Jump in GED Cost Worries State Officials

The price for taking the GED-the high school equivalency exam-is about to double. State officials are worried that many who need to take the test won’t be able to afford it.

For decades, the GED was a pencil and paper test, administered by a non-profit. Now, it’s about to become a computerized test from a for profit company. As a result—come 2014—the price of the test will jump from 65 dollars to 120. The GED will also get tougher, especially the math portion. That’s supposed to reflect stronger high school standards adopted by many states.

Marva Doremus oversees adult education for the state Department of Labor.

“We don’t mind the computer-based, we don’t mind higher standards, we don’t mind higher math. We’re up to that challenge. It’s the cost that has us concerned, just because we think it’s going to close the door for a lot of people.”

As a result, the state Legislature has directed the department of Labor to find a more affordable alternative.