What Is an SAT Fee Waiver?
An SAT® fee waiver allows eligible high school students to take the SAT without paying the standard registration cost. It’s designed to support students whose families meet specific income-based guidelines, making the exam more accessible. When approved, students receive SAT fee waiver codes they can use during registration to bypass payment. A fee waiver for the SAT also includes additional testing benefits, such as free score reports and college application advantages. Only qualifying students can request a fee waiver SAT code through their school counselor or authorized program. In simple terms, an SAT waiver removes financial barriers so students can focus on performing their best, not the cost of the exam.
Who Is Eligible for an SAT Fee Waiver? (Eligibility Requirements)
Not every student automatically qualifies for the SAT fee waiver, but many high school juniors and seniors meet the requirements based on financial need or enrollment status. Eligibility is determined using U.S. federal income guidelines, participation in assistance programs, or verified circumstances such as homelessness or foster care. To receive a fee waiver for the SAT, students typically work with a school counselor or an approved community organization to verify eligibility and request a SAT fee waiver code.
Income-Based Eligibility (U.S. Federal Guidelines / Low-Income Status)
Students may qualify for a fee waiver SAT code if their household income meets or falls below the federal poverty level thresholds. This includes students who rely on reduced financial support or whose families experience economic hardship. In most cases, eligibility follows the same guidelines used for national school lunch programs or low-income assistance verification.
Students Enrolled in Government Assistance Programs
Students currently participating in government programs such as SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, or the Free or Reduced-Price Lunch Program typically meet the criteria for an SAT exam fee waiver. Proof of enrollment in these programs often serves as documentation for the SAT fee waiver request form or school-based approval.
Homeless, Foster Care, or Orphan Status
Students identified as homeless, in temporary housing, in foster care, or who are wards of the state or orphans are automatically considered eligible for a SAT fee waiver. They may not need to submit financial documentation and can receive support directly through counselors or designated school liaisons.
Students in Low-Income or Title I Schools
Students attending Title I schools or schools serving predominantly low-income populations, are often pre-qualified for a fee waiver. Counselors at these schools typically have access to SAT waiver codes and can help students confirm eligibility quickly.
How Counselors Verify Eligibility
Counselors play a key role in confirming SAT fee waiver eligibility and helping students understand how to qualify for SAT fee waiver benefits. They review documentation or school records to ensure a student meets the eligibility criteria for the SAT fee waiver under College Board® guidelines.
Counselors may verify eligibility by checking:
- Income information aligned with federal poverty guidelines
- Enrollment in qualifying government assistance programs
- School records indicating homelessness, foster care, or orphan status
- Attendance at a designated low-income or Title I school
- Existing documentation from community-based support organizations
What Benefits Do SAT Fee Waivers Provide?
SAT fee waivers do more than cover the cost of the exam, they give eligible students access to testing and college application resources that can make the path to higher education more affordable. By using a fee waiver for the SAT, students can focus on preparation without worrying about financial barriers.
- Free SAT Registration: Eligible students can register for the SAT at no cost by using a SAT fee waiver code. This allows students who meet eligibility requirements to take the exam without paying the standard registration fee, making the SAT more accessible.
- Additional Test Date Opportunities: Fee waivers may allow students to take the SAT more than once without incurring extra charges. This benefit gives students a chance to improve their scores by retaking the exam if needed.
- Free College Score Reports: Students who use an SAT fee waiver can send their scores to up to four colleges for free. Normally, sending scores to colleges costs $12 per report, so this can save significant money during the college application process.
- Access to College Application Fee Waivers: Many students who qualify for an SAT waiver can also receive waivers for college application fees. This makes it easier to apply to multiple colleges without worrying about the added expense.
- Support for AP Exams and Other College Board Programs: In certain cases, students with an SAT waiver may also gain access to discounts or fee reductions for Advanced Placement® exams or other College Board programs. These additional benefits provide broader academic opportunities beyond the SAT.
How to Get an SAT Fee Waiver (Step-by-Step Process)
Getting a fee waiver for the SAT is a straightforward process for eligible students, but it must be done carefully to ensure you receive a valid SAT fee waiver code. Most students work through their school counselors, who verify eligibility and provide the necessary codes. Homeschool or rural students also have options for obtaining a waiver if a counselor isn’t available.
Step 1 - Contact Your School Counselor
The first step is to reach out to your school counselor or designated staff member who handles SAT registrations. Counselors are trained to review your eligibility for a fee waiver SAT code and can explain the documentation needed. They will guide you on the process and provide the appropriate forms or digital access for requesting a waiver.
Step 2 - Provide Proof of Eligibility
Students must submit evidence showing they meet the SAT fee waiver eligibility requirements. This may include income documentation, enrollment in government assistance programs, proof of foster care or homelessness status, or confirmation of attendance at a low-income/Title I school. Accurate documentation ensures the College Board can approve the waiver without delays.
Step 3 - Receive Your Fee Waiver Code
Once eligibility is confirmed, your counselor will provide you with a fee waiver code for SAT registration. This code is unique to each student and can be used to register for the exam without paying the standard fee. Keep this code secure, as it is required during registration and for other benefits like free score reports.
