37 min read
You may be thinking about the GED if you are among the more than 39 million Americans without a high school education. In simple terms, the GED is a test. Passing this test provides you with a high school equivalency credential.
Whether taking the exam at a testing center or home online, you may wonder, "How much does a GED cost?" On average, the test price ranges from free to as much as $150, depending on your state. But there are a few things to consider besides exam fees, such as the cost of online classes and preparation materials. Each state has different prices, rules, and requirements for test-takers to follow. We are here to help you sort it out and earn your GED diploma. Read on to learn more about your estimated GED cost.
GED Cost in the US by State
*Includes New GED Pricing per subject as of July 1, 2023
State |
GED Test Cost at a Test Center |
GED Test Cost Online |
Residency required? |
Retakes at a Test Center |
Retakes Online |
|
Alabama |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Alaska |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Arizona |
$35.00 |
$41.00 |
No |
$15.00 |
$41.00 |
|
Arkansas |
$4.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
Free |
$36.00 |
|
California |
$41.00 |
$41.00 |
Yes |
$15.00 |
$41.00 |
|
Colorado |
$43.50 |
$43.50 |
No |
$17.50 |
$43.50 |
|
Connecticut |
$13.00 |
$13.00 |
Yes |
Free |
Free |
|
Delaware |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
District of Columbia |
$3.75 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
Free |
$36.00 |
|
Florida |
$32.00 |
$38.00 |
No |
$12.00 |
$38.00 |
|
Georgia |
$46.00 |
$46.00 |
No |
$20.00 |
$46.00 |
|
Hawaii |
$37.50 |
$43.50 |
No |
$17.50 |
$43.50 |
|
Idaho |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Illinois |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Indiana |
$30.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Iowa |
HiSET Only |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Kansas |
$39.00 |
$39.00 |
No |
$13.00 |
$39.00 |
|
Kentucky |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Louisiana |
$38.50 |
36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Maine |
HiSET Only |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Maryland |
$11.25 |
$17.25 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$17.25 |
|
Massachusetts |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Michigan |
$43.50 |
$43.50 |
No |
$10.00 |
$43.50 |
|
Minnesota |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Mississippi |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Missouri |
$33.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$7.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Montana |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Nebraska |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Nevada |
$31.00 |
$31.00 |
Yes |
$5.00 |
$36.00 |
|
New Hampshire |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
New Jersey |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
New Mexico |
$26.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
Free |
$36.00 |
|
New York |
Free |
N/A |
Yes |
Free |
N/A |
|
North Carolina |
$26.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
Free |
$36.00 |
|
North Dakota |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Ohio |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Oklahoma |
$41.00 |
$41.00 |
No |
$15.00 |
$41.00 |
|
Oregon |
$44.00 |
$44.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$44.00 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Rhode Island |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
South Carolina |
$37.50 |
$43.50 |
Yes |
$17.50 |
$43.50 |
|
South Dakota |
$50.00 |
$50.00 |
No |
$20.00 |
$50.00 |
|
Tennessee |
HiSET Only |
– |
– |
– |
– |
|
Texas |
$36.25 |
$42.25 |
Yes |
$16.25 |
$42.25 |
|
Utah |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Vermont |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Virginia |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
Washington |
$36.00 |
$36.00 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$36.00 |
|
West Virginia |
Free |
N/A |
No |
Free |
N/A |
|
Wisconsin |
$39.75 |
$39.75 |
Yes |
$10.00 |
$39.75 |
|
Wyoming |
$26.00 |
$36.00 |
No |
Free |
$36.00 |
GED Cost in Canada
If you are testing in Canada, the process to prepare for and take the GED exam is very similar to testing in the United States. The general content of the test is the same, but the Canadian GED is organized and scored a bit differently. The U.S. version of the exam is separated into four subjects (reading and writing, math, science, and social studies). The Canadian test separates reading and writing into two separate exams for a total of 5 subject sections (reading, writing, math, science, and social studies). The U.S. GED is scored on the 2014 scale, while the Canadian exam is scored using the 2002 scale. Exam fees in each Canadian province may differ slightly, just as they do from state to state in the U.S.
