Imagine this - you worked hard during college to build a solid profile with substantial work experience. You wanted to study abroad and took a shot at the GRE. But - the results are not as you thought they would be. What happens then? You lose your chance of studying in the USA? No, you don’t, and we’ll tell you why.
GRE is an excellent way to prove your value as a candidate, as it tests your analytical and problem-solving skills. But it comes at a steep cost, The application fee for the GRE is INR 22,550, which often poses an inconvenient obstacle for many brilliant applicants. Fortunately, numerous universities offer GRE waivers to international students. This waiver can alleviate the financial burden and allow you to concentrate on enhancing your application profile.
Yocket has compiled a comprehensive blog on MS programs in the USA, which allow admissions without GRE scores. Now, you can focus on other crucial aspects such as selecting the right university, choosing the appropriate program, managing tuition expenses, and more
If you need more information, make sure to connect with Yocket experts, over a FREE-of-cost counseling call, and we’ll tell you exactly what you need to do to apply for an MS in the USA without GRE scores!
In this article, we’ll be discussing the top universities in the USA that don’t need the GRE for MS programs.
Table of Contents |
Is GRE Mandatory for MS in the USA?
No, the GRE Exam is not mandatory for MS in the USA but it is required by most of the top universities. Also, it is usually preferred as an addition add-on to make your profile stand out.
MS in the USA without a GRE is possible as many universities provide a conditional GRE waiver i.e. the GRE requirement of the student is waived under certain circumstances.
These may include:
- High GPA i.e. GPA of 3.0 or above.
- Additional Graduate degree.
- Professional Work Experience, especially relevant to the field.
One of the prominent examples of GRE waiver is the Illinois Institute of Technology which allows students with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 to apply for the professional master’s program without needing to send in their GRE scores.
Apart from universities in the US, leading universities of the world like Nanyang Technological University and the National University of Singapore do not need GRE for admissions.
List of GRE Waived Universities in USA for 2025
Usually, aspirants think that the GRE is mandatory for MS in the USA. Little do they know that multiple universities offer an MS in the USA without GRE scores as a part of the graduate studies application. In the case of optional GRE scores, not submitting the scores is unlikely to have a lessening effect on the application but a good score can contribute but not to a great extent.
Here is the list of universities in the USA without GRE for 2025:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Purdue University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- The University of Dayton
- California State University
- Wichita State University
- University of Bridgeport
- Boston University
- University of Cincinnati
- University of North Texas
- Northeastern University
- San José State University (SJSU)
- Oklahoma City University
- George Mason University
- New Mexico State University
- California Baptist University
- State University of New York at New Paltz
- Saint Peter's University
- Virginia State University
- St. John’s University
- University of Pittsburgh
- Long Island University
- Jacksonville State University
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Concordia University Chicago
- Washington State University
- Florida International University
- Rivier University
- Villanova University
- University of Central Missouri
Let’s explore some of the top universities in detail.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
One of the world’s top universities for computer science and engineering fields, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology does not require candidates to submit a GRE score to complete their application for certain programs. This fact that a prestigious university like MIT does not request GRE scores highlights that they are not as central to graduate admissions as one would expect given the fuss surrounding it.
1 |
|
Location |
Cambridge, Massachusetts |
Approximate Fees |
USD 79,840 (INR 66,75,790) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MS Aeronautics and Astronautics, MS Computational Science and Engineering |
2. Purdue University
Purdue University is a public research university in West Lafayette, Indiana which has consistently ranked among the top 20 graduate schools in the USA. This is one of the best universities that offers MS in the USA without the GRE.
89 |
|
Location |
West Lafayette, Indiana |
Approximate Fees |
USD 31,676 (INR 26,48,570) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Computer Science, MS Electrical and Computer Engineering, MS Environmental and Ecological Engineering, MS Ecological Sciences and Engineering |
3. Boston University
Boston University is a private university and research institution. The university offers graduate and undergraduate programs across several fields including sciences, arts, medicine, business, humanities, education, and social studies. For students wanting to study master's in the US without the GRE, you can look up the courses in this university.
108 |
|
Location |
Boston, Massachusetts |
Approximate Fees |
USD 68,102 (INR 56,94,320) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Artificial Intelligence, MS Computer Information Systems, MS Applied Data Analytics, MS Bioinformatics, MS Robotics, and Autonomous Systems |
4. Northeastern University
Northeastern University is a prominent private university in Boston that offers admission in the US without a GRE. Of the many courses offered by the University, courses in Business, Computer and Information Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Econometrics, and Quantitative Economics are the most recognized.
396 |
|
Location |
Boston, Massachusettes |
Approximate Fees |
USD 63,141 (INR 52,79,510) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Computer Science, MS Computer Systems Engineering, MS Industrial Engineering, MS Data Analytics Engineering, MS Civil Engineering, MS Environmental Engineering, MS Chemical Engineering |
5. Stevens Institute of Technology
It is a private research university in New Jersey that admits graduate students to all its programs without a mandatory GRE score. The Stevens Institute of Technology has kept the exam optional for its admission process. Students can consider an MS in the USA without a GRE at this university.
701-710 |
|
Location |
Hoboken, New Jersey |
Approximate Fees |
USD 60,952 (INR 50,96,480) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS in Computer Science, MS in Information Systems |
6. University of Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati is a public research university, and it’s considered one of the best public universities in the US. The university has a diverse and beautiful campus. While some programs require students to provide GRE scores, some departments admit international students without GRE scores given a GPA of 3.0 and above.
