For many GRE test takers, the cost of the exam is one of the first practical questions that comes up when planning for graduate school. The GRE test, officially known as the Graduate Record Examination, has a set registration fee, but additional costs can apply depending on how and when you take the test.
Here’s what to know about how much the GRE costs, what’s included, and how eligible students can pay less.
Key Takeaways
- GRE General Test Cost: The GRE General Test costs $220 in most countries.
- GRE Subject Test Cost: GRE Subject Tests cost $175 and are only required for some graduate programs.
- What the GRE Fee Includes: Registration covers one test attempt, four free score reports, and access to the GRE Diagnostic Service.
- Additional GRE Fees: Extra charges may apply for additional score reports, rescheduling, or changing test centers.
- GRE Fee Reduction Program: Eligible test takers can lower costs through ETS’s official GRE fee reduction program.
GRE General Test Cost
The GRE General Test costs $220 in most countries. This is the standard fee set by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE.
The fee is the same whether you take the computer adaptive test at a test center or, where available, at home. Registration covers one exam attempt and access to official score reporting.
GRE Subject Test Cost
A GRE Subject Test costs $175. These exams are designed for test takers applying to specialized graduate programs and assess subject-specific knowledge rather than general skills like verbal reasoning or analytical writing.
Not all graduate schools require GRE Subject Tests, so candidates should check program requirements before registering.
What the GRE Fee Includes
The GRE registration fee includes:
- One GRE test attempt
- Four free score reports sent to graduate programs
- Official GRE scores for verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing
- Access to the GRE Diagnostic Service, which breaks down performance by question type
Your final score is typically available within 10 to 15 days after test day.
Additional GRE Fees
Some services related to the GRE come with extra costs.
Additional Score Reports
Sending GRE test scores to schools beyond the four included reports costs $40 per program.
Changing Your Test Date
Rescheduling your GRE test date costs $55, as long as the change is made before the deadline.
Changing Test Centers
Switching test centers also costs $55, which can matter for test takers who move or need a different location.
GRE Fee Reduction Program
ETS offers a GRE fee reduction program for eligible test takers who can demonstrate financial need.
Approved applicants pay a reduced fee of $100 for the GRE General Test and/or 50% off a subject test. To qualify, test takers typically must show proof of financial aid eligibility or participation in certain national programs, such as documentation related to unemployment benefits.
The program also provides discounts on official practice tests and preparation materials.
Other Costs to Consider
The GRE exam fee is often just one part of the total cost of applying to graduate school. Additional expenses may include:
- Graduate program application fees
- GRE prep courses or official practice tests
- Retaking the GRE, if needed
Planning ahead can help test takers avoid last-minute expenses and choose the right test date.
Is the GRE Worth the Cost?
While some graduate programs have made the GRE optional, many still consider GRE scores when evaluating applicants. Strong performance, especially in verbal reasoning and analytical writing, can help demonstrate readiness for graduate-level work.
Before registering, test takers should confirm whether their target graduate program requires or recommends GRE scores.
FAQs
The GRE General Test costs $220, while GRE Subject Tests cost $175.
Yes. The registration fee includes sending official GRE scores to up to four graduate programs.
Yes. ETS offers a GRE fee reduction program for eligible test takers who can demonstrate financial need.
No. The cost is the same whether you take the GRE at a test center or at home, where available.
Yes. Each GRE attempt requires a new registration fee. The GRE can be hard for some, so make sure to study long enough to get your target score, so you don’t have to keep retaking it.