*Includes New GED Pricing as of July 1, 2023
Region |
GED Test Cost |
Residency Required? |
Retakes |
|
Alberta |
$40.00 |
No |
$40.00 |
|
Manitoba |
$75.00 |
Yes |
$75.00 |
|
New Brunswick |
Free |
Yes |
Free |
|
Newfoundland & Labrador |
$6.00 |
Citizen of CA |
$6.00 |
|
Northwest Territories |
$35.00 |
Citizen of CA |
$35.00 |
|
Nova Scotia |
Free |
Yes |
Free |
|
Ontario |
$100.00 |
Yes |
$100.00 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
Free |
Yes |
Free |
|
Québec |
$35.00 |
Citizen of CA |
$35.00 |
|
Saskatchewan |
$7.00 |
Yes |
$7.00 |
Additional Cost Considerations
In addition to the actual cost of taking the GED exam, there are a few more expenses to consider.
1. Online GED Classes
With personalized, on-the-go study materials, some students are prepared to take the GED in as little as six weeks. Essential Education wants to help make your test prep quick and affordable. A GED Academy subscription costs $19.99 per month, so two months of complete exam preparation would cost $38.
2. GED-Ready Practice Tests
Although generally not required (unless testing at home), some students choose to take the GED Ready exam before taking the official test. The cost for a complete 4-subject GED Ready exam is $23. You can also take a GED Ready test by subject for $7 each.
3. GED Testing
The cost of taking the official exam differs by state. On average, the price ranges from $100 to $120 depending on your state.
4. Official Documents
After you pass the exam and earn your credential, you may want to order a copy of your official diploma and transcripts. The cost of these documents is determined by your state and ranges from $10-$15 per document.
5. Total Costs
All in all, with preparation and testing fees, getting a GED could cost less than $200, depending on your state and individual preferences. This worthwhile investment can help you get a better job, further your education, and enjoy greater financial stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get my GED for free?
Some employers and healthcare organizations offer GEDWorks, a program that allows you to get your GED for free through your employer or service provider. Top companies like Taco Bell, KFC, Sheetz, The Cheesecake Factory, and Pizza Hut, as well as health plan providers like Minnesota-based UCare, offer eligible members access to GEDWorks. Over 4,200 students have earned their GED credentials at no cost through this program. You can register at GED.com to see if your company offers free GED services. A full list of participating employers can be found here.
Additionally, some states offer the opportunity to take your test for free or at a reduced rate. Minnesota, Maryland, and DC offer discounted testing, and others like Connecticut, Kentucky, and Virginia offer free testing. Eligibility and individual requirements differ by state. You can view a full list of states offering free or discounted testing here.
- Can I pay for my GED without taking a test?
The only way to obtain a GED certificate is by taking the official GED test online or at an official GED testing center. Beware of fraudulent websites promising a pay-for-diploma by mail or digital download. These sites are scams designed to steal money and time. Legal, valid credentials are solely obtained through the national testing service.
- How much do GED classes cost?
The cost of GED preparation varies. Some students attend class in person, while others enjoy the freedom and flexibility of online, on-the-go resources. Essential Education believes that quality test prep should also be affordable. Full exam preparation for all subjects through GED Academy is just $19.99 monthly through a subscription or $99.99 for lifetime program access.
- Are there any other costs for getting a GED that I should know of?
Your state determines the price of your official exam. Your choice of preparation, pre-testing options (GEDReady), and test format (in-person vs online administration) may require additional fees.
- Is there a GED scholarship?
Essential Education offers a GED Academy Scholarship that provides complete test prep at a discounted rate. The application process is simple and can be accessed here. The employer-sponsored GEDWorks program may also provide free or discounted resources for preparation and testing. You can register at GED.com, and during the sign-up process, you can see if your state or company offers assistance.