The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test required for admission to many graduate schools and business programs worldwide. Administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS), the GRE assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. Preparing for and taking the GRE involves various costs, which can add up significantly.
Importance of Understanding GRE Costs
Understanding the costs associated with the GRE is crucial for effective financial planning. Being aware of these expenses can help you budget appropriately and avoid any last-minute financial surprises. This guide aims to provide detailed insights into all aspects of GRE-related costs to ensure you are well-prepared financially.
GRE Registration Fees
General Test Registration Fee
The GRE General Test registration fee varies depending on your location. As of 2023, the fees are as follows:
- United States: $220
- China: $231.30
- India: $213
- Other Countries: $220
These fees cover the cost of the test and the reporting of your scores to up to four graduate programs or business schools.
Payment Methods
ETS accepts various payment methods for the GRE registration fee, including:
- Credit/Debit Cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, JCB)
- PayPal
- E-check (for U.S. bank accounts only)
- Money Order/Certified Check
- Voucher Number (for fee waivers or other special arrangements)
Subject Test Registration Fee
The GRE Subject Test registration fee is $150 worldwide. This fee is for each subject test and includes the reporting of your scores to up to four institutions.
Additional Services Fees
In addition to the registration fees, there are several optional services that may incur additional costs:
Score Reinstatement Fee
If you previously canceled your GRE scores, you can reinstate them for a fee of $50.
Additional Score Reports
If you need to send your scores to more than four institutions, there is a fee of $27 per additional score report.
Rescheduling Fee
If you need to reschedule your GRE test date, the following fees apply:
- United States: $50
- China: $53.90
- Other Locations: $50
Changing Test Center Fee
If you need to change your test center location, there is a fee of $50.
Standby Testing Fee
If you register for the GRE on a standby basis, there is an additional fee of $25.
GRE Preparation Costs
Test Preparation Books
Test preparation books are a common resource for GRE preparation. Prices can vary based on the publisher and the comprehensiveness of the material. Some popular options include:
- ETS Official Guide to the GRE: $35-$40
- Kaplan GRE Prep Plus: $30-$35
- Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep: $25-$30
Online Preparation Courses
Online GRE preparation courses offer structured study plans, practice tests, and interactive learning resources. The cost of these courses varies widely:
- Magoosh GRE Prep: $149 for a 6-month subscription
- Kaplan GRE Online Course: $499-$999, depending on the package
- Princeton Review GRE Prep: $499-$1,199, depending on the package
Tutoring Services
Private tutoring can provide personalized instruction and targeted strategies to improve your GRE performance. The cost of tutoring services can range from $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the tutor’s experience and qualifications.
Practice Tests and Apps
Several companies offer practice tests and mobile apps to help you prepare for the GRE. Some options include:
- ETS PowerPrep Online: Free
- Manhattan Prep GRE Practice Tests: $49 for 6 tests
- Varsity Tutors GRE App: Free with optional in-app purchases
Additional GRE-Related Expenses
Travel and Accommodation
If your test center is located far from your residence, you may need to consider travel and accommodation expenses. These costs can include:
- Transportation: Gas, public transportation fares, or airfare
- Accommodation: Hotel stays, if an overnight stay is necessary
Food and Miscellaneous Expenses
On test day, you may incur additional costs for food and other miscellaneous expenses, such as snacks and beverages.
GRE Fee Reduction Program
ETS offers a Fee Reduction Program for individuals who demonstrate financial need. Eligible test-takers can receive a 50% discount on the GRE General Test or Subject Test registration fee.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Fee Reduction Program, you must meet specific criteria, including:
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Be a college senior receiving financial aid or be unemployed and meet income eligibility guidelines
Application Process
To apply for the Fee Reduction Program, follow these steps:
- Obtain a Fee Reduction Request Form: Download the form from the ETS website or request it from your financial aid office.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the necessary sections and provide the required documentation.
- Submit the Form: Mail the completed form to ETS with any supporting documents.
