refund. The cancellation fee of $25 (2.1K) is still deducted from the registration fee.

By adhering to these deadlines and conditions, students can ensure they make informed decisions regarding cancellations and refunds. 

Also Read: SAT Waiver: Fees, Types, How to Apply & Benefits

Now, to minimize your SAT expenses, let’s get into some practical strategies that can help you cut costs in 2025.

Smart Strategies to Reduce SAT Costs

For students preparing to take the SAT, minimizing the overall cost can significantly reduce the financial burden of the college admissions process. 

Several smart strategies can help students save on registration fees, score reports, and other associated costs. Here are some effective ways to lower SAT expenses:

1. Register Early
Registering ahead of the deadline helps you avoid the $30 (2.5K) late fee while also offering greater flexibility in choosing your preferred test center and date. Early registration ensures you're not rushed and allows you to secure a spot that best fits your schedule.

2. Take Advantage of Fee Waivers
Eligible students can apply for SAT fee waivers, which cover the $68 (5.8K) registration fee and offer additional benefits such as four free score reports to colleges, free official SAT practice on Khan Academy, and free college application fee waivers. 

If you receive government assistance (SNAP, TANF) or are in foster care, reach out to your school counselor or the College Board for more information.

3. Maximize Free Score Reports
You’re entitled to send four free score reports during registration. To avoid the $12 (1K) fee per additional report, research colleges ahead of time and send scores only to those you intend to apply to. This helps keep costs down while ensuring your scores reach the right schools.

4. Use "Score Choice" Wisely
Many colleges accept "Score Choice," allowing you to submit only your best SAT scores, reducing unnecessary score report fees. However, some schools require all SAT scores from every attempt, so check each institution’s policy before selecting this option.

5. Utilize Free SAT Prep Resources
Another effective strategy is, instead of spending money on expensive prep courses, taking advantage of free resources like the official SAT practice platform, SAT prep books available at public libraries, and free practice tests offered by the College Board. These resources can provide comprehensive preparation at no cost.

6. Plan Ahead to Avoid Extra Fees
To avoid costly test dates or test center changes ($30 or 2.5K each), carefully select a test date and location that work best for you. Also, use your four free score reports wisely to prevent the need for additional paid reports later. Planning is key to keeping your SAT costs low.

By implementing these strategies, you can significantly reduce the overall cost of taking the SAT and applying to colleges.

Also Read: SAT Preparation: How to Prepare for SAT Exam

How Can upGrad Help You Prepare for the SAT 2025?

upGrad offers targeted SAT preparation designed to equip students with the skills and strategies needed to excel on the 2025 SAT. With expert instructors, data-driven learning, and flexible scheduling, upGrad ensures a thorough and personalized approach to test prep.

Here’s how upGrad can enhance your SAT preparation:

• Structured Curriculum: upGrad provides a comprehensive SAT curriculum that covers all test sections—Reading, Writing, and Math—focusing on both content mastery and test-taking strategies.
• Personalized Study Plans: The platform uses data analytics to design customized study plans based on individual performance, allowing students to focus on areas needing improvement.
• Expert Guidance: upGrad’s courses are taught by experienced educators who offer insights into exam strategies, time management, and the SAT format, ensuring students are fully prepared.
• Flexible Learning Options: With the option to learn at your own pace, students can create a study schedule that suits their individual needs, making it easier to balance SAT prep with other commitments. 

Don’t know where to start or how to approach SAT prep and college planning? Book a career counseling session with upGrad and let experts help you simplify your SAT preparation. The session will guide you on college selection and align your test strategy with your career goals, saving you time and stress!