If you’re gearing up for graduate school, the GRE probably looms large on your radar. According to ETS data, over 319,000 test-takers sat for the GRE General Test between July 2022 and June 2023—and just about everyone wants to maximize their score without draining their savings account. The good news? You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to achieve a competitive score. This guide breaks down the most affordable (and practical) GRE prep options available today.
Whether you’re a working professional squeezing in study sessions after hours or a recent graduate watching every dollar, there’s a prep solution that fits your situation. Let’s dive into what’s out there.
Table Of Contents
Featured Online Master’s Programs
OnlineMastersColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Southern New Hampshire University
PROGRAM: Best & Affordable Online Masters Programs
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students, making us one of the fastest-growing universities in the country. Founded in 1932, we’ve been relentlessly reinventing higher education ever since and have gained national recognition for our dedication to helping students transform their lives and the lives of those around them.
We’re proud to provide affordable, accessible education that students can pursue on our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH, over our innovative online platform or at our regional centers in Manchester, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem, NH, and Brunswick, ME.
SNHU has earned the GetEducated.com Best Buy and Best of Business – Best Online Degree awards and is consistently ranked as a top Military Friendly® School by G.I Jobs®.
The OMC GRE Practice App: Built by the Top 1% for the Top 1%
Why GRE Prep Actually Matters
Before we get into the options, here’s the reality check: the average GRE score hovers around 151 for Verbal Reasoning and 158 for Quantitative Reasoning. Top graduate programs typically want scores in the 160s for both sections—that’s roughly the 80th to 90th percentile. Simply put, a well-structured prep approach can mean the difference between a competitive application and one that gets lost in the pile.
The test itself costs $220 in the U.S. (and ₹22,000 in India), so you’ve already got some skin in the game. Smart prep helps you avoid retakes—each additional attempt costs an additional $220 out of pocket.
Free GRE Prep Resources That Actually Work
You might be surprised how far free resources can take you. Here are the best options for cost-conscious test-takers.
ETS POWERPREP Practice Tests
These are the gold standard for GRE practice—because they come straight from the test makers themselves. ETS offers two free POWERPREP Online practice tests that simulate the actual testing experience, including the section-adaptive format introduced with the shorter GRE in September 2023.
- Authentic question types and difficulty levels
- Timed and untimed practice options
- Familiarization with the testing interface
ETS also publishes a free Math Review PDF covering all quantitative concepts tested—this 100-page resource is often overlooked but incredibly valuable.
Khan Academy
While Khan Academy doesn’t have dedicated GRE content, its math modules align closely with quantitative reasoning topics. ETS even links to relevant Khan Academy sections on their website. For vocabulary building and reading comprehension strategies, their SAT Reading content provides applicable techniques.
GRE Prep Club Forums
This community-driven resource offers thousands of free practice questions, study materials, and vocabulary lists. Members share explanations and strategies, creating a collaborative learning environment. The forum also maintains updated lists of free resources and discounts.
Budget-Friendly Paid Courses (Under $200)
When free resources aren’t enough structure, these affordable paid options deliver serious value.
GregMat+ ($7.99/month)
This might be the best-kept secret in GRE prep. Founded because the creator found the test prep world “confusing, expensive, misleading, and inaccessible,” GregMat+ offers comprehensive prep for less than a streaming subscription.
- At least 10 live classes held weekly
- Extensive back catalog of recorded sessions
- Comprehensive 2-month and 4-month study plans
- Covers GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS
Best for: Self-motivated students who appreciate an honest, no-nonsense teaching style and want maximum value for minimum investment.
PrepScholar GRE (Starting at $38)
PrepScholar frequently offers steep discounts, sometimes pricing their one-year access course as low as $38—making it potentially the cheapest comprehensive GRE prep course on the market.
- Over 2,000 practice questions
- 150 hours of interactive lessons
- Adaptive technology customizes content to your skill level
- 7-point score improvement guarantee
Best for: Budget-conscious students who need structure but prefer self-paced study.
Target Test Prep (Starting at $149)
Target Test Prep positions itself as a no-nonsense option for students who want efficiency without paying thousands. Their philosophy: you shouldn’t have to spend a fortune to shine on test day.
- 400+ hours of video-based lessons
- 4,000+ realistic practice questions
- Self-paced study plan with calendar
- AI-powered study assistant
Best for: Students who want comprehensive coverage with strong quantitative preparation.
Magoosh GRE ($149-$179)
Magoosh has earned a reputation as “the original self-paced GRE course.” They’re the only prep course licensed to use official ETS practice questions, which means you’re practicing with authentic material.
- 290+ curated video lessons
- Official ETS-licensed questions
- AI-powered essay grading
- Mobile apps for studying on the go
- 5+ point score improvement guarantee
Best for: Working professionals with limited time who need flexible, mobile-friendly prep with official practice material.
