SAT season is a trying time for college-bound seniors—and those who care for them.
From finding the right course to maximizing the value of your investment, the many factors to consider when choosing a test preparation class can detract from more important tasks—like finding the right college and finishing the school year.
Use this guide to the cost of SAT prep courses—from affordable options to elite SAT prep – to choose the best method to fit your needs.
The Average Cost of SAT Prep Courses
Many different types of SAT prep courses are available at various price points.
However, the average cost of quality SAT prep typically falls between $400 and $1,000, with elite test prep costing between $1,500 and $3,000.
Remember that a pricier course may only sometimes generate better results, as learning styles differ from student to student.
Several factors may influence the price of an SAT course. These are:
- Class size
- Instructor credentials
- Course quality
- Course Materials
- Projected Score Guarantee
- Length of time required
- Direct vs. indirect instruction
We will explore each factor at length below, discussing how each affects the cost of ACT prep courses.
Class Size
The cost of an SAT class typically has an inverse relationship to class size.
The larger your class, the less costly your course will likely be. This is because students are less likely to receive direct, targeted instruction in a heavily populated classroom—and class size often influences achievement.
Class size only sometimes dictates cost since elite test prep institutions often teach in a group setting and may charge more than a private tutor.
Instructor Credentials
Your instructor’s qualifications may affect the cost of your course.
For instance, if you receive direct instruction from a college professor with CollegeBoard credentials, you will likely pay more than if you hired a college student as a tutor.
In general, opting for a qualified instructor is worth the investment (if it fits your budget) since the quality of instruction may affect your score.
However, remember that credentials don’t include accreditations; a high-scoring college student may provide more support than an overwhelmed professor with 30 students.
Course Quality
Your course’s quality is difficult to measure since everyone has different learning styles and will adapt to other contexts.
However, when assessing quality, consider the breadth of the curriculum, the materials used, the institution backing your course, and the availability of practice opportunities.
Course Materials
The cost of your SAT prep course may include course materials.
If you have to purchase a book, you will spend more than if your tutor or instructor provides free materials.
If you use a big-name test prep provider like Kaplan, you may pay more because of the higher quality of course materials.
Projected Score Guarantee
Some test prep providers may base their prices on projected scores.
If your chosen course offers a high-score guarantee, it may require a more significant investment.
Length of Time
Your investment will largely depend on the number of sessions or classes you take—and the length of those sessions.
For example, opting for a comprehensive, six-month course will likely cost more than a two-month boot camp-style method.
Direct vs. Indirect Instruction
Live classes typically cost more than asynchronous classes—those you complete on your own time.
For example, taking a virtual, asynchronous course on a platform like Thinkific will likely cost less than a live class with direct instruction and participation requirements.
Cost of SAT Prep Classes by Format
There are several different types of SAT prep courses available at varying costs.
The most popular SAT prep format is working in a live, group setting. While group classes are typically more affordable than individual tutoring, costs may vary according to the above variables.
Elite test prep courses, such as Kaplan and Sylvan, offer virtual classrooms.
Additionally, you can opt for one-on-one tutoring sessions. Costs vary across tutors depending on credentials and the number of sessions required.
Lastly, asynchronous, virtual courses allow students to go at their own pace. Since these typically offer little to no direct instruction, they are often cheaper than alternatives.
How to Choose Your Course Type
In choosing the best SAT prep course for your needs, you should consider which approach will best serve your learning needs—and fit your budget.
If you require direct instruction, for example, working with a tutor may offer more opportunities for targeted practice. Although tutors are typically more expensive than group classes, you can manipulate other cost variables to find a tutor that fits your price.
For example, consider working with a college student rather than an accredited professor if you will benefit most from one-to-one instruction.
How Much Do SAT Prep Courses Cost?
Although most SAT prep courses cost between $300 and $2,500, many options are available at different price points.
The top SAT prep courses typically charge over $2,500. Each class appears below with the various pricing packages available through the given institution.
Consider the most popular, elite SAT courses below to determine if each fits your budget and learning needs.
If not, keep reading since we provide low-cost SAT prep course options later in the article.
Private SAT Tutoring Cost
Private tutors charge anywhere from $45 to $100 an hour, but prices may vary according to your tutor’s credentials, institutional affiliation, and other factors listed above.
Tutoring is an excellent option for one-to-one support and targeted direct instruction.
For low-cost tutors, simply search for college students and freelance tutors with affordable pricing packages.
Kaplan SAT Prep Cost
Kaplan is a leading SAT prep provider that typically hires SAT experts to teach courses across different formats.
- On-Demand Courses with Kaplan start at $199. With this option, you can access 30-minute videos every day and attend content review and strategy sessions led by professionals.
- Live Online Courses with Kaplan start at $699 and consist of live, digital classes in which you work with other students and a qualified instructor.
- Unlimited Prep offers access to different learning formats and starts at $1,999.
- In-person Courses are generally the most expensive, and with Kaplan, you will pay between $3,000 and $6,200.
Kaplan does offer a money-back guarantee for students who do not meet the institution’s projected score, though the contract may include additional stipulations.
Sylvan SAT Prep Cost
Sylvan is a leading provider of SAT preparation and tutoring services.
Sylvan has locations in most major cities and suburbs and also offers digital resources and courses.
According to the website, private tutoring starts at $49 an hour.
Classes and camps typically cost upwards of $199 and SAT prep classes start at $999.
Sylvan also offers financing options for tutoring and SAT prep.
