How much does SAT prep cost on average?

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The goal of SAT prep is to learn tips and tricks that will help you maximize your time and performance on a college admissions test.

Students are taught best practices for creating a study plan, timing during the test, and using elimination to narrow answers. While test prep isn't strictly necessary, it can certainly help you feel more comfortable on test day—and it's often linked to higher test scores.

Preparing for the SAT test could range from free through online tests and library books to thousands of dollars for one-on-one tutoring.

Average Cost of SAT Test Prep

When it comes to SAT prep, Costs can range from $20 for a single book purchased online to over $2,500 for one-on-one lessons. Why is exam preparation so expensive? On the one hand, exam preparation is in high demand because it increases performance. Second, ask for the time of someone who is an expert in test design and results optimization. That will come with a price.

Luckily, there are many options that will fit your price range while still providing the benefits of test prep. Just consider the variability in the table below.

Test Prep Options

Here's a breakdown of the types of test prep currently offered. When reading through, try not to just consider the cost. While money is often the most important factor in these decisions, it is certainly not the only one that plays a role in your success. Also consider how much time you can invest, what environment you learn best in, what you want from test preparation, and what options are robust enough to meet those expectations.

Related: Best SAT Test Prep Courses in 2024

Independent learning

Self-paced preparation is a great option for those on a budget, but also for those who are self-motivated and prefer to go at their own pace.

The College Board, the group that administers the SAT, is a good place to start, as they have plenty of free resources available online. You'll design a student study guide (complete with a schedule from now until test day), post practice tests, and share materials to host your own study group.

The College Board is also partnering with Khan Academy to offer a free digital SAT practice course that has been proven to increase scores by at least 39 points for those who studied for at least six hours. And you'll probably get a better result if you learn even more!

Additionally, several SAT travel guides are available for $20 to $50. While some cover the entire SAT, others focus on specific SAT topics. A quick internet search turned up this paper SAT practice test, which is one of four tests available for 2024. So don't forget to do an online search!

Remember that success with independent study depends on developing good habits and sticking to your schedule. It's an effective way to improve your test score, but it's not the right option for everyone.

Quick pro for using this method: If you're looking for resources on a budget – or if you're just looking for something to supplement your existing study plan – there are tons of free resources online, as well as blogs and forums to help you get started can read that you have led others to success on the SAT.

Related:
What is a Good SAT Score: Strategies for Success

Online courses

A price range higher than independent study is online preparation. This is a good option for those who prefer a classroom-like experience at a lower cost.

Prices for online courses can start at $100 and go over $1,000. However, consider the added benefit you get from a more structured environment.

Fortunately, online test prep courses are structured to help students learn as effectively as possible, and many offer unique options to meet your personal needs. For example, you might prefer to go through set course material at your own pace, while someone else might want to attend a live class session. These are two common options available in an online prep curriculum.

Quick pro of this method: If you have little time to study, online test preparation is right for you. The material included in these courses is designed to help you sharpen your focus and get you over the finish line quickly.

Personal group learning

Another option is in-person classes, which are great for students who want or need the extra push and level of responsibility that comes with showing up for class.

Like online prep courses, in-person classes guide you through a pre-determined curriculum designed by SAT experts so they know what you need to succeed. The only difference is that you have to show up! You take part in lectures, go through practice sets and have the opportunity to answer questions with your classmates.

The cost of an in-person course is slightly higher because you receive the dedicated knowledge and attention of an expert in real time. Depending on the length, location, and institution offering the program, you should expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 per course.

Short advantage of this method: Learning on site offers the opportunity to ask questions, receive direct feedback and have personal conversations with your lecturer. It is well researched that a personal learning experience increases your engagement with the material and can lead to a more successful outcome.

Private tutoring

The option at the highest end of the price range is private one-to-one lessons. If you learn best through direct, personal contact with your teacher, this is certainly an option worth exploring.

When billing by the hour – rather than by the course – you can expect to pay hourly rates between $50 and $250 for a total of $1,000 or more. Of course, the total cost depends on how many hours you need to prepare for the exam. However, if you have difficulty with the test material and would benefit from training based on your individual strengths and weaknesses, private tutoring could make a difference in your test score.

Short advantage of this method: Private lessons are characterized by an environment full of motivation and responsibility, so in each lesson with a tutor you are likely to achieve a higher quality of teaching than if you studied for several hours on your own.

This is how you compensate for your costs

If you're strapped for cash on your exam prep sessions, there are some ways to cut costs elsewhere. Although these don't apply to everyone, this list is a good starting point:

1. Register early: The SAT registration fee is $60 and additional costs can add up quickly. By registering early, sticking with your original testing center, and not canceling a test appointment, you could save at least $80.
2. Apply for a fee waiver: If you need financial assistance with registration costs, review the criteria and then speak with a school counselor about whether your SAT fee can be waived.
3. Use the option to send free reports: Each time you take the SAT, you can send your score to up to four schools at no additional cost. You also have nine days after your test appointment to take advantage of this benefit, but a fee will apply after that.
4. Enter your test results yourself: At the time of application, some universities allow you to self-report your SAT score. You will still need to submit your official test score to the College Board, but you can download it from your account for free.
5. Consider more discounts and packages: To get the best value for your exam preparation, ask your tutor or learning center if they offer a discount for booking multiple sessions at the same time.

Related: College Entrance Exams 101: What You Should Know

Is preparing for the exam worth it?

The cost of attending college increases every year, but universities continue to offer merit-based scholarships. One of the best ways to receive scholarships is to demonstrate your suitability for rigorous college curricula through strong test scores. And – you guessed it – exam prep can certainly help improve your score if necessary!

However, your test score is not the only factor considered when applying to college. And it is not guaranteed that test preparation will increase your test score. However, if you are having difficulty with the exam material, it is definitely worth speaking to someone about your options for improvement. Remember that at the end of the day, what matters is how much work you are willing to put in.

If you are realistic about your budget, the time you can invest, and what you want from exam preparation, you should be well prepared to start. Don't be afraid to shop around to find something that really suits you!

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