Step 4 - Apply the Code During SAT Registration
When registering for the SAT, enter the fee waiver code in the designated section of the College Board registration portal. The system will confirm the code, and you will see that your registration fee is waived. Make sure to complete registration before the deadline to secure your test date.
If You Don’t Have a Counselor (Homeschool/Rural Students)
Students without access to a school counselor can still get a fee waiver for the SAT by following these steps:
- Contact your homeschool coordinator or regional testing liaison for guidance.
- Provide the same proof of eligibility used by traditional students (income, program participation, or special circumstances).
- Reach out to the College Board directly if local resources cannot issue a code. They may provide instructions or alternative approval methods.
- Keep records of all communications and documentation for verification purposes.
How to Use Your SAT Fee Waiver Code
Once you receive your SAT fee waiver code, it’s important to use it correctly to take full advantage of your benefits. The code allows you to register for the SAT online without paying the fee and may also provide free score sends to colleges. Understanding the rules for using a fee waiver code SAT ensures you don’t encounter issues during registration or score submission.
Where to Enter the Code When Registering Online
When completing SAT registration online, enter your fee waiver for the SAT code in the designated section on the College Board registration portal. Make sure to type the code exactly as provided, without spaces or extra characters. Once the code is verified, the registration fee will be waived automatically, and you can proceed to select your test date and location.
Rules About Code Usage (One-time, Non-transferable)
SAT fee waiver codes are valid for a single registration only and cannot be shared with other students. Each code is unique to the student who receives it and must be used before the test registration deadline. Using the code multiple times or giving it to someone else can result in registration denial or loss of fee waiver privileges.
Do SAT Fee Waiver Codes Expire?
Yes, fee waiver codes for SAT registrations have an expiration date, usually tied to the test year or specific test dates. It’s essential to register promptly after receiving your code to avoid losing the benefit. Students should confirm the validity period with their counselor or the College Board before attempting online registration.
How to Use Free Score Sends With a Fee Waiver
Students with a SAT fee waiver online registration also receive free score sends, which can save money on college applications. To use this benefit:
- Select up to four colleges when registering for the SAT to send your scores for free.
- Make sure to submit your choices during registration, as additional score reports may incur fees.
- Check your College Board account afterward to confirm that the scores were successfully sent to the selected colleges.
SAT Fee Waiver for International Students (How It Works)
Most international students cannot get an SAT fee waiver unless they are living in the U.S. or qualify as U.S. students temporarily studying abroad. However, students taking SAT outside the U.S. generally need to pay the standard registration fees. Students can receive a fee waiver SAT code through their U.S. school or an authorized organization. The code works the same way as it does for students in the U.S., covering registration fees and sometimes providing additional benefits like free score reports.
SAT Fee Waiver vs ACT Fee Waiver (Quick Comparison)
The SAT and ACT fee waivers are very similar in purpose and use. Both are available to U.S. high school students who meet income-based or other qualifying criteria, such as enrollment in government assistance programs, attendance at Title I schools, or foster care status. Each fee waiver covers the full test registration cost and allows free score reports to colleges, typically four for the SAT and four for the ACT. Students apply through their school counselor or an authorized organization, receiving a unique code that is valid for a single registration. Benefits may also include college application fee waivers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where do I get my SAT fee waiver code?
SAT fee waiver codes are typically provided by your high school counselor or an authorized organization. Counselors verify your eligibility based on income, government program participation, or special circumstances like foster care or homelessness. Once confirmed, they issue a unique fee waiver code for your SAT registration. It’s important to keep this code secure, as it can only be used by the student it was issued.
Can I apply for an SAT fee waiver online?
You cannot generate a valid SAT fee waiver code online on your own. The College Board requires verification through a counselor or authorized organization. While you can enter the code online during registration, the initial approval and issuance of a fee waiver for the SAT must be done through official channels to ensure eligibility.
Can international students receive a waiver?
Most international students cannot get an SAT fee waiver unless they are U.S. citizens or U.S. residents studying abroad. Students taking the SAT outside the U.S. generally need to pay the regular registration fees. Eligible students in qualifying situations can receive a fee waiver SAT code through a U.S. school or authorized organization.
Does the SAT fee waiver cover score reports?
Yes. Students using an SAT fee waiver can send their scores to up to four colleges for free. Normally, sending scores costs $12 per report, so this benefit can save significant money during the college application process. Make sure to select your colleges during registration to take advantage of this benefit.
How many SAT fee waivers can I get?
Eligible students can typically receive one fee waiver per test registration, but waivers may allow multiple test dates depending on counselor approval. If you plan to retake the SAT, check with your counselor to see whether additional waivers or codes can be issued for subsequent attempts.
Does an SAT fee waiver cover late fees?
No, SAT fee waivers do not cover late registration fees or changes after the registration deadline. Students must register on time to use their fee waiver code. Any additional services, like changing a test date after registration, may require separate payment.
Do colleges know if I use a fee waiver?
No. Colleges do not see whether you used an SAT fee waiver. Using a waiver does not affect your admission chances or reflect negatively in any way. It is simply a financial aid tool to ensure students have access to testing.
Are SAT Subject Test fee waivers still available?
No. The College Board discontinued SAT Subject Tests in the U.S. after 2021. Therefore, SAT Subject Test fee waivers are no longer offered. Students should focus on SAT general testing or AP exams for subject-specific assessments.
