SAT Fee Waivers: Who Qualifies and How to Apply
Lyceon Team · Registration · Updated October 21, 2026
If you qualify for a fee waiver, you can take the SAT for free instead of paying the $68 registration fee. The waiver also covers several things beyond the test, listed below.
Sources: College Board: SAT fee waivers; College Board: SAT test fees
Who qualifies
Fee waivers are for low-income 11th- and 12th-grade students in the U.S. or U.S. territories, and for U.S. citizens living abroad. You're eligible if at least one of these applies to you:
- You're enrolled in, or eligible for, the National School Lunch Program.
- Your family's income is within the USDA Food and Nutrition Service income guidelines.
- You're in a program that helps students from low-income families, such as Upward Bound.
- Your family receives public assistance.
- You're unhoused, or you live in federally subsidized public housing or a foster home.
- You're a ward of the state or an orphan.
Fee waiver benefits
- Two free SAT tests
- Free score reports to send to as many colleges as you choose
- Waived application fees at participating colleges, for seniors who have taken the SAT
- Free CSS Profile applications for financial aid at participating schools
- No late registration fees for your free tests
- No cancellation fees
Getting one
Ask your school counselor for a fee waiver code, or request a fee waiver directly from College Board. A direct request needs an adult who can confirm you're eligible, so let that adult know an email may come and ask them to answer it quickly.
Source: College Board: SAT fee waivers
If you're schooled at home, you can request one directly from College Board. You can use one fee waiver in your lifetime, and it gives you the two free tests.
Sources: College Board: SAT fee waivers; College Board: SAT fee waiver benefits
Only request a waiver if you meet the criteria. College Board can ban an account that gives false information and cancel that student's registration or scores.
Source: College Board: SAT fee waivers
Using it when you register
When you register online, enter your 12-digit code on the payment page. If your request to College Board was approved, your benefits are already in your account. Codes for the 2026 to 2027 school year start with FW26, and codes expire each August.
Sources: College Board: registering for the SAT; College Board: getting SAT fee waiver benefits
Timing for November 7
College Board asks students to send a direct request at least 1 to 2 weeks before the registration deadline. For the November 7 test, the regular deadline is Friday, October 23, so a direct request made now is later than College Board advises.
Sources: College Board: SAT fee waivers; College Board: SAT dates and deadlines
If you're eligible, talk to your counselor about a code this week. Late registration for November 7 runs until October 27, and a fee waiver removes the late fee. Otherwise, the December 5 test has a registration deadline of November 20.
Sources: College Board: SAT dates and deadlines; College Board: SAT fee waiver benefits
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Start the free diagnosticFrequently asked questions
Can I get more than one SAT fee waiver?
No. You can use one fee waiver in your lifetime, either as a code or as benefits granted directly by College Board. That one waiver gives you two free SAT tests.
Sources: College Board: SAT fee waivers; College Board: SAT fee waiver benefits
Can a 10th grader get an SAT fee waiver?
College Board offers SAT fee waivers to eligible 11th- and 12th-grade students.