The LSAT costs $253 for the 2026-2027 testing year. That price includes the LSAT Argumentative Writing section. But the test fee is only one part of the bill. Most students also pay for CAS, law school reports, and some kind of prep.
This guide lists every LSAT fee, what prep usually costs, and real budget examples. It also explains how to get many of these fees waived.
LSAT and LSAC Fees for 2026-2027
These are the official LSAC fees for the 2026-2027 testing year:
| Fee | Cost | Do You Need It? |
|---|---|---|
| LSAT (includes Argumentative Writing) | $253 | Yes |
| Credential Assembly Service (CAS) | $219 | Yes, for most law schools |
| CAS Law School Report | $45 per school | Yes, one for each school |
| LSAT-Only Law School Report | $45 per school | Only if a school asks for it |
| Score Preview (before the test) | $46 | Optional |
| Score Preview (after the test) | $87 | Optional |
| Official Candidate Score Report | $50 | Optional |
| Score Audit | $150 | Optional |
Prices can change each testing year. Always check LSAC before you pay.
What Is CAS and Why Do You Pay for It?
CAS stands for Credential Assembly Service. It collects your transcripts, letters of recommendation, and LSAT scores. Then it builds one report and sends it to each law school you apply to. Almost all ABA law schools require it.
You pay $219 once for CAS. It lasts five years. Then you pay $45 for each school that gets your report. So if you apply to 8 schools, reports cost $360.
What Is Score Preview?
Score Preview lets you see your score before you decide to keep it or cancel it. If you cancel, schools will not see the number. It costs $46 if you buy it before test day and $87 if you buy it after. It can be worth it for a first try, but most students skip it.
Test Date Change Fees
| When You Change Your Date | Cost |
|---|---|
| On or before the registration deadline | Free |
| Within 7 days after the deadline | $153 |
| 8 or more days after the deadline | $253 |
Tip: if you are not sure you will be ready, decide before the registration deadline. Moving your date is free until then. See the current LSAT registration deadlines.
How Much Does LSAT Prep Cost?
Prep is where costs differ the most. You can spend almost nothing or several thousand dollars.
| Prep Option | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Free LawHub practice tests | $0 | Everyone, to start |
| LawHub Advantage (official tests) | About $120 to $125 per year | Most students |
| LSAT prep books | $20 to $60 each | Self-studiers on a budget |
| Online self-paced course | About $100 to $1,000 | Students who want structure |
| Live online or in-person course | About $1,000 to $2,000+ | Students who need a class schedule |
| Private tutoring | About $100 to $400+ per hour | Students with a specific weak spot or a high goal |
Many courses use LawHub Advantage for practice tests, so you may need it even if you buy a course. Compare options in our best LSAT prep courses guide, our best LSAT prep books list, and our LSAT tutor guide.
Total LSAT Cost: 3 Real Budgets
Here is what the full process costs for a student who takes the LSAT once and applies to 8 law schools.
| Cost | Budget | Middle | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| LSAT | $253 | $253 | $253 |
| CAS | $219 | $219 | $219 |
| 8 law school reports | $360 | $360 | $360 |
| Prep | $125 (LawHub Advantage) | $800 (course + LawHub) | $3,000 (course + tutoring) |
| Application fees (about $75 each) | $600 | $600 | $600 |
| Total | About $1,560 | About $2,230 | About $4,430 |
Application fees are set by each school, not LSAC. Many schools charge $50 to $100. Some have no fee, and many give free fee waivers to strong applicants.
What Does It Cost to Retake the LSAT?
Each retake costs another $253. You do not pay for CAS again, since it lasts five years. Many students take the LSAT two or three times, so it is smart to plan for at least one retake in your budget.
A retake is often worth the money. A higher score can lead to scholarships worth far more than $253. Use our scholarship calculator to see how a few points could change your offer, and read should I retake the LSAT?
How to Get LSAT Fees Waived
LSAC offers fee waivers for students with financial need. If you qualify, a fee waiver can cover:
- The LSAT, including the writing section
- CAS
- Several law school reports
- A year of LawHub Advantage
You apply through your LSAC account. You will need to share your income and tax details. Apply before you register for the LSAT, because LSAC does not refund fees you already paid. Approval can take a few weeks, so start early.
Many law schools also waive their own application fees. They often do this for students with a fee waiver or a strong LSAT score.
Ways to Save Money on the LSAT
- Start free. Take a free official practice test on LawHub before you buy anything.
- Apply for a fee waiver if you might qualify, before you register.
- Register on time. Changing your date after the deadline costs up to $253.
- Do not take the real test “just to see.” Use practice tests for that. Every real test costs money and goes on your record.
- Pick prep that fits. If you study well alone, LawHub Advantage and one good course or book may be enough.
- Apply to the right number of schools. Each one costs a $45 report fee plus its application fee. Use our admissions chances calculator to build a smart list.
- Ask schools for fee waivers. Many will say yes, especially if your score is above their median.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the LSAT in 2026?
The LSAT costs $253 for the 2026-2027 testing year. This includes LSAT Argumentative Writing.
Is LSAT Writing a separate fee?
No. LSAT Argumentative Writing is included in the $253 LSAT fee. LSAC does not sell it as a standalone test.
Do I have to pay for CAS?
Almost always, yes. Nearly all ABA law schools require CAS. It costs $219 and lasts five years.
How much does it cost to apply to law school in total?
Most students spend about $1,500 to $4,500 when you add the LSAT, CAS, reports, application fees, and prep. Your total depends most on your prep choice and how many schools you apply to.
Is an expensive LSAT course worth it?
It can be, but price alone does not mean better results. The best choice is the one you will actually use every week. See our self-study vs prep course guide.
The Bottom Line
The LSAT fee is $253, but the full cost of applying to law school is usually $1,500 or more. Plan for CAS ($219), a $45 report for each school, application fees, and your prep. If money is tight, apply for an LSAC fee waiver first. Then start with a free practice test and check your score in our LSAT score calculator to see how much prep you really need.
Official Sources to Check
Use this guide for planning, then verify current test rules, score reporting, application requirements, and school disclosures with primary sources before making final decisions.
Can’t afford these fees? See if you qualify for an LSAC fee waiver, which can cover the LSAT, CAS, and law school reports.