The total cost of taking the GRE General Test is a multi-faceted financial consideration beyond the base registration fee. When prospective test-takers ask how expensive is the GRE, they must account for mandatory charges, ancillary services, and potential additional costs. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the fee structure is essential for accurate budgeting.
The primary cost is the standard global test fee. However, the final answer to how expensive is the GRE depends heavily on your location and needs.
- Base Registration Fee: The standard fee to take the GRE General Test is $220 in most locations worldwide. This fundamental cost covers the administration of the exam itself.
- Additional Service Fees: Beyond registration, several services significantly increase how expensive the GRE becomes. These include changing your test center ($50), rescheduling your exam ($50), and requesting additional score reports ($35 per recipient after four free reports).
- Subject Test Fees: If your program requires a GRE Subject Test, the cost is $150 per test. This is a separate expense from the General Test, further influencing the total investment.
For those concerned about affordability, understanding how expensive is the GRE also involves exploring financial relief. The GRE Fee Reduction Program offers a 50% discount on the General Test to eligible U.S. applicants who demonstrate significant financial need.
Ultimately, the question of how expensive is the GRE requires a personalized calculation. While the baseline is $220, the total cost can escalate quickly with rescheduling, additional score reports, or potential retakes. A strategic test-taker will budget for the base fee plus potential ancillary services to avoid unexpected financial strain during the application process.