GED Test Cost by State (2026): Complete Fee Guide
By Rachel Thompson, M.A. · Updated April 11, 2026
"How much does the GED cost?" is one of the most common questions we hear — and the answer is more complex than you'd expect. Costs range from completely free to $160+ depending on your state, how you take the test, and whether you need retakes. Here's the full breakdown.
Quick Answer: The Standard Cost
The base cost is $36 per subject × 4 subjects = $144 total.
This is the standard rate on GED.com. But many states charge less — and some offer free testing through adult education programs.
Cost Breakdown by Subject
| Subject | Standard Cost | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📖 Reasoning Through Language Arts | $36 | 46 + essay | 150 min |
| 🔢 Mathematical Reasoning | $36 | 46 | 115 min |
| 🔬 Science | $36 | 40 | 90 min |
| 🌍 Social Studies | $36 | 36 | 70 min |
| Total (All 4 Subjects) | $144 | 168+ | 7 hrs 5 min |
💡 Pro tip: You don't have to take all 4 subjects at once. You can spread them out across different test dates and pay per subject as you go.
State-by-State GED Test Costs
Costs vary significantly. Here are the most searched states:
| State | Per Subject | All 4 Subjects | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | FREE | FREE | State-funded through adult ed centers |
| Maine | FREE | FREE | At approved testing centers only |
| New Hampshire | FREE | FREE | State-subsidized |
| New York | FREE | FREE | Free at state-approved centers |
| West Virginia | FREE | FREE | State covers all fees |
| New Jersey | $30 | $120 | Below standard rate |
| Texas | $36 | $144 | Standard rate; free prep classes available |
| California | $36 | $144 | Some county programs offer subsidies |
| Georgia | $36 | $144 | Standard rate |
| Florida | $36 | $144 | Standard; financial aid available |
| Illinois | $36 | $144 | Many free prep programs in Chicago |
| Ohio | $36 | $144 | Standard rate |
| Pennsylvania | $36 | $144 | Standard rate |
| Mississippi | $40 | $160 | Above standard rate |
Additional Fees to Know About
- Subject retake: Same as initial price ($36/subject in most states). You only retake subjects you didn't pass.
- Diploma copy: First copy is usually free. Additional copies typically $15.
- Transcript/score verification: $15–$20 per transcript sent to a school or employer.
- Rescheduling fee: Free if done 24+ hours before your test. $10 fee if canceled less than 24 hours prior.
How to Get the GED for Free (or Cheap)
- Adult Education Centers: Many state-funded centers cover testing fees for enrolled students. You may need to attend a minimum number of prep classes.
- Workforce Development Programs: Local workforce boards sometimes pay GED costs for unemployed adults seeking job training.
- Nonprofit Organizations: Organizations like Goodwill, United Way, and local literacy coalitions offer GED fee assistance.
- Library Programs: Some public libraries partner with GED testing centers to offer free or reduced-cost testing.
- Military Programs: Active-duty service members and veterans can often take the GED at no cost through their base education center.
GED vs. HiSET vs. TASC: Cost Comparison
| Exam | Total Cost | States Offered | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GED | $0–$160 | 40+ | Most widely recognized; computer-based |
| HiSET | $50–$100 | 23 | Paper option available; often cheaper |
| TASC (discontinued) | — | — | No longer offered as of 2022 |
Read our full GED vs. HiSET comparison →
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