GRE Fee Waivers and Cost Reduction (2026)

Full GRE Cost Breakdown

The GRE General Test registration fee is $220 USD in most locations. Here is the complete breakdown of every fee you might encounter.

With the ETS Fee Reduction Program, qualifying US students pay $110 instead of $220 — a 50% reduction. This is the most significant official fee assistance available for the GRE.

1 Attempt vs. 2 Attempts vs. 3 Attempts: Total Cost

Every GRE retake adds $220 (or $110 with reduction) to your total cost. Understanding multi-attempt costs reinforces why thorough preparation before your first test is critical.

ETS Fee Reduction Program

ETS operates a formal Fee Reduction Program specifically for the GRE. Unlike TOEFL (where fee waivers are very limited), the GRE Fee Reduction Program is a structured, application-based program open to qualifying students in the United States.

The fee reduction applies to the GRE General Test taken at a Prometric testing center in the United States. The GRE at Home option and GRE tests taken outside the US are not covered by this specific program. The GRE Subject Test has separate fee reduction availability.

Who Qualifies for the GRE Fee Reduction

Eligibility for the ETS Fee Reduction Program is based on income and citizenship/residency status.

Eligibility criteria

• US citizen or eligible non-citizen: You must be a US citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen (as defined by federal student aid guidelines)
• Income-based need: Annual household income must be at or below the income threshold set by ETS for the current program year (based on federal poverty guidelines; typically 200% or below)
• Currently enrolled or recently graduated: ETS generally requires that you be an undergraduate student, recent graduate, or actively preparing for graduate school

Income thresholds (approximate, based on 200% FPL)

Additional qualifying programs

• Federal TRIO programs (Upward Bound, Student Support Services, McNair Scholars)
• AmeriCorps VISTA or similar national service programs
• Receipt of federal means-tested financial assistance (Pell Grant, SNAP, SSI, TANF, Medicaid)

How to Apply for the ETS Fee Reduction

The GRE fee reduction application is submitted directly through ETS — no school counselor or intermediary is required.

1. 1
   Create or log in to your ETS account

   Go to ets.org and create a free ETS account if you do not have one. You will use this account throughout the application and registration process.

2. 2
   Navigate to the Fee Reduction section

   From your ETS account dashboard, find the GRE section and look for 'Fee Reduction Program' or 'Financial Assistance.' The exact navigation changes periodically — search ets.org for 'GRE fee reduction' if you cannot find it immediately.

3. 3
   Complete the fee reduction application

   Provide the requested information: household income, household size, US citizenship/residency status, and enrollment status. You may be asked to provide documentation such as most recent tax return, W-2, or a letter from your TRIO program coordinator.

4. 4
   Await approval

   ETS reviews applications and notifies you of approval by email and in your account. Processing typically takes a few business days to 2 weeks. Apply well before you need to register.

5. 5
   Register for the GRE with the reduced fee

   Once approved, your ETS account will show the reduced registration fee ($110 instead of $220) when you register for a GRE test date. Register for your preferred date before the reduced-fee registration window closes.

What Is Covered

• GRE General Test registration fee: Reduced by 50% — from $220 to $110 USD
• One test administration: The fee reduction covers one test date; if you retake the GRE, you may need to reapply for fee reduction eligibility
• Score sends (4 free): Standard GRE registration already includes 4 free score sends; these remain available with the reduced-fee registration

What is NOT covered

• Additional score report sends beyond the 4 included ($30 each)
• Rescheduling fees ($50)
• Score review fees ($50 per essay)
• GRE at Home version (fee reduction applies only to test center testing in the US)
• GRE Subject Tests (separate fee; Subject Test fee reduction may be available — check ETS)
• Late registration surcharge ($25)

Score Sends: Reduce Costs with Strategic Planning

Whether you use the fee reduction or not, strategic use of your 4 free score sends saves money. Additional sends cost $30 each after your test date.

• 4 free score sends are included with every GRE registration — designate these at or within 10 days of your test
• GRE Score Choice allows you to select which test date(s) to report; most programs accept Score Choice — some require all scores
• Designate your 4 highest-priority programs at registration to maximize free sends
• Finalize your program list before test day so you can designate all 4 immediately
• Additional sends after the 10-day post-test window cost $30 per program — plan ahead to avoid these costs

International Fee Comparison

The ETS Fee Reduction Program applies only to US citizens and eligible non-citizens testing in the United States. For international test-takers, here is how GRE costs compare across major markets.

Minimize Total Cost Without a Waiver

Budget Planning for the GRE

Alternative Cost-Reduction Strategies

McNair Scholars Program

McNair Scholars (first-generation, low-income undergraduate students preparing for doctoral study) may receive GRE fee waivers or reductions through their program coordinator. Contact your McNair program office to confirm current availability.

University-sponsored testing

Some universities sponsor GRE testing for students in graduate preparation programs (e.g., summer research programs, pre-doctoral fellowship programs). If you participate in a university research program, ask whether GRE testing is covered.

Employer or fellowship reimbursement

Some employers, fellowship programs, and graduate preparation fellowships (e.g., NSF GRFP preparation programs, NIH research programs) cover GRE testing as part of their professional development support. Check with your program coordinator.

GRE-optional programs

Many graduate programs — including highly ranked programs — have moved to GRE-optional or GRE-not-required admissions policies. If the programs you are applying to do not require the GRE, you may be able to avoid the cost entirely. Check each program's current GRE policy before registering.

Fulbright and international scholarship programs

Fulbright grantees and applicants with Fulbright program support may have GRE costs covered. National government scholarships (e.g., Saudi KASP, Egyptian missions, Turkish MEB) often cover GRE testing as part of their application support.