How much does the ACT cost (and how to get a fee waiver)?

The core ACT (English, Math, and Reading) costs around $70, with optional Science and Writing add-ons for a small extra fee each. If your family qualifies based on income, a fee waiver can cover the cost entirely, up to two times. Because fees change from year to year, treat the numbers here as a ballpark and confirm the current pricing on the official ACT website before you register.

What the base fee covers

The standard registration fee gets you the three-section ACT that makes up your Composite, plus score reports sent to you, your high school, and up to four colleges (as long as you enter those college codes during registration, not after). That last part is a real money-saver, so it is worth having your college list ready when you sign up. If you are new to the process, start with how to register for the ACT.

Optional add-ons

• Science: a small add-on fee if your colleges want a Science score. See which colleges still require ACT Science.
• Writing: the optional essay costs more, around $25 on top of the base fee. Read should you take the ACT Writing section before you pay for it.

Fees that catch students off guard

The base fee is only part of the picture. A few extra charges can pop up, so plan ahead to avoid them:

• Late registration: registering after the regular deadline adds a late fee. Registering early is the easiest way to save money.
• Changes: switching your test date, test center, or test format after registering usually costs a change fee.
• Standby testing: if you miss the late deadline and test as a standby, there is an additional fee, and a seat is not guaranteed.
• Extra score reports: sending scores beyond your first four colleges costs a fee per report. More on that in which test dates to send.

How to take the ACT for free with a fee waiver

If cost is a barrier, do not let it stop you. ACT runs a fee waiver program for students who qualify based on financial need, and it is more generous than many people realize.

What it covers: a fee waiver covers the registration fee for the ACT, including the Science and/or Writing add-ons, and you can receive up to two waivers, meaning you can test for free twice. Waivers also come with free learning resources. They do not cover late registration, changes, or standby fees, so still aim to register on time.

Who qualifies: eligibility is based on financial need. Common ways to qualify include being enrolled in a free or reduced-price lunch program, having family income at or below the USDA levels for that program, being in foster care or a ward of the state, being homeless, or receiving low-income public assistance. Check the official criteria on act.org, since they can change.

How to get one: talk to your school counselor. Counselors receive fee waivers directly and confirm your eligibility. Once you have your waiver code, you enter it during registration instead of paying. Students who use fee waivers may also qualify for college application fee waivers later, which is a nice bonus.

Is the ACT worth the cost?

For most students, yes. A strong score can open doors to admission and to score-based scholarships that far outweigh the registration fee. If money is tight, the fee waiver exists precisely so cost is not the thing that holds you back. To make each attempt count, read how many times you should take the ACT.

The bottom line

Budget for roughly $70 for the core test, a little more if you add Science or Writing, and register early to dodge late and change fees. If your family qualifies, a fee waiver can cover it all up to twice. Confirm today's exact fees on act.org before you register.

This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.