How Much Does SAT/ACT Test Prep Cost in Des Moines, IA?

Des Moines pricing is 15% below the national average. Updated for 2026.

Based on local labor rates, varied climate conditions, and Des Moines's diversified economy.See our methodology

Low End
$170
Average
$850
High End
$2,550
per course
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SAT/ACT Test Prep Pricing in Des Moines, IA

Des Moines is one of the more affordable markets for sat/act test prep, with costs running about 15% below the national average. The city's diversified economy and balanced labor market create favorable conditions for competitive pricing. Getting multiple quotes from the 215K-population metro area is straightforward.

Local climate plays a direct role in sat/act test prep costs here. Harsh winters and hot summers mean year-round service needs; freeze-thaw cycles affect foundations.

Market-specific factors matter in Des Moines: moderate cost of living keeps contractor rates affordable.

Des Moines has moderate permitting requirements. Depending on the scope of your sat/act test prep project, you may need local permits. A licensed contractor will handle the permitting process as part of the job in most cases.

Des Moines vs National Average

Des Moines Average
$850
National Average
$1,000
Difference
-15%
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What Affects SAT/ACT Test Prep Cost in Des Moines?

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+

Des Moines Market Conditions

moderate cost of living keeps contractor rates affordable

Local Climate Impact

harsh winters and hot summers mean year-round service needs; freeze-thaw cycles affect foundations

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Top-Rated SAT/ACT Test Prep Pros in Des Moines, IA

4 providers

Scholar Academy

โœ… VERIFIED
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.8(139 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 851 Commerce Dr, Des Moines, IA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2001
โœ“ LicensedBBB: Aโšก Usually responds in 2 hours

Bright Minds Tutoring

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.5(172 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 537 Washington Ave, Des Moines, IA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 1999
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ Insured

Academic Edge Learning Lab

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…3.8(135 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 295 Oak Ave, Des Moines, IA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2016
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ Insured

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Tips to Save on SAT/ACT Test Prep in Des Moines

  • 1.Khan Academy offers free SAT prep in partnership with College Board
  • 2.Group courses cost much less than private tutoring
  • 3.Start early โ€” cramming requires more intensive (expensive) help
  • 4.Buy used prep books for self-study
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๐Ÿ“ˆ SAT/ACT Test Prep in Des Moines Cost Trends (2020โ€“2024)

Prices have increased +17.6% over the last 5 years

$723
2020
$753
2021
$802
2022
$824
2023
$850
2024
YearNational AvgYoY Change
2020$723โ€”
2021$753+4.1%
2022$802+6.5%
2023$824+2.7%
2024$850+3.2%

Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.

๐Ÿ’ฌ What Did You Pay?

Real costs reported by homeowners for SAT/ACT Test Prep in Des Moines

$887
Avg Reported
$621
Lowest Reported
$1,286
Highest Reported

Recent Reports

$665
Dallas, TX ยท Jan 2024
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$884
Chicago, IL ยท Feb 2024
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$835
Phoenix, AZ ยท Mar 2024
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$984
Denver, CO ยท Apr 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
$866
Atlanta, GA ยท May 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
$1,016
Seattle, WA ยท Jun 2024
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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.

Why does sat/act test prep cost different in Des Moines than other cities?

Des Moines's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the diversified economy, varied climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and moderate permitting requirements. The balanced labor market also influences competitive pricing.

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