How Much Does It Cost to Get a GED? (Price Guide)

The GED is a high school equivalency exam made up of four subject tests. What you pay depends on where you live, whether you test at a center or online, and whether you need to retake any section. Because states set their own fee schedules, two people in different parts of the country can pay different amounts for the same credential.

Figures on this page come from state agency pricing and a cost-by-state summary, checked on Oct 11, 2026. State fees and GED Testing Service pricing change, so confirm yours before you book.

Fees are usually quoted per subject. Take all four and you pay four times the per-subject price, although some states bundle the full battery at a different rate. These per-subject fees apply to testing at an approved test center.

Your state may also run vouchers, free testing programs or discounts for people enrolled in adult education classes. Ask your local program before paying out of pocket.

Texas publishes an official fee schedule through the Texas Education Agency, which makes it a useful illustration of how the pricing breaks down. You can pay for the full battery or take subjects one at a time, and online proctored testing costs more than a test center.

Compare the full-battery price against the per-subject price multiplied by four. If your state offers a bundle, check whether it differs from buying subjects one at a time before choosing.

You do not need to pass every subject in one sitting. If you fail a section, you can retest only that subject. Many states charge a lower price for a retake than for the first attempt.

Retake rules, such as waiting periods and the number of free retakes, vary by state. Look at your state's policy so you know when to schedule.

Some states allow the GED to be taken online with a remote proctor. The convenience comes with a higher per-subject price in places like Texas, and you need a compatible computer, a webcam, a quiet room and a stable internet connection. Test-center testing is usually cheaper and avoids technical risk, though it requires travel.

• Practice tests: The official GED Ready practice test is sold separately. Some adult education programs offer practice exams free.
• Study materials: Books and online courses vary in price. Public libraries often have free copies.
• Prep classes: Many community colleges and adult education centers offer classes at low or no cost.
• Transcripts and diplomas: Getting copies of your credential after you pass may involve small fees set by your state.
• Travel and time off work: Test-center days can cut into paid hours.

1. Call your state's adult education office and ask about vouchers, scholarships or fee waivers.
2. Ask whether you can enroll in a free prep class that includes testing support.
3. Take the practice test before paying for the real thing, so you retest less often.
4. Choose a test center over online proctoring when both are offered.
5. Space out subjects only if your state does not charge extra for doing so.