You're weighing two adult education pathways, and the costs matter—especially when you're already juggling work and family. Here's what you actually need to know about GED versus HiSET pricing, so you can pick the one that fits your situation and budget.
Test Registration Fees: The Baseline Cost
Both exams charge for each attempt, but the prices differ slightly. GED testing costs $30 per subject (five subjects total = $150 if you take all at once, though you can break them up). HiSET costs $20–$35 per subject depending on your state—some states subsidize it more heavily, making it genuinely cheaper.
If you live in a state with HiSET subsidy programs, you could pay as little as $20 per subject, or even $0 if you qualify for financial assistance. Check your state's testing office website before committing; this single variable can save you $50–$100.
Prep Course & Study Material Costs
This is where budgets really diverge.
GED prep programs range from free (Khan Academy partnership, your local library) to $500+ for comprehensive online courses like Ready4GED or Kaplan. Most mid-range options run $100–$250 and include video lessons, practice tests, and sometimes one-on-one coaching.
HiSET prep resources tend to be slightly less expensive at the entry level. Free options include the official HiSET practice tests and free instructional videos from the ETS (Educational Testing Service). Paid programs run $50–$300, with many community colleges offering bundled prep + test packages for under $200.
A realistic middle ground: budget $150–$200 for quality prep materials regardless of which exam you choose.
Community College & Local Program Costs
Many adult learners skip commercial test prep entirely and use local resources instead. Community colleges typically offer free or low-cost prep courses ($0–$100) plus discounted testing rates.
GED-focused programs are widely available; nearly every community college offers them. Costs range from free (often funded by workforce development grants) to $50–$150 for semester-long courses.
HiSET preparation is less uniform. Some states (like New York, Texas, and Indiana) have robust HiSET programs; others have minimal options. Call your local community college or adult education office to confirm what's available.
Timeline & Opportunity Cost
Don't just count dollars—count weeks. A typical study timeline is 3–6 months if you're prepping 5–10 hours per week. Some people finish in 6 weeks; others take a year.
Faster completion means:
- Returning to the workforce sooner
- Less paid time off spent studying
- Lower childcare or dependent-care costs during your study period
If you have limited availability, a structured HiSET or GED prep course with set meeting times might cost more upfront but save money by keeping you accountable and on schedule.
Which Test Is Actually Cheaper for You?
It depends on three factors:
Your state's subsidies. Check HiSET.org and your state workforce agency. If HiSET is subsidized in your area, it's the cheaper test registration.
Your learning style. If you're self-disciplined, free Khan Academy + a $30 practice test book = under $50. If you need structure, a $150–$200 course will save you retake fees (each subject retake is another $20–$30).
Local resources. Call ahead. A free community college GED prep class beats a $300 online course every time.
Finding the Right Prep Provider
Rather than bounce between websites comparing individual tutors and programs, Mercoly lets you view vetted GED and HiSET prep providers side by side—complete with pricing, reviews, and availability. It saves the research time that costs real money.
The cheapest option isn't always the best: a $50 course that leaves you unprepared means expensive retakes. Look for providers offering practice tests, progress tracking, and clear refund policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I take the GED and HiSET and see which I do better on? No—most states allow only one attempt per testing window per exam. However, you can buy one practice test from each ($20–$30 total) to see which format suits you before registering.
Q: Do employers prefer GED or HiSET? Both are nationally recognized and equivalent. HiSET is accepted by all U.S. colleges and employers; GED is identical. Your choice should be based on cost and availability, not employer preference.
Q: How many people fail on their first attempt? Roughly 30–40% need a retake on at least one subject. Investing $100–$200 in solid prep materials upfront significantly reduces this risk and the cost of retaking.
Use Mercoly to compare GED and HiSET prep options in your area, then enroll in the one that matches your budget and timeline.