How much does a GED cost?
How much does a GED cost?
$36 – $50 cost per subject exam
$144 – $200 cost for all exams (4 subjects)
$30 – $300 average cost for GED prep course
GED test cost
The GED costs $36 to $50 per subject or $144 to $200 for all 4 required tests, depending on your state. Some states subsidize all or part of the exam fee, such as Connecticut, New York, and West Virginia where the GED test is free. Study materials and GED test prep courses add $30 to $400+ to the total cost.
| Factor | Average cost |
|---|---|
| GED exam fee (for all 4 tests) | $144 – $200 |
| Self-study materials | Free – $400 |
| Online or in-person prep course | $30 – $300 per course |
| Private GED tutor | $20 – $50 per hour |
Self-study materials
There are many free and low-cost ways to study for the GED on your own, including:
GED study guides: Comprehensive resources covering all test subjects cost $15 to $30 each.
GED prep books: Prep books costing $15 to $25 per book cover individual subjects or the entirety of the exam.
Practice tests: Online or printed practice tests are available from $0 to $30 per practice test.
Flashcards: GED flashcards can help you review key concepts and terms for as little as $0 to $20 per set.
Online resources: Free online resources, including websites, forums, and videos, can help your self-study efforts. However, for more structured and in-depth resources, you might need to invest in paid options.
The official GED testing service offers a GED+ all-inclusive prep program for $119 per subject or $389 for all 4 subjects. The program includes a personal advisor, study tools, practice tests, and unlimited proctored exam fees until you pass.
Prep courses
For those who prefer more formal GED instruction, online and in-person prep classes cost $30 to $300 per course on average. Some in-person GED prep courses cost as much as $800 for an instructor-led class with live sessions and personal feedback.
Most online classes last for 6 to 12 weeks and include printable study materials, flashcards, practice tests, and online video lessons.
Private tutors
Private GED tutoring costs $20 to $50+ per hour for one-on-one instruction. A private tutor may offer discounted packages for 10 to 20 prep hours when paid up front. Online tutors can cost slightly less since they don’t incur travel costs.
A private tutor provides personalized attention tailored to your learning style and pace. They can better focus on your strengths and weaknesses and offer guidance to improve areas where you are struggling. Benefits of a private GED tutor include:
Customized study plans
Access to a wide range of study and practice materials
Flexible scheduling
Consistent and focused test prep
Better insight on test-taking strategies and study techniques
More efficient use of time
Flexible learning formats to choose what suits your preferences and circumstances
GED test price by state
GED tests are free in Connecticut, New York, and West Virginia. Other states charge $36 to $50 per subject or $144 to $200 for all 4 required tests. Some states discount the price for online testing, while others offer a discount for taking your test at an in-person test center.
| State | Online GED fee (per subject) |
In-person at a test center fee (per subject) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Alaska | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Arizona | $41.00 | $41.00 |
| Arkansas | $36.00 | $4.00 |
| California | $41.00 | $41.00 |
| Colorado | $43.50 | $43.50 |
| Connecticut | $0 | $0 |
| Delaware | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| District of Columbia | $36.00 | $39.75 |
| Florida | $38.00 | $32.00 |
| Georgia | $46.00 | $46.00 |
| Hawaii | $43.50 | $37.50 |
| Idaho | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Illinois | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Indiana | $36.00 | $30.00 |
| Iowa | Not available | Not available |
| Kansas | $39.00 | $39.00 |
| Kentucky | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Louisiana | $36.00 | $38.50 |
| Maine | Not available | Not available |
| Maryland | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Massachusetts | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Michigan | $43.50 | $43.50 |
| Michigan prisons | Not available | $30.00 |
| Minnesota | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Mississippi | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Missouri | $36.00 | $33.00 |
| Montana | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Nebraska | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Nevada | $36.00 | $31.00 |
| New Hampshire | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| New Jersey | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| New Mexico | $36.00 | $26.00 |
| New York | Not available | $0 |
| North Carolina | $36.00 | $26.00 |
| North Dakota | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Ohio | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Oklahoma | $41.00 | $41.00 |
| Oregon | $44.00 | $44.00 |
| Pennsylvania | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Rhode Island | $36.00 | $30.00 |
| South Carolina | $43.50 | $37.50 |
| South Dakota | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Tennessee | Not available | Not available |
| Texas | $42.45 | $36.25 |
| Utah | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Vermont | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Virginia | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| Washington | $36.00 | $36.00 |
| West Virginia | Not available | $0 |
| Wisconsin | $39.75 | $39.75 |
| Wyoming | $36.00 | $26.00 |
| Federal bureau of prisons | Not available | $20.00 |
Iowa, Maine, and Tennessee do not offer the GED, using the HiSET exam instead.
