“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”
— Benjamin Franklin
If you frequently read my articles, you might be aware that I am a sunny San Diegan. I often hear people say, “I’m so jealous!” Well, let me put this into perspective… it might be 72 degrees with a light breeze in the middle of December, but the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is over $1,850. I have become very accustomed to constantly considering the cost of life, including education.
Attending graduate school or an MBA program is an investment of both time and money; an investment that is well worth it in my humble opinion. However, the cost of higher education will begin before you get the bill for tuition. The GRE is not free.
Below I have outlined the various costs associated with taking the GRE.
Turkey | $255.00 |
Nigeria | $220.00 |
Australia | $230.00 |
China | $231.30 |
All Other Areas | $205.00 |
Worldwide | $150.00 |
Late Registration Fee (paper-delivered test online registration only) | $25.00 |
Standby Testing (paper-delivered test only) | $50.00 |
Rescheduling Fee for China | $53.90 |
Rescheduling Fee all Other Locations | $50.00 |
Changing Your Test Center | $50.00 |
Changing Your Subject Test | $50.00 |
Score Reinstatement Fee | $50.00 |
Sending Scores to Recipients after Test Day (per recipient) | $27.00 |
Score Review for Analytical Writing Measure | $60.00 |
Score Review for Subject Tests | $50.00 |
Question-and-Answer Review Service–Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Sections Only (New York State residents only) | $50.00 |
Score Review for Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Measures (paper-delivered tests only) | $50.00 |
POWERPREP PLUS Online Test 1 | $39.95 |
POWERPREP PLUS Online Test 2 | $39.95 |
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, Third Edition | $40.00 |
Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions Vol. 1, Second Edition | $20.00 |
Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions Vol. 1, Second Edition | $20.00 |
Official GRE Value Combo (eBook only) | $37.00 |
Official GRE Super Power Pack— includes The Official Guide to the GRE General Test, Official GRE Verbal Reasoning Practice Questions, and Official GRE Quantitative Reasoning Practice Questions | $72.00 |
If you are wondering if anything is “free” when it comes to the GRE, there are some services that are free or included in the cost of taking the exam.
Here is a list of some services that will not cost extra money:
The ETS does have a Fee Reduction Program that can assist students who demonstrate financial need with the cost of the GRE General Test or GRE Subject Test. Eligible students will receive a voucher for 50 percent off the cost of the exam. For those who want to take the GRE General Test, this will make the price $102.50 (in most countries). For those who want to take the GRE Subject Test, the reduced price will be $75.00 (in all countries).
If you meet the following requirements, you could be eligible for the Partial Fee Waiver:
For College Seniors…
For Unenrolled college graduates…
It will take ETS three to four weeks to process your request. For a detailed description on how to apply for the GRE Fee Waiver, click here.
If you are approved for the Fee Reduction Program and decide to take the GRE General Test or Subject Test again within a one year period, you do not need to go through the entire application process a second time. Simply fill out this form.
Whether or not the above fees seem feasible or out of reach, when there’s a will there’s a way. No matter what your financial situation, earning your graduate degree or MBA is an investment in yourself and your future. Money may come and go, but knowledge will last you a lifetime.
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