If you’re thinking about taking the GRE, remember that the GRE cost includes more than just the test fee, and can be highly personalized. So asking “How much does the GRE cost?” (or more likely, “Why is the GRE so expensive?!”) requires a little more context.
The very short answer is that it costs $220 (in most places) to take the GRE. That said, there are plenty of other fees and moving parts involved in taking the GRE, so let’s do a deeper dive into GRE test costs so you know what to expect.
How much does the GRE Cost (2024)?
First, let’s get clear on the standard registration fee for the entire GRE exam:
| Location | Fee |
|---|---|
| China | $231.30 |
| India | $228 |
| All other areas of the world | $220 |
Next, here’s a breakdown of other GRE special handling fees:
| Special Request | Fee |
|---|---|
| Rescheduling Fee (China) | $53.90 |
| Rescheduling Fee (All other areas of the world) | $50 |
| Changing Your Testing Center Fee | $50 |
Now, you should also know that the GRE charges for some scoring services, as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| View Scores Online | Free |
| Print Official Examinee Score Report Online | Free |
| GRE Diagnostic Service (GRE General Test only) | Free |
| Additional Score Reports | $35 each |
| Question-and-Answer Review Service — For Verbal Reasoning & Quantitative Reasoning Sections (available to New York state residents only) | $50 |
| Score Review for Analytical Writing measure | $60 |
| Score Reinstatement Fee | $50 |
All of the above information pertains to the general GRE General Test, but what if you are planning to take a GRE subject test? Here are all of the fees you’ll want to be aware of:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| All GRE subject Tests (worldwide) | $150 |
| Late Registration Fee (online registration only) | $25 |
| Standby Testing | $50 |
| Rescheduling fee | $50 |
| Changing Your Testing Center | $50 |
| Changing Your Subject Test | $50 |
| Viewing Scores Online | FREE |
| Print Official Test-taker Score Report Online | FREE |
| Additional Score Report (ASR) requests — per recipient | $35 each |
| Score Review | $50 |
| Score Reinstatement Fee | $50 |
How much does the GRE at home cost?
In a very exciting turn of events (and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic), you can now take the GRE at home! To learn more, check out our post on taking the GRE at home.
As far as the cost of taking the GRE at home, all of the fees are the exact same as taking the GRE general test at a testing center. This is a great set of FAQs about taking the GRE at home if you’d like more information.
And just like taking the GRE General Test in person, you can use a voucher to pay for the GRE at home (more on this shortly).
GRE Cost With Study Materials
Most people opt to do a little more than just sign up for the test, making the cost of GRE prep higher. Check out the infographic below to understand the additional costs you might incur when tackling the GRE.
- GRE cost for the lean self-studier (Cost: <$20)
You can buy one book and learn quite a bit for less than $20–a good plan if you are a book learner without much money to spend. If you go this route, don’t pick up just any GRE book. Take a look at our GRE book reviews to see which one is worth your study time. - GRE cost for the ambitious self-studier (Cost: $150 – $200)
If you aim to do well, there are a wealth of helpful materials you will want to avail yourself of. I’d recommend any of the eight Manhattan GRE books or practice tests, the Manhattan 5 lb Book of GRE Practice Problem, Barron’s 6 GRE Practice Tests, and Magoosh Math + Verbal to round it out. - GRE cost for the classroom plan: Free – $2,300
You can lower the cost of GRE prep considerably with the free classes offered by some colleges. Typically, you have to be enrolled in the college. However, from what I’ve heard the classes have a bare-bones approach, at best. Then, there are Manhattan, Kaplan, and Princeton Review courses, which will add to your GRE cost. - GRE cost for a private tutor: $500 – $5,000
If you think the classroom format sounds like a mixed bag, here’s what you can expect from the tutors: Bob, whom you find off of Craigslist for $20/hr, has never taken the GRE, but once took the SAT. He tells you he is really good at math and shows you all his “tricks.”Then there is a tutor with 15 years’ experience, who lives and breathes the GRE, has hundreds of glowing testimonials, and writes his/her own test questions (incidentally, you also found this tutor on Craigslist). Of course the latter tutor may cost you as much as $150/hr. Private tuition offered through MGRE or Kaplan can be even more expensive.
- GRE cost for a class + private tutor: $2,000 to $9,000
If you are very ambitious—and have very deep pockets—then this final path may describe you. To be frank, despite the cost, this plan doesn’t always bear fruit. I have heard of students spending upwards of $6,000, only to have their scores move up by a single increment or two.Yet if you really need to get a high score, and you notice that you are continually improving over the months, then this plan might make sense.
Ultimately, you have to see what works for you, so GRE tests will vary. We’d still recommend the self-study route first. If that doesn’t cut it, and you find yourself studying an hour a week, then look into a class or tutor. At that point though, expect to pay a lot more.
Additional GRE Resources
Once you’ve determined how much you’re willing to spend on the GRE and have a sense of GRE cost, you can schedule your test. Check out this guide on when to take the GRE.
Learn how to apply for GRE Fee Waivers!
You can also check out this ultimate guide to the GRE to help you get started with prep.
And, finally, here is a very special discount coupon from Magoosh to help make your GRE test prep even more affordable. We’re delighted to start you off on your GRE cost savings by offering 10% off a Magoosh plan—just enter the code GREONABUDGET10 at checkout!
Good luck and happy studying!
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