How Much Does SAT/ACT Test Prep Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does SAT/ACT Test Prep Include?
SAT and ACT test preparation ranges from self-study books to intensive private tutoring programs. Higher-priced options typically include more personalized instruction and practice tests.
The national average cost for sat/act test prep is $1,000 per course. Most homeowners pay between $200 and $3,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Format
Self-study books: $30-$100. Online course: $200-$600. Group class: $500-$1,500. Private tutoring: $1,500-$5,000
Provider
Kaplan/Princeton Review: $800-$2,000. Boutique: $1,000-$3,000. Private: $2,000-$5,000+
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Format (self-study, class, private)
- ✓Duration
- ✓Provider reputation
- ✓Practice tests included
- ✓Score improvement guarantee
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Khan Academy offers free SAT prep in partnership with College Board
- 2.Group courses cost much less than private tutoring
- 3.Start early — cramming requires more intensive (expensive) help
- 4.Buy used prep books for self-study
SAT/ACT Test Prep Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $164 | $820 | $2,460 |
| Alaska | $256 | $1,280 | $3,840 |
| Arizona | $190 | $950 | $2,850 |
| Arkansas | $160 | $800 | $2,400 |
| California | $270 | $1,350 | $4,050 |
| Colorado | $216 | $1,080 | $3,240 |
| Connecticut | $244 | $1,220 | $3,660 |
| Delaware | $210 | $1,050 | $3,150 |
| Florida | $196 | $980 | $2,940 |
| Georgia | $180 | $900 | $2,700 |
| Hawaii | $284 | $1,420 | $4,260 |
| Idaho | $184 | $920 | $2,760 |
| Illinois | $210 | $1,050 | $3,150 |
| Indiana | $176 | $880 | $2,640 |
| Iowa | $172 | $860 | $2,580 |
| Kansas | $170 | $850 | $2,550 |
| Kentucky | $168 | $840 | $2,520 |
| Louisiana | $174 | $870 | $2,610 |
| Maine | $204 | $1,020 | $3,060 |
| Maryland | $230 | $1,150 | $3,450 |
| Massachusetts | $260 | $1,300 | $3,900 |
| Michigan | $184 | $920 | $2,760 |
| Minnesota | $204 | $1,020 | $3,060 |
| Mississippi | $156 | $780 | $2,340 |
| Missouri | $174 | $870 | $2,610 |
| Montana | $190 | $950 | $2,850 |
| Nebraska | $176 | $880 | $2,640 |
| Nevada | $204 | $1,020 | $3,060 |
| New Hampshire | $224 | $1,120 | $3,360 |
| New Jersey | $250 | $1,250 | $3,750 |
| New Mexico | $180 | $900 | $2,700 |
| New York | $264 | $1,320 | $3,960 |
| North Carolina | $180 | $900 | $2,700 |
| North Dakota | $180 | $900 | $2,700 |
| Ohio | $180 | $900 | $2,700 |
| Oklahoma | $166 | $830 | $2,490 |
| Oregon | $220 | $1,100 | $3,300 |
| Pennsylvania | $204 | $1,020 | $3,060 |
| Rhode Island | $230 | $1,150 | $3,450 |
| South Carolina | $174 | $870 | $2,610 |
| South Dakota | $170 | $850 | $2,550 |
| Tennessee | $172 | $860 | $2,580 |
| Texas | $186 | $930 | $2,790 |
| Utah | $190 | $950 | $2,850 |
| Vermont | $216 | $1,080 | $3,240 |
| Virginia | $210 | $1,050 | $3,150 |
| Washington | $230 | $1,150 | $3,450 |
| West Virginia | $160 | $800 | $2,400 |
| Wisconsin | $188 | $940 | $2,820 |
| Wyoming | $184 | $920 | $2,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SAT prep worth the cost?
Students who complete structured prep programs typically improve 100-200 points on the SAT. The ROI can be significant in scholarship money.