If you’re planning to go to grad school, business school, or even law school, you’ve probably asked: How much does the GRE cost? I review test prep tools for a living, and one thing I’ve learned is that most students underestimate the total cost until it’s too late.
So I took a closer look. Registration fees, subject tests, rescheduling charges, score reports, and even prep courses all add up. But there are also ways to save. If you’re budgeting for the GRE, this guide breaks it all down.
Key Takeaways
- The GRE isn’t just a one-time fee. Test takers should plan for a range of costs, including prep, score reports, and possible rescheduling.
- Applying to multiple programs can increase your total GRE expenses. Submitting GRE scores for schools not included in the standard package incurs an additional charge.
- GRE Subject Tests are separate and priced accordingly. These exams are often required for applicants to science and engineering programs.
- Fee reduction options exist for those who qualify. First-generation students, those receiving financial aid, or individuals experiencing unemployment may be eligible for a 50% discount.
- High-quality prep can be a wise investment. Programs like PrepScholar, Achievable, and Kaplan offer structured support that can help boost your score and save you time.
What Is the GRE?
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test used by thousands of graduate programs worldwide to assess readiness for advanced academic study. It’s administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is accepted by programs in business, science, engineering, law, and the arts.
There are two types of GREs:
- GRE General Test: Measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
- GRE Subject Tests: Available in fields like Physics, Mathematics, and Psychology. These are more specialized.
Both test types have separate fees and policies.
How Much Does the GRE General Test Cost?
As of 2026 , the registration fee for the GRE General Test is $220, whether you take it online at home or at a test center. This includes:
- Your GRE test day appointment
- Access to official GRE prep materials
- The ability to submit GRE scores to up to four graduate programs
If you’re planning to take the GRE in China or India, you’ll need to budget slightly more. ETS charges additional regional fees, bringing the total to approximately $231.30 in China and $228 in India.
How Much Does the GRE Subject Test Cost?
Planning to take a GRE Subject Test? The fee is $150 per subject. These tests are offered in a limited number of fields and are administered on select dates throughout the year.
While the General Test focuses on skills like verbal reasoning and analytical writing, the Subject Tests are more content-specific. They’re essential for students applying to engineering and science programs.
Additional GRE Fees You Should Know About
Understanding the GRE cost goes beyond just the registration fee. Here’s a complete list of optional (but often necessary) services and their prices:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Reschedule Test | $50 |
| Change Test Center | $50 |
| Cancel GRE Test (≥ 4 days before the test) | 50% refund ($110) |
| Additional Score Reports | $35 each |
| Reinstate Cancelled Scores | $50 |
Note: If you miss the deadline to reschedule or cancel (within four days of your GRE test date), you forfeit the full test fee.
How to Reduce the GRE Cost
ETS offers a GRE Fee Reduction Program designed to help students with financial need, especially:
- First-generation college students
- College seniors or enrolled undergraduate students
- Individuals receiving unemployment benefits
- Students in federally funded programs such as TRIO or Upward Bound
If approved, you’ll receive a GRE fee reduction voucher that cuts the cost of the GRE General Test by 50%, bringing it down to just $110. The same applies to one GRE Subject Test.
I applied for the fee reduction as a low-income, first-generation college student. The process required a simple statement of financial need and a quick confirmation from my program coordinator. I got approved within a week and used the savings toward a prep course.
To apply, visit the ETS GRE Fee Reduction Program page.
Official GRE Prep Materials and Costs
ETS provides free prep resources, including:
- Two official practice tests (POWERPREP)
- Sample questions for quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning
- Analytical writing samples with scoring guides
But for most test takers, official GRE prep materials alone aren’t enough. If you’re aiming for a high final score, especially in competitive graduate programs, you’ll likely benefit from a comprehensive test prep plan.
GRE Test Day: What to Expect
On GRE test day, whether at home or a test center, you’ll complete three core sections:
- Verbal Reasoning (2 sections)
- Quantitative Reasoning (2 sections)
- Analytical Writing (1 section with two tasks)
Your final score includes the verbal and quantitative sections, reported in half-point increments on a scale of 130 to 170. The analytical writing section is scored on a scale of 0 to 6.
How to Send and Understand GRE Scores
Your GRE scores are valid for five years. When you register, you can choose to send scores to up to four graduate programs for free. If you want to send them to additional programs, each score report costs $35.
GRE scores are accepted by:
- Thousands of graduate programs
- Over 1,300 business schools
- Many law schools (as an alternative to the LSAT)
Some students worry about how their score compares to others. Remember, GRE performance is just one part of your application, along with GPA, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Tips for First-Time GRE Test Takers
Here are a few firsthand tips I wish I had known when I first began reviewing GRE prep tools:
- Start early. Six to eight weeks is ideal for most students, but give yourself more time if possible.
- Invest in quality prep. Free tools are excellent for warm-ups, but comprehensive prep courses offer a more in-depth strategy.
- Take full-length practice exams. Simulate a test day to build stamina and identify weak points.
- Don’t ignore the writing section. Even if it’s not the highest-weighted, most schools still consider it.
Top GRE Prep Courses to Consider
Here are three high-quality GRE test prep companies I’ve personally reviewed:
PrepScholar GRE: PrepScholar offers one of the most personalized online GRE prep experiences. Their adaptive course technology adjusts to your skill level as you go, helping you focus on the areas where you need the most improvement. The lessons are clear, and the progress-tracking features make it easy to stay motivated.
Try it if: You want a fully online, customized course that adapts to your strengths and weaknesses.
Target Test Prep GRE: Target Test Prep excels particularly in quantitative reasoning. Their step-by-step approach to math concepts, paired with profound video lessons and detailed explanations, makes it a favorite among STEM students. The platform also offers progress analytics, allowing you to track exactly where you stand.
Try it if: You’re aiming for a high quant score or applying to engineering and science programs.
Achievable GRE: Achievable’s platform is clean, minimal, and ideal for students who prefer a straightforward study experience. It uses spaced repetition and integrated review to help you master vocabulary and key concepts efficiently. Their verbal reasoning coverage is especially well-designed for first-time test takers.
Try it if: You want a lightweight, affordable prep course that still delivers solid results.
Many students pair one of these courses with ETS’s official practice tests to get both the structure of a professional program and the feel of real test-day questions.
Final Verdict
If your chosen graduate programs require or accept GRE scores, the exam is a worthwhile investment. Still, the total cost of taking the GRE can range from around $220 to $300 or more, depending on your prep choices and the number of schools you apply to.
With thoughtful planning and the right GRE prep resources, most students can avoid unnecessary fees and walk into test day feeling fully prepared.
FAQs
The GRE General Test measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, and it can be taken at home or a test center.
Only if your program requires it, subject Tests are available in areas such as Math, Physics, and Psychology, and are more content-specific than the General Test.
Yes. Typical extra costs include rescheduling, changing your test center, sending additional score reports, or reinstating canceled scores.
ETS offers a fee reduction program for students who meet specific financial or educational eligibility requirements, including those who are first-generation college students.
The GRE test can be tough, so begin studying at least six weeks before testing with official practice materials, then utilize a prep course to establish structure and strategy.
