Planning to take the GRE? The cost might surprise you. The exam fee itself is just the start. There are hidden expenses most students don’t see coming.
Registration charges vary by location. Then come the score reports, study materials, and prep courses. Some need multiple attempts, which means paying again. And if you miss your test date? That’s another fee.
Knowing the costs upfront helps you budget better. You won’t get caught off guard by unexpected charges.
This blog breaks down exactly how much the GRE costs and every extra expense you might face. You’ll learn where your money goes and how to save on test prep.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of the GRE exam fee and the total investment needed.
What is the GRE?
The GRE stands for Graduate Record Examination. It’s a standardized test that graduate schools use to evaluate applicants. Think of it as a way for universities to compare students from different backgrounds fairly.
The exam measures your verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Most master’s and doctoral programs require it. Business schools accept it too, alongside the GMAT.
The test is computer-based and takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
You can take it at test centers worldwide or from home. Educational Testing Service, or ETS, creates and administers the exam.
Your scores stay valid for five years. Many students take it during their final year of college or after graduation.
How Much Does the GRE General and GRE Subject Test Cost?
The GRE comes in two versions, and each has a different price tag. If you’re wondering how much the GRE costs, understanding both costs helps you choose the right test for your graduate program.
Let me break down what you’ll pay for each option.
GRE General Test Cost
The General Test is what most students take. It’s the standard exam that measures your overall academic readiness.
Here’s what it costs in different regions.
Cost Breakdown:
- United States, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico: $220
- China: $231.30
- All other locations worldwide: $255
The price difference depends on where you register and take the test. If you’re in the U.S., you’ll pay less than students in other countries.
This fee covers one test attempt and includes sending scores to up to four graduate programs. You pick these schools on test day, and ETS sends them your results for free.
The $220 fee in the U.S. is straightforward. You pay it when you register online through your ETS account.
International students face higher costs because of regional pricing policies. The $255 fee applies to most countries outside the U.S. and China. Payment methods include credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.
GRE Subject Test Cost
Subject Tests focus on specific fields like psychology, mathematics, or physics. Not all programs require them, but some specialized graduate schools do. The pricing is more straightforward than the General Test.
Cost Details:
- Worldwide fee: $150 for any subject test
- Available subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology
The $150 fee is the same no matter where you take the exam. You don’t get location-based discounts like with the General Test. This price includes score reports to up to four schools, just like the General Test.
Subject Tests happen on specific dates throughout the year. You can’t take them at home like the General Test.
You must go to a designated test center. The registration process is similar, but test dates are limited. Most students take Subject Tests only if their program requires them. Check with your target schools first before paying for one.
How Much is the GRE Additional Fees and Other Hidden Costs Involved
The test fee is just one part of your total expense. Several other charges can add up quickly.
Here’s a complete breakdown of what else you might need to pay.
| Service | Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Rescheduling fee | $50 | Change your test date or location if done at least 4 days before the exam |
| Late registration | $25 | Register 1-2 days before your preferred test date |
| Additional score reports | $27 per school | Send scores to programs beyond the four free ones included |
| ScoreSelect option | $0 | Choose which test scores to send if you’ve taken the GRE multiple times |
| Diagnostic service | $0 | Review your test performance and see which questions you missed |
| Subject test rescheduling | $50 | Change your Subject Test date (must be done before the deadline) |
GRE Fee Reduction Program – How to Save 50%
Not everyone has to pay full price for the GRE. ETS offers a fee reduction program that cuts your costs in half.
If you qualify, you can save over $100 on the exam.
- Who qualifies: U.S. citizens or residents who demonstrate financial need based on income guidelines set by ETS.
- How much you save: 50% off the General Test fee, reducing it from $220 to $110 in the U.S.
- How to apply: Request a voucher through your college’s financial aid office or undergraduate advisor.
- What’s included: The voucher covers the reduced test fee plus free access to POWERPREP Online prep materials.
- Limitations: You can receive only one fee reduction voucher per year, and it doesn’t apply to Subject Tests.
- Additional benefits: You also get 50% off additional score report fees if you need to send scores to more schools.
Check with your school’s financial aid office first. They’ll verify your eligibility and provide the voucher code.
Real-World Examples – Calculating Your Total GRE Expenses
Let me show you what students actually spend on the GRE. These real scenarios help you estimate your own costs.
Every situation is different, but these examples cover common cases.
Example 1: First-time test taker in the U.S. – Sarah paid $220 for the test and $50 for a prep book. She sent scores to four schools for free on test day. Her total came to $270.
Example 2: International student needing extra score reports – Ahmed in India paid $255 for the exam. He needed to send scores to six schools, so he paid $54 extra for two additional reports. Total cost: $309.
Example 3: A Student who rescheduled – Mike registered but had to reschedule once. He paid $220 plus a $50 rescheduling fee. His final expense was $270 before any prep materials.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly how much the GRE is and what other costs to expect. The base fee ranges from $220 to $255, depending on your location.
But remember, additional expenses like rescheduling, extra score reports, and prep materials can increase your total investment.
Plan your budget before you register. Apply for a fee reduction if you qualify. Send scores to four schools on test day to avoid extra charges.
And most importantly, prepare well so you don’t need to retake the exam.
Ready to register? Visit the official ETS website to book your test date. Your graduate school application starts here.
