GED Test Cost by State (2026): Complete Fee Guide
By Rachel Thompson, M.A. · Updated April 11, 2026
The GED typically costs between $30 and $40 per subject, totaling approximately $120 to $160 for the full battery. However, prices vary significantly by state, and many states offer subsidized or completely free testing programs.
"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.
Never pay full price for the GED without checking your state's adult education portal first. I tutored a student in Illinois who paid $120 out of pocket because he went straight to GED.com. If he had clicked through his local community college's adult ed portal, the state would have covered 100% of his testing fees. Always check for state-level vouchers.
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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