Achievable GRE ($199)
Achievable takes a different approach: no video lessons, but a sophisticated digital textbook powered by adaptive algorithms. Founded by a former Google engineer, the platform uses memory science principles to optimize your study time.
- 89 chapters of bite-sized content
- Adaptive learning adjusts to your performance
- AI-powered essay scoring
- Unlimited practice questions
Best for: Students who prefer reading over watching videos and want an efficient, algorithm-driven approach.
Mid-Range Options ($200-$500)
When you need more comprehensive support but aren’t ready to spend four figures, these courses hit the sweet spot.
Manhattan Prep GRE Self-Paced ($399)
Manhattan Prep claims they make studying for the GRE “fun”—and while that might sound like marketing speak, their engaging video lessons do stand out. The company is known for its signature 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems, which contains over 1,800 questions.
- Interactive video lessons with quizzes
- Full-length practice tests
- Access to the Interact for the GRE online platform
- Industry-leading instructors
Best for: Visual learners who appreciate engaging instruction and want a comprehensive, well-rounded course.
Princeton Review Self-Paced ($499)
Princeton Review offers eight full-length adaptive practice tests—more than almost any competitor except Achievable. Their DrillSmart technology adapts question difficulty based on your performance, similar to the real GRE’s section-level adaptivity.
- 8 full-length practice tests
- 66 on-demand video lesson modules
- 2,500+ GRE-like practice questions
- Score improvement guarantee
Best for: Students who learn by taking practice tests and want detailed performance analytics.
Don’t Overlook Old-School Prep Books
For students who prefer physical materials (or want to supplement digital courses), prep books remain a cost-effective option.
Top Picks:
- Manhattan Prep’s 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems (~$25-35) — Over 1,800 questions covering every topic
- ETS Official GRE Super Power Pack (~$45) — Authentic questions from the test makers
- Kaplan GRE Prep Plus (~$30) — Comprehensive review with practice tests
- Manhattan Prep 500 Essential Words Flashcards (~$20) — Focused vocabulary building
Pro tip: Check your local library—many carry current GRE prep books. Used copies on secondhand marketplaces can save you even more, just make sure they’re updated for the current test format.
GRE Fee Reduction Program
Many students don’t realize that ETS offers a fee reduction program for eligible test-takers. If you qualify, you can save $120 on the GRE General Test registration (bringing it down from $220 to $100) and receive free prep materials valued at around $100.
Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S. citizen or resident alien in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, or U.S. Virgin Islands
- Currently unemployed or demonstrating financial hardship
- FAFSA Student Aid Report with parental contribution less than $2,700
- Participation in certain undergraduate assistance programs
Additional fee-reduction programs are available through organizations such as the McNair Scholars Program, TRIO programs, and various fellowship programs, including the Rangel and Pickering Fellowships.
Creating Your Affordable Study Plan
Here’s a strategic approach to maximize results while minimizing costs:
- Start with a baseline: Take a free POWERPREP test to identify your starting point and weaknesses
- Target your gaps: Use free resources (Khan Academy, ETS Math Review) for fundamental concepts
- Add structured support: Invest in one affordable course (GregMat+ or Magoosh) for comprehensive coverage
- Supplement strategically: Consider a prep book for additional practice questions
- Track your progress: Take the second free POWERPREP test mid-study to measure improvement
Budget estimate: Following this approach, you could achieve comprehensive prep for under $200 total—or even free if you’re disciplined enough to rely solely on free resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I really prepare for the GRE without spending money?
Absolutely. The free POWERPREP tests from ETS, combined with Khan Academy math resources and the ETS Math Review PDF, provide solid foundational prep. Many students have achieved competitive scores using only free materials—it requires more self-discipline and structure, but it’s entirely possible.
Q: How long should I study for the GRE?
Q: Is the shortened GRE easier than the old format?
Q: Are paid courses worth it if I’m on a tight budget?
Q: Which course offers the best score improvement guarantee?
Q: Do I need live instruction, or is self-paced study sufficient?
The Bottom Line
Graduate school is already expensive—your GRE prep doesn’t have to break the bank. With strategic use of free resources and selective investment in affordable paid courses, you can achieve a competitive score without taking on additional financial stress.
Remember: according to ETS data, 81% of GRE test-takers are accepted into a graduate program where they submit their scores. Your goal isn’t perfection—it’s a score that positions you competitively for your target programs. Choose the prep approach that fits your budget, learning style, and timeline, then commit to consistent practice.
Good luck with your GRE journey!
Disclaimer: Prices and course features are accurate as of December 2025 but may change. Always verify current pricing on provider websites before purchasing. GRE® is a registered trademark of the Educational Testing Service (ETS). This article is for informational purposes only and is not endorsed by ETS.