The 5 Actual Costs of Applying to Graduate School

You may have started researching programs and are getting an idea of what the annual cost may be between tuition and student fees. You’re thinking ahead about a new budget, potential loans, and even tuition assistance through your employer.

But before your first tuition statement, you need to apply.

Which isn’t usually free.

This list goes over the highest costs you can expect from the graduate school application process. If you apply locally or to an online program, your expected costs will likely be less than what is covered below (a small win!).

As you prepare your final list of programs, here are 5 potential costs to expect when applying to graduate school:

1. Standardized Tests

2. Application Fees

3. Transcript Request Fees

4. Travel for Interviews

5. Clothing for Interviews

This list is a realistic overview of what to expect in case you need to save prior to applying, especially if you’re applying to multiple schools.

I’ve broken down each point with expected costs and ways to reduce them.

You’ll know you’ve reached peak adulthood when you ask for a GRE test prep book for your birthday! 

Standardized Tests

Expected cost:

• $220-$320 (test fees only) up to $2500 (including test prep courses) 

How to reduce cost:

Apply for a fee waiver if you qualify; all major testing organizations offer them.

Get prep books from your local library (make sure they are up to date for the current version of the test).

I have a lot of thoughts about standardized tests, their accessibility and who they benefit… which will be saved for another post.

In the meantime, this covers a brief overview of expected costs to take the actual exams in addition to test preparation materials.

Test Fees*

(Multiplied by how many times you take them)

*Fees at the time of posting

• GRE: $220

• GMAT: $275 (in person) or $300 (online) - there’s currently a pop-up on this page for 25% off the test if you register by a specific date. This is likely due to the upcoming 2024 change in the GMAT test format.

• LSAT: $222

• MCAT: $330

Test Preparation

The graduate programs you’re considering will likely dictate the level of time and effort you need to put into preparing for standardized tests (if the program even requires them).

Some programs are open about wanting applicants with high scores, where others may be looking for a minimum score and giving more weight to letters of recommendation and your personal statement.

If you are taking a standardized test and would like to prepare, there are plenty of free resources available like apps and books, plus paid courses.

Books:

• $0 (local library) to $65 (GRE) to $180 (MCAT)

Courses and Webinars:

• $0 to $2400 for GRE (here’s a resource to compare GRE options); some go up to $9,999 for MCAT, which is wild.

Phone Apps:

• $0 to $149 (GRE) to $199 (MCAT) for a premium version. Most appear to be free.

Application Fees

Expected cost:

• $60 to $200 per university.

Medical school applicants may pay multiple fees for primary and secondary applications.

How to reduce cost:

Ask and apply for a fee waiver. These are often available for those who have a financial need. If you are applying for multiple graduate programs at the same university, ask if you only pay one application fee to cover all programs.

Here is an example of information requested to qualify for a fee waiver from the University of Texas at Austin’s Graduate Admission page:

“Demonstrate your need for an application fee waiver by providing a copy of:

• A fee waiver granted by GRE or GMAT; or

• If you are currently enrolled at an institution, your financial aid awards for the previous two semesters showing the source(s) of your funding; or

• If you are not currently enrolled, your tax returns for the last two years.”

Transcript Request Fees

Expected cost:

• $5 to $10 per official transcript request. 

How to reduce cost:

You can ask for a transcript fee waiver but these are much less common than application fee waivers.

Unofficial transcripts are usually free; however, graduate programs will want official transcripts.

Read more: How to Request Transcripts for Graduate School

Travel Costs for Interviews

Expected cost:

$0 (local or virtual interview) to $1000s for airfare, hotels, meals and parking especially if touring multiple locations and universities.

How to reduce cost:

Ask admissions about the possibility of a virtual interview. Also ask about travel reimbursement. 

For the select few universities who offer reimbursement, some may only offer to those who are accepted to the program.

Clothing for Interviews

Expected cost:

• $0 (wear what you have or borrow from family or friends) to $100s for a new suit or business formal outfit if you need one.

How to reduce cost:

Local: Check out consignment shops and thrift shops.

Online: Ebay, Depop or ThreadUp (especially if you know of a brand that fits you well in a specific size)

Keep in mind the location and time of year you may be touring a university. Many interviews happen in the winter months, which means you will need an appropriate coat and footwear for slushy sidewalks if it’s a snowy region.

Pro Tips: The best time for clothing sales in the US: early-mid January and early-mid July. If you find a great suit on a high discount that does not fit perfectly, it may be worth the cost of alterations. 

Wishing you a smooth and relatively inexpensive application process.

You’ve got this!

Follow Dr. Jena on LinkedIn for more insight on your journey to graduate school as a working professional.

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