The ACT costs $68 without writing and $93 with writing in 2025. But if you miss deadlines or send scores late, you could easily spend $200 or more. This guide covers all ACT costs for 2025-2026 and how to avoid wasting money on hidden fees, late registration penalties, and unnecessary retakes.

Understanding ACT test fees helps families budget effectively and plan smarter testing strategies. The key to controlling testing costs is knowing exactly what you'll pay, when fees increase, and which costs you can eliminate entirely with proper planning.

ACT Test Fees for 2025-2026 (Quick Overview)

Here's what the ACT officially costs for registration in 2025:

Test Type	2024 Cost	2025 Cost	2026 (Projected)
ACT (no writing)	$66	$68	$70
ACT with writing	$91	$93	$95

Source: ACT.org Official Test Fees

The ACT typically increases fees every one to two years. These are base registration fees only. Additional costs can push your total investment significantly higher.

Full Breakdown of ACT Registration Costs

Registration costs vary based on when you register and what services you need. Here's how the timeline affects your wallet:

Standard Registration Timeline:

Regular registration deadline: Typically 5 weeks before test date
Late registration deadline: 2-3 weeks before test date (adds $38 fee)
Standby testing: Day-of registration (adds $65 fee, not guaranteed)

The ACT registration window opens approximately 3-4 months before each test date. Registering during the regular period is the single most effective way to avoid unnecessary costs.

ACT Fee Waivers: Who's Eligible & How to Get One

Fee waivers eliminate the registration cost entirely for eligible students. If approved, you receive free ACT registration (with or without writing), up to 4 free score reports, and other benefits.

Who Qualifies for ACT Fee Waivers?

Enrolled in free or reduced-price lunch program
Family income below federal poverty guidelines
First-generation college student status
Participating in TRIO, GEAR UP, or similar college access programs
Ward of the state or in foster care
Receiving public assistance

How to Apply for an ACT Fee Waiver

Request a fee waiver code through your high school counselor. They will verify your eligibility and provide a unique code to enter during online registration. Request your waiver at least 6-8 weeks before your intended test date.

Hidden ACT Fees to Watch Out For

Beyond base registration, these additional fees catch families by surprise:

Fee Type	Cost	How to Avoid
Late Registration	$38	Use Orbit Application Planner to track deadlines
Test Date/Center Change	$42	Register early, confirm location before submitting
Standby Testing	$65	Register during standard windows
Additional Score Reports	$18 per school	Use all 4 free reports at registration
Rush Score Processing	$25 per school	Plan test dates 6+ weeks before college deadlines

The most expensive hidden cost is multiple retakes due to poor planning. Map out your testing timeline and college deadlines before your first registration.

How Much Does it Cost to Send ACT Scores to Colleges?

Score reporting is where costs accumulate rapidly if you're not strategic. You get 4 free score reports per test if you select schools during registration. Additional reports cost $18 per school after test day.

The Math That Matters

Applying to 10 schools? Using free reports strategically can save you $72 or more. Testing early in your junior year gives you time to see scores before sending them, allowing for a more targeted approach during senior year.

How to Avoid ACT Retake Costs With Smarter Planning

The most expensive ACT cost isn't registration—it's taking the test multiple times without a strategy. A smarter approach is to take diagnostic practice tests first, identify weak areas, and invest 6-8 weeks in focused preparation.

Retake Decision Framework

Before scheduling another ACT, analyze your score report, research target school averages, consider prep time available, and check application deadlines. Students who test more than three times rarely see significant score improvements.

Should You Take the ACT With or Without Writing?

This decision affects both your budget ($25 more for writing) and college options. Some colleges require the writing section. Check every school on your preliminary list. If even one school requires writing, take the ACT with writing to avoid costly retakes later.

Quick Decision Guide

Take WITH writing if: Any target school requires or recommends it, you're applying to highly selective schools, or you're undecided on your school list.
Take WITHOUT writing if: You've confirmed none of your target schools require it and you are certain about your school list.

Building a Cost-Effective ACT Testing Strategy

Smart families approach ACT testing as a strategic investment. Here's how to minimize costs:

Test Early in Your Timeline: Start in the spring of your junior year for flexibility.
Front-Load Your Research: Identify target schools and their ACT requirements before you register.
Prepare Strategically: Use diagnostic tests to focus your study on weak areas.
Maximize Free Score Reports: Always select 4 schools during registration.
Know When to Stop Testing: Stop when your score is competitive for your target schools.

ACT Costs FAQ

How much does the ACT cost in 2025?

The ACT costs $68 without writing and $93 with writing for standard registration in 2025. Late fees and additional score reports can increase the total cost.

How do ACT fee waivers work?

ACT fee waivers cover the full registration cost for eligible students from lower-income backgrounds. They are requested through high school counselors and can be used up to two times.

Do I have to pay to send ACT scores to colleges?

You get 4 free score reports with each registration. Additional reports cost $18 per school, and rush processing is extra.

What are the hidden ACT costs I should plan for?

Hidden costs include late registration ($38), changing your test date/center ($42), and additional score reports ($18 each). The biggest hidden cost is taking multiple retakes without a good plan.

How can I avoid ACT late fees?

Avoid late fees by registering during the standard window, which closes about 5 weeks before the test date. Use a planning tool to track deadlines.

Is the ACT with writing worth the extra cost?

Yes, if any of your target schools require or recommend it. The extra $25 is cheaper than having to retake the entire test.

What's the cheapest way to take the ACT?

The cheapest way is to use a fee waiver, register on time, prepare well to avoid retakes, and use your free score reports strategically.

Plan Your ACT Strategy With Orbit AI

Taking control of ACT costs starts with smart planning. When you know exactly when to test, which schools to target, and how to avoid hidden fees, you can cut your testing costs by $100-$300 or more.

Last updated: January 2025