GED vs. HiSET cost
The cost for the HiSet (High School Equivalency Test) ranges from $10 to $30 per subtest or $50 to $150 total for all 5 tests. The HiSET is an alternative GED test used in Iowa, Maine, and Tennessee. Students in these states need to pass 5 subtests to receive their HiSET.
| State | Cost per subtest | Total cost for all 5 tests |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $10.00 | $50.00 |
| Maine | $30.00 | $150.00 |
| Tennessee | $15.75 (online) – $20.00 (paper-delivered) | $78.75 – $100.00 |
The Hi-SET includes the same subject areas as the GED, but the Language Arts component is divided into separate exams for reading and writing, for a total of 5 tests.
GED exam components
The cost of the GED exam differs from state to state. To earn your GED and receive the high school diploma equivalent, you need to achieve a minimum score of 145 in each of the four subjects on the GED test:
Mathematical Reasoning: 115-minute test including test topics on basic math, geometry, basic algebra, and a graphs and functions section
Reasoning Through Language Arts: 150-minute test with 4 sections including a 45-minute written essay. The test is designed to evaluate reading comprehension, grammar, writing, and critical thinking skills. This lengthy test includes a 10-minute break.
Social Studies: 70-minute test designed to measure your ability to analyze and interpret information, draw conclusions, and apply social studies concepts to real-world situations
Science: 90-minute test consisting of 3 main content areas: life science, physical science, and earth and space science
You have the option to either take the entire GED test in one sitting or split it up by tackling one subject at a time based on your preference and schedule
GED test registration
To take the GED test, you must register at GED.com and meet the following requirements:
Be at least 18 years old, or provide an underage testing permission letter in some states
Present a valid government-issued photo ID
Pay the fees for the tests you want to take
After creating an account online, you will have access to study materials, test-taking tips, and test-prep classes. You will also learn about the test subjects and be able to schedule your online or in-person test, depending on your testing location.
FAQs about the GED
What is a GED?
A GED, or General Education Development, is a series of tests that earns you a high school equivalency diploma. This means if you pass the GED, you have demonstrated knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a person who graduated from high school.
What is the difference between the GED and HiSET?
Both the GED and HiSET are high school equivalency exams. The GED is more widely used and includes 4 exams: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. The tests include a combination of multiple-choice questions, short-answer responses, and essays.
The HiSET covers the same 4 subjects but splits the Language Arts content into separate Reading and Writing sections for a total of 5 exams. The HiSET includes multiple-choice questions, essays, and in some subjects, practical tasks. Iowa, Maine, and Tennessee used the HiSET instead of the GED.
How long does it take to get a GED?
The time it takes to earn a GED depends on your previous education, study pace, and your personal commitment. People with better study habits or a more solid educational background may complete the GED in a few months. For less prepared or less committed individuals, the GED can take a year or longer.
Can I get my GED online?
Yes, you can prepare for and take the GED test online. Many educational institutions and online platforms provide GED prep courses, and many states and testing centers now offer the GED online to make it more accessible.
Can you go to college with a GED?
Colleges and universities consider the GED credential the same as a high school diploma. Many GED students have successfully pursued higher education.
What to look for in a GED prep course or tutor
When selecting a prep course or GED tutor near you, there are several key factors to consider, including:
Look for tutors or courses with experience in GED preparation or a background in education. Check their qualifications, certifications, or relevant degrees.
Ensure that the course or tutor offers a personalized approach to address your specific learning needs, strengths, and weaknesses.
Research the tutor's or course's track record by reading reviews from previous students.
Consider the teaching style of the tutor or course. Some individuals may benefit from a more structured approach, while others prefer a flexible and interactive learning environment.
Assess the quality of the study materials provided. A good prep course or tutor should offer a variety of resources, including practice tests, study guides, and additional materials.
Check the availability of the tutor or the flexibility of the course schedule. Make sure that the timing aligns with your preferences and commitments.
Consider the overall value, including the quality of instruction, materials, and support.
Look for tutors or courses that provide regular feedback on your performance. Progress monitoring can help you identify areas for improvement and track your readiness.
Ask about trial sessions or sample materials.
Choose a tutor or course that employs a motivational approach to keep you engaged and encouraged.
Questions to ask a GED tutor
If you’re considering working with a GED tutor, ask these essential questions to help you make the most of your time and resources:
What teaching methods do you use?
How do you adapt your teaching style to accommodate my learning style?
Can you give me an overview of the GED exam structure and content?
What are the hardest sections of the GED? How do you recommend approaching them?
How will you test my knowledge and skills in each subject?
Based on my assessment, what are the areas where I need the most improvement?
Can you help me create a personalized study plan?
Do you have any tips for managing time during the exam?
What study materials, resources, or practice exams do you recommend?
How much time should I dedicate to studying each week?
Do you have any tips for staying motivated during independent study?
Are you available for additional support or questions between scheduled sessions?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.