Budgeting for the GRE
Creating a GRE Budget
Creating a detailed budget for your GRE preparation and test-taking can help you manage costs effectively. Consider all possible expenses, including registration fees, preparation materials, travel, and additional services.
Sample GRE Budget
- Registration Fees: $220 (General Test) + $150 (Subject Test, if applicable)
- Preparation Materials: $100 (Books) + $149 (Online Course)
- Additional Services: $50 (Rescheduling Fee, if needed)
- Travel and Accommodation: $200 (estimate)
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $50
Total Estimated Cost: $769
Saving Tips
Here are some tips to help you save money on GRE-related expenses:
- Use Free Resources: Take advantage of free resources, such as ETS PowerPrep Online and free practice tests available online.
- Borrow Books: Check if your local library or university library has GRE preparation books available for loan.
- Group Study: Form a study group with friends or classmates to share study materials and resources.
- Apply for Fee Waivers: If eligible, apply for the GRE Fee Reduction Program to reduce your registration costs.
In-Depth Breakdown of GRE Costs
Registration Fees in Detail
Understanding the nuances of the registration fees for both the General and Subject Tests is crucial for effective budgeting.
GRE General Test Fee Structure
The GRE General Test fee structure varies globally. While the base fee in most countries is $220, some countries have different pricing due to local administrative costs. Here is a detailed breakdown:
- United States: $220
- China: $231.30
- India: $213
- Other Countries: $220
This fee covers:
- The cost of administering the test
- Reporting scores to up to four graduate programs or business schools
If you need to send your scores to more than four institutions, each additional score report costs $27.
GRE Subject Test Fee Structure
The GRE Subject Test fee is $150 regardless of the location. This fee includes the cost of the test and reporting scores to up to four institutions.
Additional Services and Their Costs
Several optional services may incur additional costs. Here is a detailed look at these services:
Score Reinstatement
If you previously canceled your GRE scores but decide you want them reported, you can reinstate them for a fee of $50.
Rescheduling
If you need to reschedule your test, fees vary by location:
- United States: $50
- China: $53.90
- Other Locations: $50
It’s crucial to note that rescheduling must be done at least four days before the test date (10 days in China).
Changing Test Centers
Changing your test center location is possible, but it costs $50. This option is helpful if your circumstances change and you need to take the test at a different location.
Standby Testing
For those who register on a standby basis, an additional fee of $25 is required. Standby testing is subject to availability and is not guaranteed.
GRE Preparation Costs in Detail
Effective preparation is essential for achieving a high GRE score. Here is a more detailed breakdown of potential preparation costs:
Test Preparation Books
Test preparation books are a vital resource for many test-takers. Here are some of the most popular options and their costs:
- ETS Official Guide to the GRE: $35-$40
- Kaplan GRE Prep Plus: $30-$35
- Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep: $25-$30
- Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides: $90-$100
These books offer practice questions, test-taking strategies, and insights into the test format.
Online Preparation Courses
Online preparation courses provide structured study plans, video lessons, and practice tests. The cost varies widely depending on the provider and the package:
- Magoosh GRE Prep: $149 for a 6-month subscription, includes video lessons and practice questions
- Kaplan GRE Online Course: $499-$999, offers live online classes, practice tests, and personalized feedback
- Princeton Review GRE Prep: $499-$1,199, includes live instruction, practice tests, and additional resources
- Manhattan Prep GRE Interact: $399 for a self-paced online course with interactive lessons
Tutoring Services
Private tutoring can provide personalized instruction and targeted strategies to improve your GRE performance. Tutoring costs can range from $50 to $200 per hour, depending on the tutor’s experience and qualifications. Some popular tutoring services include:
- Varsity Tutors: Offers customized GRE tutoring sessions
- Wyzant: Connects students with private tutors based on specific needs and budgets
- Kaplan Tutoring: Provides one-on-one tutoring sessions with GRE experts
Practice Tests and Apps
Practice tests and mobile apps offer additional opportunities for practice and review. Some options include:
- ETS PowerPrep Online: Free practice tests that simulate the actual GRE
- Manhattan Prep GRE Practice Tests: $49 for 6 practice tests
- Varsity Tutors GRE App: Free app with practice questions and flashcards
- Magoosh GRE App: Free app with practice questions and study schedules
Travel and Accommodation Costs
If your test center is located far from your residence, travel and accommodation costs can add up. Consider the following expenses:
Transportation
- Gas: Calculate the cost based on the distance to the test center and your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
- Public Transportation: Consider the cost of bus, train, or subway fares.
