How much does a GED cost? If you’re interested in earning a GED, you’re likely wondering how much you’ll need to spend.
The GED is equivalent to a high school diploma, and you can earn this credential by passing four subject tests.
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This guide takes a deeper dive into the average GED price and other expenses you may pay if you decide to pursue this educational pathway.
How Much Does a GED Cost?
How much is a GED test? The price to take a single GED subject test varies by state and testing location. It’s necessary to complete all four subject tests to earn your GED, so you can multiply the prices listed in the following chart by four for the total cost.
The following data was collected from www.ged.com.
| State | GED Test Price Online | GED Test Cost at Test Centers |
| Alabama | $36 | $30 |
| Alaska | $36 | $30 |
| Arizona | $42 | $35 |
| Arkansas | $36 | $4 |
| California | $41 | $35 |
| Colorado | $43.50 | $37.50 |
| Connecticut | $13 | $13 |
| Delaware | $36 | $30 |
| District of Columbia | $3.75 | $3.75 |
| Florida | $36 | $32 |
| Georgia | $46 | $40 |
| Hawaii | $43.50 | $37.50 |
| Idaho | $36 | $30 |
| Illinois | $36 | $30 |
| Indiana | No GED | No GED |
| Iowa | No GED | No GED |
| Kansas | $39 | $29 |
| Kentucky | $36 | $30 |
| Louisiana | No GED | No GED |
| Maine | No GED | No GED |
| Maryland | $11.25 | $11.25 |
| Massachusetts | $37.50 | $31.50 |
| Michigan | $43.50 | $37.50 |
| Minnesota | $36 | $30 |
| Mississippi | $36 | $30 |
| Missouri | No GED | No GED |
| Montana | No GED | No GED |
| Nebraska | $36 | $30 |
| Nevada | $36 | $23.75 |
| New Hampshire | No GED | No GED |
| New Jersey | $36 | $30 |
| New Mexico | $46 | $20 |
| New York | N/A | Free |
| North Carolina | $36 | $20 |
| North Dakota | $36 | $30 |
| Ohio | $36 | $30 |
| Oklahoma | $40 | $34 |
| Oregon | $44 | $38 |
| Pennsylvania | $36 | $30 |
| Rhode Island | $36 | $30 |
| South Carolina | N/A | $37.50 |
| South Dakota | $37.50 | $37.50 |
| Tennessee | No GED | No GED |
| Texas | $42.50 | $36.50 |
| Utah | $36 | $30 |
| Vermont | N/A | $30 |
| Virginia | $36 | $30 |
| Washington | $36 | $30 |
| West Virginia | No GED | No GED |
| Wisconsin | $39 | $29 |
| Wyoming | $36 | $20 |
Additionally, many students pay extra for GED classes, practice exams, and tutoring.
What Is the GED Test?
The General Educational Development (GED) test is designed to measure aptitude and knowledge in subjects commonly taught in high school.
The GED consists of four subject exams, which you can take separately or all at once: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. The GED is an equivalent credential to a high school diploma. Adults who didn’t finish high school often complete a GED to demonstrate their academic proficiency.
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A GED can open the door to higher education and more advanced careers. A number of online colleges accept the GED for admissions.
Is the GED Test Hard?
Some people consider the GED challenging, while others ace the test on the first try. Here are some of the topics covered by the test so you can gauge the difficulty level for yourself:
- Algebra
- Analyzing historical arguments
- Geometry
- Grammar
- Graphs and functions
- Reading for meaning
There are many resources to make studying for the GED easier. Some colleges and community centers offer GED classes. Additionally, numerous educational websites have free practice questions and exams.
How Many Times Can You Take the GED Test?
The number of times you can retake the GED test varies by state. Most states allow you to retake the GED twice without a waiting period. After that, many states require you to wait at least 60 days to take the test for a fourth time.
How much is the GED test if you need to retake it? The GED Testing Service waives its $20 testing fee the first two times you retake subject exams. Additionally, many states have free or discounted retakes.
How Long Are GED Classes?
Online GED classes typically last 8 to 16 weeks, while in-person courses take around 16 weeks. These classes teach the concepts covered by each of the subject exams. For example, you can study geometry and learn how to interpret science experiments.
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Additionally, the length of GED classes typically include timed practice tests that simulate the format of the GED exam. The cost for GED test classes varies depending on the format and institution. Some community centers and nonprofit organizations offer free courses, while classes at community colleges may cost several hundred dollars.
Preparing for the GED Exam
Several factors affect the GED cost, including the location, test format, and number of retakes. Typically, you can expect to pay $200 or less to take all four subject exams once.
Online GED classes, practice tests, and other study materials can lead to additional costs, but these resources may help you prepare for the GED exams and improve your performance.
The GED can unlock new academic and career opportunities, so many people consider this credential a worthwhile investment. You can learn more by researching your state’s GED requirements.
