How much does the TOEFL cost in the United States?
The headline number is $270, but most people who pay more than that pay for something avoidable. Here is every fee ETS lists, and which ones you control.
The TOEFL iBT registration fee in the United States is US$270. US prices exclude sales, use and similar taxes, which ETS adds when you place the order. The fee covers the test itself and score reports sent to up to four institutions; every other charge — express registration, rescheduling, extra score reports, score reviews — is separate.
Every TOEFL fee, from ETS
| What | Fee |
|---|---|
| Test registration (United States) | US$270 |
| Express registration — inside 7 days of the test date | US$49 |
| Rescheduling | US$69 |
| Additional score report, per institution | US$29 |
| Reinstating scores you cancelled at the test centre | US$20 |
| Score review — Speaking or Writing | US$80 |
| Score review — Speaking and Writing | US$160 |
| Express Scoring | US$129 |
| Returned payment | US$30 |
The registration fee varies by country; $270 is the figure ETS lists for the United States. In the US the price is quoted before tax — sales, use or similar taxes are added at checkout.
What the $270 already covers
- The test itself — all four sections, at a test centre or at home.
- Score reports to up to four institutions or agencies you nominate. Choose them before test day and they cost nothing extra.
- Your own score report in your ETS account, posted about three days after the test.
Nominating institutions on test day is free. Adding one afterwards is US$29 each. Four universities added later is $116 of avoidable cost — more than a third of the test fee.
The fees you can avoid
- Register more than 7 days out — saves $49Regular online registration closes 7 full days before the test date. Register inside that window and ETS charges the express fee on top.
- If you must move the date, move it at least 4 full days out — saves $270Rescheduling costs $69, but missing the 4-day deadline forfeits the whole fee: cancel or reschedule later than that and nothing is refunded.
- Nominate your four score recipients on test day — saves $29 eachThey are included. Every institution added later is billed separately.
- Do not cancel scores at the test centre on impulse — saves $20Cancelling your scores at the end of the test forfeits the fee and gets no refund; reinstating them later costs $20.
If you cancel
Cancel by the 4-full-day deadline and ETS automatically refunds 50% of the original test fee, in the currency you paid, to the original payment method. Cancel later than that — or simply not turn up — and there is no refund at all. Rescheduling instead costs $69 and keeps the whole fee alive, so if you are wavering, moving the date is almost always cheaper than cancelling.
Reduced fees for US high school seniors
ETS runs a TOEFL Fee Reduction Service for high school seniors in the United States with demonstrated financial need who are applying to institutions that recommend or require TOEFL scores. If that describes you, check eligibility with your school counsellor before paying full price.
What preparation adds
The test fee is the fixed part. Preparation is where budgets differ wildly — a private tutor can cost more per month than the exam does once. PrepScore is $0 to practise daily, or $39.90 once for unlimited access, which is under 15% of the test fee. Retaking the test because you were not ready costs another $270.
Practise the 2026 format, not the old one
Every task type in the current test, a full explanation on every question, and a band estimate that shows where your next half band comes from.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the TOEFL in the US?
US$270 for the registration fee, before tax. US prices exclude sales, use and similar taxes, which ETS adds when you place the order. The fee includes score reports to up to four institutions.
Does the TOEFL fee include sending scores?
Yes, to up to four institutions or agencies you nominate. Each additional score report after that costs US$29.
How much does it cost to reschedule the TOEFL?
US$69, and you must reschedule at least 4 full days before your test date. Miss that deadline and your test fee is not refunded at all.
Can I get a TOEFL refund?
If you cancel by the 4-full-day deadline, ETS automatically refunds 50% of the original test fee to your original payment method. Cancelling later, or not attending, refunds nothing.
Why do I see different TOEFL prices online?
Two reasons. The registration fee genuinely varies by country, so a price quoted for another location will not match. And many third-party pages are out of date — some still quote the retired format’s score turnaround alongside their fees. ETS’s own fee table, with your location selected, is the only figure worth trusting.
Is there a cheaper TOEFL option?
ETS runs a Fee Reduction Service for US high school seniors with financial need. Beyond that, the fee is fixed — the savings available to everyone are in avoiding the express registration, rescheduling and extra score report charges.
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