- Airfare: If you need to fly to your test center, compare airline prices and book in advance to save money.
Accommodation
- Hotel Stays: If you need to stay overnight, look for affordable hotels or consider options like Airbnb.
- Meal Costs: Budget for meals during your stay, especially if you need to stay for multiple days.
GRE Fee Reduction Program
ETS offers a Fee Reduction Program to help individuals who demonstrate financial need. This program provides a 50% discount on the GRE General Test or Subject Test registration fee.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Fee Reduction Program, you must meet specific criteria, including:
- U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien: Must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
- Financial Need: Be a college senior receiving financial aid through an undergraduate program or be unemployed and meet income eligibility guidelines.
Application Process
- Obtain a Fee Reduction Request Form: Download the form from the ETS website or request it from your financial aid office.
- Complete the Form: Fill out the necessary sections and provide the required documentation, such as financial aid award letters or tax returns.
- Submit the Form: Mail the completed form to ETS with any supporting documents. Ensure you submit your application at least six weeks before your intended test date to allow for processing.
Budgeting for the GRE
Creating a detailed budget for your GRE preparation and test-taking can help you manage costs effectively. Here are some steps to create a comprehensive budget:
List All Potential Expenses
Identify all possible expenses, including registration fees, preparation materials, travel, and additional services.
Estimate Costs
Estimate the costs for each item on your list. Use actual prices from ETS and other sources to ensure accuracy.
Track Spending
Keep track of your spending throughout your preparation period. Adjust your budget as needed to stay on track.
Sample GRE Budget
Here’s a sample budget to help you plan your GRE expenses:
- Registration Fees: $220 (General Test) + $150 (Subject Test, if applicable)
- Preparation Materials: $100 (Books) + $149 (Online Course)
- Additional Services: $50 (Rescheduling Fee, if needed)
- Travel and Accommodation: $200 (estimate)
- Miscellaneous Expenses: $50
Total Estimated Cost: $769
Saving Tips
Here are some tips to help you save money on GRE-related expenses:
- Use Free Resources: Take advantage of free resources, such as ETS PowerPrep Online and free practice tests available online.
- Borrow Books: Check if your local library or university library has GRE preparation books available for loan.
- Group Study: Form a study group with friends or classmates to share study materials and resources.
- Apply for Fee Waivers: If eligible, apply for the GRE Fee Reduction Program to reduce your registration costs.
Detailed Cost Comparison
Here’s a detailed comparison of costs for different GRE preparation options:
Test Preparation Books
- ETS Official Guide to the GRE: $35-$40
- Kaplan GRE Prep Plus: $30-$35
- Princeton Review GRE Premium Prep: $25-$30
- Manhattan Prep GRE Set of 8 Strategy Guides: $90-$100
Online Preparation Courses
- Magoosh GRE Prep: $149 for 6 months
- Kaplan GRE Online Course: $499-$999
- Princeton Review GRE Prep: $499-$1,199
- Manhattan Prep GRE Interact: $399
Tutoring Services
- Varsity Tutors: $50-$150 per hour
- Wyzant: $30-$200 per hour
- Kaplan Tutoring: $100-$200 per hour
Practice Tests and Apps
- ETS PowerPrep Online: Free
- Manhattan Prep GRE Practice Tests: $49 for 6 tests
- Varsity Tutors GRE App: Free
- Magoosh GRE App: Free
Travel and Accommodation Costs
- Transportation: $20-$300, depending on distance and mode of travel
- Accommodation: $50-$200 per night
- Meals: $10-$50 per day
GRE Fee Reduction Program
- Discount: 50% off registration fees
- Eligibility: U.S. citizens or resident aliens with financial need