Elite SAT Prep Cost
Elite Educational Institute is a world-renowned test prep and for-credit course provider.
This organization prioritizes academic tutoring and mentorship, so prices are generally higher than most other institutions.
Students take structured, live classes online with expert instructions. They can track their progress on the Elite App and benefit from the institution’s rigorous curriculum.
Elite SAT prep typically costs upwards of $3,000 for intensive boot camps and $1,000–$3,000 for regular classes.
C2 SAT Prep Cost
C2 Education is a tutoring company and test prep provider that guarantees quality test prep with qualified faculty and offers tutoring, college admission counseling, and webinars.
C2 Education offers one-on-one at-home tutoring sessions between $75 to $100.
Huntington SAT Prep Cost
Huntington Learning Center is another test prep provider that offers live classes and private tutoring.
General subject tutoring starts at $40–$75 an hour, while SAT prep courses generally cost $1,220 per student for 14 hours and $2,645 per student for 32 hours of tutoring.
When working with Huntington, you may also have to pay an initial assessment fee of $55–$120.
Compass SAT Prep Cost
Compass Education is a test preparation company that offers SAT prep bundles.
Compass offers three pricing packages with different features. These include:
- The Essential Program, which costs $3,750 but is currently $3,150, includes ten 90-minute lessons of private tutoring, three proctored tests, and a $300 enrollment fee.
- The Comprehensive Program costs $5,120 but is currently available for $4,300. This program includes fourteen 90-minute lessons, four proctored or digital tests, and an enrollment fee.
- The Premium Program costs $7,150 but is currently available for $6,000. This program includes the enrollment fee, twenty 90-minute lessons, and five proctored or digital practice tests.
However, if you don’t want to opt for a prepaid package, you can pay an initial deposit and incur a charge per additional session.
Low-Cost SAT and ACT Prep Courses
Many families can’t afford the cost of elite test preparation programs. However, the reputation of a particular program or institution doesn’t always determine your score.
You don’t need to make a substantive investment to reap the benefits of SAT tutoring or prep courses. Consider the low-cost SAT and ACT prep course options below to find one that fits your budget.
Where to Find Low-Cost SAT and ACT Prep Courses?
There are several places you can look for affordable test preparation courses and tutors.
First, consider hiring a college student with high test scores to tutor you. Because college students have recently taken the SAT or ACT, they can significantly help at a low cost.
Additionally, consider checking out several online education platforms, like Thinkific, Teachable, and Coursera, to find affordable, asynchronous SAT course options.
Lastly, you can work with a smaller organization or institution.
Although many smaller institutions do not boast the reputation of elite test prep providers, many are just as comprehensive and high-quality—and generate comparable score results.
Magoosh SAT Online Course
Magoosh offers on-demand SAT classes at affordable prices.
Magoosh is an online education platform that caters to college-bound seniors and prospective graduate students.
This company offers a $129 prepaid package that includes one year of access to all the platform’s online SAT resources.
This can act as a stand-alone prep resource or you can pair it with a low-cost private tutor to ensure you receive direct instruction.
Princeton Review SAT Self-Paced Course
Princeton Review is one of the industry’s most expensive test preparation providers. However, the company also offers a self-paced digital course option that costs $199 for one year of access.
With this package, you can access most of Princeton Review’s ACT and SAT materials to practice, or take classes independently.
The platform offers over 280 online videos, 277 drills, and over 3,200 online practice questions, so it is a cost-effective investment.
Kranse Institute Self-Paced SAT Prep Course
Kranse Institute is a test preparation institution of Shark Tank fame.
This company offers a comprehensive, asynchronous online course for $499. The system includes 147 video lectures, 540 days of access, printable practice tests, and lifetime access to the mobile app for on-the-go studying.
This company also offers frequent promotions, and the platform is currently 50% off.
Small, Local Test Prep Providers
To minimize the cost of your SAT prep class, consider selecting a smaller institution in your local area.
Most major cities and towns have independent test prep providers that offer comprehensive courses at competitive prices. You can also find online tutoring or test prep classes that better fit your budget.
The benefit of choosing a small institution is that you are likely to receive more on-demand support and direct instructions.
Additionally, smaller institutions often generate the same results as their elite counterparts, proving that instruction—rather than branding—is what matters most.
Free SAT Prep Courses and Resources
For students needing additional resources or families with tight budgets, free ACT and SAT resources can offer tremendous value—at no cost.
Consider the free resources below to supplement your SAT prep course or replace it altogether.
YouTube
YouTube offers a vast database of SAT and ACT resources.
Reputable companies like Kaplan and Huntington often offer free video tutorials and strategy overviews on YouTube. Still, you can also find quality multimedia resources from independent content creators, teachers, and college students.
Khan Academy Official SAT Course
Khan Academy is one of the leading educational platforms on the market—and it’s free.
Simply enter your information and begin browsing the available videos to sign up. Khan Academy offers hundreds of videos on SAT content, strategy, and resources and can be invaluable for any college-bound senior.
Collegeboard.org
The College Board is the organization that offers the SAT, so its resources are updated and relevant.
You can access the College Board website for free SAT questions and test preparation materials—at no cost.
Additionally, College Board offers an SAT question of the day to help you brush up on valuable content.
Wrapping Up
Choosing a test prep course can be overwhelming.
With this guide, you can assess the varying costs of SAT prep classes and find one that fits your budget.
Remember that branding and popularity don’t necessarily correlate with high scores—you can excel on the SAT and beyond without support from a central institution or test prep provider.
What matters most is rigorous practice.
