ACT Cost: Average Fees Explained

The ACT is a college admissions test made of English, math, and reading, with science and writing available as optional add-ons. The base registration fee covers the core test, and each add-on raises the price. Late registration, changes, and extra score reports cost more on top of that.

All fees on this page come from one official source, the fee page published by ACT, and we checked them on Oct 11, 2026. ACT updates its fees from time to time, often before a new testing year, so confirm current prices on act.org before you register.

Your registration fee depends on which sections you take. The core test includes English, math, and reading. You can add science, writing, or both.

• The ACT with no add-ons costs $70.
• Adding science brings it to $75.
• Adding writing brings it to $95.
• Taking both science and writing costs $100.

Should You Add Science or Writing?

Check the requirements of the colleges and scholarship programs on your list before paying for add-ons. Some schools or programs may ask for a science score or a writing score, and many don't. If none of your schools require a section, skipping it lowers your fee. If you are unsure about a school, check its admissions page or ask its admissions office.

Choosing the right option at registration also saves money later. Switching your test option after you register can trigger the change fee described below.

The registration fee is what most students pay. These extra charges apply only in specific situations.

Late Registration and Changes

Registering after the regular deadline adds a late fee of $42. If you miss the late deadline, you may be able to test as a standby examinee for $75, but a seat isn't guaranteed.

Changing your test date, test center, or test option costs $49. Pick your date and location carefully, and register early, to avoid both the late fee and the change fee.

Score Reports

Your registration lets you send your scores to a limited number of colleges at no extra charge if you choose them when you register. Each additional score report costs $20. Students applying to many schools can see this add up, so choose your free score recipients when you register if you already know your list.

Answer Key and Score Verification

ACT My Answer Key gives you a copy of the test questions, your answers, and the answer key for certain test dates. It costs $36 if you order it before the test and $44 if you order it afterward. If you think a multiple-choice score is wrong, score verification costs $67.

Students who meet ACT's eligibility rules can receive a fee waiver, usually requested through a school counselor. A waiver covers the registration fee and may cover some additional services. ACT publishes the eligibility criteria and what each waiver includes on act.org, so check there or ask your counselor.

Many states and school districts also offer the ACT during the school day at no cost to students. If your school participates, you may be able to take the test once without paying a registration fee.

• Register by the regular deadline to avoid the late fee.
• Choose only the add-ons your target colleges or scholarships require.
• Pick your score recipients during registration so you use the free reports.
• Settle your test date and center before registering to avoid the change fee.
• Ask your counselor about fee waivers and school-day testing.