How Much Does The LSAT Cost In 2026?

If you're asking how much the LSAT costs in 2026, the short version is this:

you should budget for more than just one test registration.

Most applicants pay for LSAT registration, CAS, and multiple CAS reports. Depending on how many schools you apply to, your total can move from the high hundreds into four figures.

Key takeaways

• As of February 12, 2026, LSAC lists LSAT registration at $248, CAS at $215, and each CAS report at $45.
• A realistic baseline for many applicants is roughly $700-$1,000+ once CAS reports are included.
• Optional fees (like Score Preview or test-date changes) can add meaningful extra cost.
• LSAC fee waivers can reduce costs substantially, but benefits depend on Tier 1 vs Tier 2.
• LSAT refund rules are deadline-based, and some fees are explicitly nonrefundable.

LSAT Cost Breakdown (2026)

Per LSAC's current LSAT & CAS Fees page:

What Most Applicants Actually Spend

Your total depends mostly on how many schools you apply to.

These are baseline totals before prep materials, tutoring, or optional LSAT add-ons.

Optional LSAT Fees That Can Increase Your Total

From LSAC's fee and scoring pages:

• LSAT Score Preview: $45 before testing, $85 after testing window.
• Score Audit: $150 (or $75 with pre-approved fee waiver).
• Test date change:
• through registration deadline: no charge
• up to 7 days after deadline: $150
• 8 days after deadline through day before testing: $248

If your schedule is unstable, this is where budgets often slip.

Retaking the LSAT: What It Costs

There is no discounted retake price.

Each additional attempt is another full registration fee. So two attempts means two LSAT registration payments, plus any extra optional fees you choose.

If you are deciding whether to retake, compare the expected score gain against the extra cost and timeline delay. This is where how long to study for LSAT matters as much as money.

How Fee Waivers Change the Math

LSAC's Fee Waiver program now uses a two-tier system.

Tier 1 (higher need)

Includes:

• one year of LawHub Advantage
• two LSAT registrations (with Score Preview)
• five-year CAS subscription
• 6 CAS reports

Tier 2

Includes:

• one year of LawHub Advantage
• one LSAT registration (with Score Preview)
• five-year CAS subscription
• 3 CAS reports

Important: LSAC requires specific steps (including LawHub tasks) to unlock the full benefit package.

Refund Rules You Should Know Before Registering

From LSAC's JD Refunds policy:

• LSAT registration can be fully refunded if you request by your administration's full-refund deadline.
• CAS fees are not refunded (LSAC ended CAS refunds in 2024).
• Auxiliary fees like Score Preview, Score Audit, and test-date-change fees are nonrefundable.

So if your timeline is uncertain, register only when you're likely to sit for that administration.

Hidden Costs Outside LSAC Fees

Even when LSAC fees are controlled, many students still spend significantly on:

• prep courses and tutoring
• extra prep tests/resources
• school-specific application fees (if not waived)
• transcript and document logistics

To control this part of spending, start with a realistic prep plan from best way to study for the LSAT.

FAQs About LSAT Cost

How much does it cost to apply to law school through LSAC?

For many applicants, LSAT + CAS + multiple CAS reports lands around the high hundreds to low thousands, depending on number of schools and retakes.

Does LSAT Writing cost extra?

No. LSAT registration includes LSAT Argumentative Writing.

Is Score Preview required?

No. It's optional.

Can I get all my law school application fees waived through LSAC?

Not automatically for every school. Some schools waive their own app fee for LSAC fee-waiver recipients, but policies vary by school.

What's the best budget-safe strategy?

Pick a target test date you can actually keep, avoid avoidable rescheduling fees, and decide your school list early so CAS report costs are planned in advance.