If you're deciding between HiSET and GED prep, cost and study time are probably your biggest concerns—and they matter because both exams have real differences in structure, difficulty, and resource availability. The good news: one option might save you hundreds of dollars and weeks of study time depending on your learning style and circumstances. Let's break down what you actually need to invest in either path.
Test Structure & Study Load
The GED covers four subjects (Reasoning Through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematical Reasoning) and takes about 7 to 8 hours total to complete across multiple test sessions. HiSET also has five subtests (Reading, Writing, Science, Social Studies, and Mathematics) but allows you to take them on different days, which many test-takers find less mentally draining.
Study time estimates vary, but most programs recommend 40 to 80 hours of prep for either test if you're starting from a high school dropout level. If you already have strong fundamentals, you might need only 20 to 30 hours. The difference between HiSET and GED prep time itself is minimal—the real variable is your baseline knowledge and the quality of your prep materials.
Exam Costs
GED exam fee: $30 per subject in most U.S. states, totaling around $120 for all four tests. Some states charge slightly more ($35–$40 per subject).
HiSET exam fee: $20 per subtest, totaling $100 for all five tests. A few states charge up to $25 per test.
Winner on raw exam cost: HiSET typically saves you $10–$30 on test fees alone. That's not huge, but it's real money.
Prep Course Pricing
This is where meaningful savings appear:
- Free or low-cost GED prep: Khan Academy, GED.com's official practice tests, and local community colleges often offer free or $50–$150 programs. Library systems frequently host free GED classes.
- Paid GED prep courses: Expect $200–$600 for comprehensive online programs (Kaplan, UWorld, Academy GED) or $300–$800 for instructor-led classes at community colleges or private tutoring centers.
- Free or low-cost HiSET prep: Fewer mainstream options exist, but GED prep materials often overlap with HiSET content. Some community colleges bundle HiSET prep into general diploma programs for $100–$250.
- Paid HiSET prep courses: $150–$500 for online platforms; fewer dedicated HiSET tutors exist compared to GED tutors, which can limit your options but also means less price inflation.
Tutor & Support Availability
This is critical: GED has far more tutors and prep services available nationally. That abundance means competition and lower prices—you'll find individual tutors charging $25–$50/hour and group classes for $15–$30 per session. HiSET tutors are rarer, so hourly rates often start at $35–$60 and group classes may be harder to find in your area.
If you live in a rural area with limited in-person options, this difference disappears (both point you to online tutoring), but urban and suburban students usually have more GED tutoring choices at lower price points.
State Availability & Acceptance
Both tests are accepted nationwide for high school equivalency, but check your state's specific requirements. Some states emphasize GED more, meaning more test centers, more prep providers, and often lower exam fees. HiSET is fully available in all 50 states but carries less regional saturation in many areas.
Before committing, visit your state's education department website to confirm which test they prioritize—this affects the cost and availability of local prep resources.
Which Actually Costs Less?
In most scenarios, HiSET saves $20–$40 on exam fees, but GED prep courses and tutoring tend to be cheaper due to market saturation. If you're planning to use free resources or your local community college (which often partner with both tests), the difference is negligible. If you need one-on-one tutoring, GED usually wins on cost.
For pure speed: both take similar study timelines, but if your area has strong GED infrastructure, you might find better-structured programs that compress your prep into 6 to 8 weeks instead of 12 weeks with fragmented resources.
Making Your Decision
Compare your local options directly. Use Mercoly to find and compare trusted GED and HiSET prep providers in your area—you'll see real pricing, class schedules, and reviews from people in your community. That's faster than calling around, and it gives you the actual numbers for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I switch from GED prep to HiSET if I've already started studying? Yes—the content overlaps significantly, so skills transfer well. You might lose some subject-specific practice, but you won't start from zero.
Q: Do employers care which test I take—GED or HiSET? No. Both are equally recognized for employment and college admission purposes; the diploma itself carries the same weight regardless of which test earned it.
Q: Is HiSET easier than GED? Difficulty is roughly equivalent. HiSET has five subtests instead of four, but they cover the same academic content with similar rigor.
Start comparing GED and HiSET providers near you today to lock in the best price and timeline for your situation.