GRE Costs & Policies: Exam Fees, Retakes & Score Reporting Explained

The GRE registration fee looks straightforward at first glance—until rescheduling charges, additional score reports, and potential retakes transform your budget from $220 into something much larger. Understanding the complete cost picture isn't just about knowing the numbers; it's about making strategic decisions that keep your graduate school investment manageable.

Here's everything you need to know about GRE costs and policies to plan effectively.

GRE Registration Fees: The Base Cost

The GRE General Test costs $220 in the United States and most countries worldwide. This fee applies whether you test at a Prometric center or take the GRE at home—your testing format doesn't change the price.

Regional exceptions exist. In India, the fee is ₹22,550 (approximately $270 USD). China has the highest regional cost at approximately $231 USD, with stricter cancellation policies requiring 10 days notice instead of the standard four.

Your registration includes four free score reports—a significant value often overlooked during planning. These free sends can cover your top-choice programs, saving $160 in additional report fees.

GRE Subject Tests carry a separate $150 registration fee and are offered only three times annually (September, October, and April). Most applicants won't need these specialized exams unless their target program explicitly requires discipline-specific testing.

Hidden Costs That Add Up Quickly

Beyond registration, several fees catch test-takers off guard:

Rescheduling: $50 if you change your test date at least four days in advance. Same-day or short-notice changes aren't possible—you forfeit your entire fee.

Test Center Change: $50 to switch locations while keeping your original date.

Late Registration: $25 extra if you register within one week of your test date.

Additional Score Reports: $40 per institution after your four free sends. Applying to eight schools? That's $160 in score reporting alone.

Cancellation Refunds: Cancel at least four days ahead and you'll receive only 50% back ($110). Miss that window and you lose everything.

The strategic implication: a single retake with rescheduling and extra score reports can easily push your total GRE investment past $500. Planning your timeline carefully becomes a financial decision, not just an academic one.

GRE Retake Policy: What You Need to Know

ETS allows you to take the GRE General Test once every 21 days, up to five times within any rolling 12-month period. This 365-day window starts from your first attempt, not the calendar year.

Critical details most guides miss:

Cancelled scores still count. Even if you cancel your scores immediately after testing, that attempt counts toward your annual limit. The 21-day waiting period still applies.

At-home and test center attempts share the same limits. Switching between formats doesn't reset your count or bypass the waiting period.

No lifetime restrictions exist. Once your 12-month window passes, you can take five more attempts. There's no cumulative cap on total lifetime attempts.

The 21-day gap serves multiple purposes. Beyond logistical score processing, this period prevents memorization-based strategies and gives ETS time to refresh question pools.

The practical takeaway: rushing into retakes rarely improves scores. Research from test prep providers consistently shows that students who wait longer between attempts—using that time for targeted preparation—see greater score improvements than those who retake at the minimum 21-day interval without additional study.

Score Reporting and ScoreSelect: Strategic Considerations

Understanding ScoreSelect transforms how you approach score reporting. This feature lets you control which scores institutions see, removing much of the anxiety around multiple attempts.

On Test Day (Free): After viewing your unofficial Verbal and Quant scores, you choose how to send your four complimentary reports:

• Most Recent: Only scores from today's test
• All: Every GRE attempt from the past five years

After Test Day ($40 per report): Additional options become available:

• Most Recent: Your latest attempt
• All: Complete five-year history
• Any: Specific attempts you select (your highest-performing test, for example)

What institutions actually see: Score reports show only what you choose to send. No special notations indicate whether you've taken other GRE tests. Schools receive your selected scores, not your complete testing history.

The exception: Some programs require full score disclosure regardless of ScoreSelect. Always verify each school's policy—this information typically appears in application requirements or FAQ sections.

Processing timeline: Online score report orders take approximately five business days. Mail or fax requests require 10 business days. Plan accordingly around application deadlines.

Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work

Maximize your free score reports. Decide your top four programs before test day. Sending scores immediately after testing to these institutions costs nothing and ensures timely delivery.

Research programs before registering. Narrowing your school list prevents expensive additional score reports later. Eight programs means $160 extra; four programs means $0.

Consider GRE Fee Reduction vouchers. ETS offers 50% fee reduction for qualifying individuals, including those receiving financial aid, unemployed individuals collecting unemployment benefits, and Peace Corps volunteers. Programs like McNair Scholars and LSAMP also receive vouchers. Applications take about two weeks for approval.

Test at home for scheduling flexibility. The at-home GRE allows registration just 24 hours in advance versus days for test centers. This flexibility reduces rescheduling fees when life disrupts your plans.

Prepare thoroughly before your first attempt. Each retake costs $220. A $200 prep course that prevents one retake pays for itself immediately.

FAQ: GRE Costs & Policies

How much does the GRE cost in 2025?

The GRE General Test costs $220 in most countries, ₹22,550 in India, and approximately $231 in China. This includes four free score reports to institutions you designate.

Can I retake the GRE if I'm unhappy with my score?

Yes. You can retake the GRE every 21 days, up to five times within any 12-month period. There's no lifetime limit on total attempts.

Do grad schools see all my GRE scores?

Only if you choose to send them. ScoreSelect lets you control which scores institutions receive. However, verify each program's disclosure requirements—some mandate full score history.

How long are GRE scores valid?

GRE scores remain reportable for five years from your test date. After expiration, scores are permanently removed from ETS records.

What happens if I need to cancel my GRE registration?

Canceling at least four days before your test date refunds 50% of your fee. Canceling later forfeits the entire amount. Rescheduling ($50) is usually preferable to cancellation.

How do I send GRE scores to schools?

Designate up to four institutions for free score reports on test day. Additional reports cost $40 each and can be ordered through your ETS account anytime within five years.