Which is cheaper, GRE or GMAT?

When evaluating the cost of taking the GRE versus the GMAT, it's important to consider various factors, including exam fees, preparation costs, and potential additional expenses. As of 2023, the registration fee for the GRE General Test is approximately $205 in most locations worldwide. In contrast, the GMAT exam fee is typically around $275. This makes the GRE generally cheaper than the GMAT based on registration costs alone. Aside from the initial registration fees, prospective test-takers should also consider preparation materials and courses, which can vary widely in price for both exams. GRE preparation materials might include books, online resources, and courses, which can range from free resources to several hundred dollars for comprehensive courses. Similarly, GMAT preparation can also entail significant costs, often comparable to or exceeding those for the GRE. Another potential cost difference lies in the fees associated with sending score reports to schools. For the GRE, test-takers can send their scores to up to four institutions for free on the test day, with each additional report costing $27. The GMAT allows candidates to send scores to up to five programs for free, with extra score reports priced at $35 each. Test-takers should also consider potential retake costs. If you need to retake the GRE or GMAT to achieve a higher score, you'll incur the registration fee again. The GRE allows test retakes every 21 days, up to five times within any 12-month period, while the GMAT permits retakes after 16 days, up to five times in a rolling 12-month period and eight times overall. Ultimately, while the GRE tends to be cheaper in terms of initial registration, the overall cost for either exam can vary based on individual preparation needs and the number of score reports required. It's advisable to budget for both the exam itself and any additional costs that may arise during the preparation and application process.