How Much Does it Cost to Take the GRE
Taking the GRE is a big decision not just academically, but financially too. It can be a big financial burden if you don't prepare yourself ahead of time for the costs.
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Keep reading to learn what the GRE costs and how you can keep your costs to a minimum.
The Cost of the General GRE Test
The cost in most areas of the world to take the GRE is $205 (in US dollars). This fee is subject to change at any time, though. With this fee, you have the ability to take the test one time, have access to your scores online, and can choose up to four universities to send your scores to.
As an added bonus, if you take the computer-delivered GRE versus the paper-delivered, you have access to the GRE Diagnostic Service. This service helps you see the areas you struggled with in the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning sections.
It breaks each section down for you, showing you the types of questions you answered correctly, and the types that you didn't answer correctly. This can help you focus on the areas you need help in before retaking the exam.
The Educational Testing Service (ETS) offers a variety of free resources to help you prepare for the GRE. If you want additional prep courses, though, they can cost anywhere from $20 to $72 through ETS. You also have the option of hiring a private tutor or using an outside company, which can cost up to several thousand dollars.
The Cost of the Subject GRE Test
If you have knowledge in a particular field of study, you may also want to take the GRE Subject Test that coincides with your field of study. The subject tests each cost $150 worldwide and are available for:
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Math
- Psychology
- Literature
In certain areas of the world, the GRE test has a different fee. In Australia, it costs $230, China $231.50, Nigeria $220, and Turkey $255. In all other areas of the world, it costs $205.
The Additional Costs for the GRE Test
The GRE test also has "Special Handling Request Fees" that you should be aware of:
Late Registration for Paper-Delivered Test
If you miss the registration deadline, you may still be able to register online for the paper test if the test has open spots. It will cost you an addition $25 to do so.
Taking the GRE your second, third, or even fourth time requires the same process and fees as when you took it the first time. The only exception to the rule is that you don't have to create another account. You just go through the registration process for a test on another date.
Standby Testing
If you live in an area where online testing isn't available, you may be able to show up at the testing center on the day you'd like to take the test and register for Standby Testing. You must have a completed registration and pay for the test, plus the $25 Standby Testing Fee if there is room for you to take the test.
Rescheduling
You may be able to reschedule your GRE test if you can't make the chosen date/time. You must make the change at least four days before the test date (10 days in China). The cost is $50 in the US and all other parts of the world except China, which costs $53.90.
Changing Your Test Center
You may be able to change your test center, if there's room. It will cost you an additional $50 to do so, though.
You have up until four days (10 days in China) before the test date to cancel your test. You will get a refund, but it's half of the fee that you paid. Refunds are provided in US dollars and refunded in the method that you paid (credit card, PayPal, or check).
Who Is Eligible for a GRE Waiver?
The GRE does offer what they call a GRE Fee Reduction Program. If you can demonstrate financial need, you may receive a waiver that reduces the GRE fee by 50%.
The vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You must meet the following requirements to qualify as a college senior:
- Currently be receiving financial aid for your undergraduate school.
- Your parental contribution shouldn't exceed $2,500, or $3,000 if you are self-supporting.
If you've already graduated college, you must meet the following requirements to be eligible for a waiver:
- You applied for financial aid.
- You have self-supporting status and don't have contributions of more than $3,000.
If you've used your four free recipients for your score immediately after taking the test, you can request that additional recipients receive the scores, but for a fee of $27 per recipient.
What Is the Cost for Score Review Services?
If you want to retake your GRE, you may want to know what you got wrong and where you need to place your focus. For a fee, you can get assistance with reviewing not only your scores, but the questions you answered incorrectly:
- Question and Answer Review Service: For $50, you can review the questions in both the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning that you answered incorrectly. You'll see the questions as well as the correct answers.
- Score Review for Analytical Writing: If you don't feel that your score on the Analytical Writing portion of the test is correct, you can request a rescore for a fee of $60. You have up to three months to request this.
- Score Review for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning: If you took the paper-delivered GRE, you can request a rescore of the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning score for a fee of $50.
If you cancel your score after seeing it immediately after taking the computer-delivered version of the GRE, you can reinstate the score if you want. Once you cancel the score, it disappears off your record. If within 60 days you change your mind, you can pay $50 to have the score reinstated. There really isn't much of a reason to cancel your score, though. You get to select which scores universities receive. This means you don't have to send them the scores that you don't like.
Bottom Line
Keep the cost of your GRE exam down by preparing yourself as much as possible for the exam. Also, make sure that you only schedule the test on a date that you know you can make and at a location that is convenient for you.
Minimizing the cost can reduce the financial burden and give you a little more peace of mind as you take this difficult exam.
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