761-770 |
|
Location |
Cincinnati, Ohio |
Approximate Fees |
USD 52,689 (INR 44,05,570) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS in Computer Science |
7. California State University
Located in the same state as Silicon Valley, California State University not only provides great opportunities but also does not need the GRE scores from the applicants. It comprises seven academic colleges that offer around 58 graduation disciplines. Considering this, it is a very good option for MS in the US without a GRE.
1401+ |
|
Location |
Sacramento, California |
Approximate Fees |
USD 39,881 (INR 33,28,780) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Civil Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering, MS Chemistry |
8. The University of Dayton
If you wish to study a master’s in the USA without a GRE, you may want to consider the University of Dayton. This national research university in Ohio has made the GRE scores optional for all applicants. Ranked among the Top 100, this is one of the most prominent GRE universities in the United States.
Location |
Dayton, Ohio |
Approximate Fees |
USD 47,600 (INR 39,80,050) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Civil Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering, MS Computer Engineering, MS Electrical Engineering, MS Renewable and Clean Energy, MS Aerospace Engineering, MS Chemical Engineering |
9. Wichita State University
If you are seeking admission to the US without a GRE score, Wichita State University can also be considered a great option. It is highly ranked amongst US Universities for its Engineering programs. The University also boasts of a diverse student body with students coming from over 100 countries.
Location |
Wichita, Kansas |
Approximate Fees |
USD 26,126 (INR 21,84,510) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Aerospace Engineering, MS Computer Networking, MS Computer Science, MS Biological Sciences |
10. University of Bridgeport
Another non-GRE university in the US is the University of Bridgeport. It is a private university that offers programs at all levels - certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. It has 3 colleges and 16 schools offering courses across all major streams.
Location |
Bridgeport, Connecticut |
Approximate Fees |
USD 35,760 (INR 29,90,060) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Computer Science, MS Biomedical Engineering, MS Computer Engineering, MS Electrical Engineering, MS Mechanical Engineering |
Are you struggling to discover colleges that align with your preferences and passions? It's understandable given the overwhelming number of options available. That's where Yocket College Finder steps in to lend a hand. Our tool is designed to assist you in pinpointing the ideal university that matches your interests.
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11. University of North Texas
Also known as North Texas State University, UNT is a public research university. It offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, and Certificate programs. Some of its well-known schools are Business, Management, Marketing, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.
1001-1200 |
|
Location |
Denton, Texas |
Approximate Fees |
USD 39,392 (INR 32,93,750) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS in Data Science |
12. San Jose State University (SJSU)
SJSU is well-recognized for its research and technology-based programs. If you are looking for only IELTS-accepting universities in the US without the GRE for MS, this is definitely a good choice. While some programs like Master in Computer Engineering, and Master in Biotechnology require students to take the GRE programs, a few of them accept students based on other factors along with IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Location |
San Jose, California |
Approximate Fees |
USD 39,512 (INR 33,03,780) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS in Data Analytics, MS in Civil Engineering, MS in Aerospace Engineering |
13. Oklahoma City University
Oklahoma City University or OCU is a private university that offers undergraduate bachelor's, graduate master's, and doctoral degree programs. Some of the master's level programs at the university don't require international students to provide a GRE score.
Location |
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma |
Approximate Fees |
USD 33,586 (INR 28,08,280) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Computer Science |
14. George Mason University
This public research university is well known for its research programs, especially in the fields of economics and law. Apart from these, the most popular majors at George Mason University include Psychology, Information Technology, Biological Sciences, Management, and Quantitative Methods. The university has a diverse student body representing over 130 nationalities.
1001-1200 |
|
Location |
Fairfax, Virginia |
Approximate Fees |
USD 38,688 (INR 32,34,880) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Civil & Infrastructure Engineering, MS Health Informatics, MS Data Analytics Engineering, MS Applied and Engineering Physics |
15. New Mexico State University
The NMSU is a notable public research university in the United States. It also happens to be amongst the oldest institutions of higher education in the country. The university offers masters in science, engineering, business, health, education, etc.
Location |
Las Cruces, New Mexico |
Approximate Fees |
USD 43,507 (INR 36,37,820) |
Courses Offered Without GRE |
MS Computer Science, MS Industrial Engineering |
US Universities Without GRE Requirements for Masters
Apart from the above list of universities in the USA without GRE, there are many other US universities without GRE requirements. Some of them are listed below:
Alternatives to GRE to Get Admitted at US Universities
GRE is considered a standardized test for graduate schools, regardless of the studies one is expected to undertake.
However, in many universities, the GRE score is substituted by a more relevant examination such as:
- LSAT in the case of Law School programs
- GMAT for admission to Management Programs
- MCAT for prospective medical students
Before choosing the exam, make sure you check the requirements of your university and school and see which exams are needed for admission.
Suggested: How to Choose Your University in US for MS?
How to Apply to US Universities without GRE?
There is a common perception that only IELTS-accepting universities in the USA without GRE for MS tend not to be as good as their counterparts – this is true in many cases where it serves as a gimmick to attract students to their graduate students. However, as highlighted above, top universities in the US without GRE requirements are not a myth.
Many well-reputed MS universities in the US are beginning to rely less on the GRE as a predictive indicator of a candidate’s ability to take on and complete graduate studies. More Universities have therefore started to give more emphasis on SOPs, LORs, co-curriculars, etc.
Suggested: Low Tuition Fee Universities for MS in US
From the Desk of Yocket
The GRE is a standardized test usually taken by international students who aspire to pursue graduate studies, and beyond in the United States. However, several prestigious universities offer GRE waivers, providing a cost-effective opportunity for international applicants to enhance their chances of acceptance to premium universities.
However, the GRE is only one of the challenges international students face. Crafting compelling Statements of Purpose (SOPs), building impressive CVs to stand out among hundreds of applicants, selecting the right program, managing financial constraints, and more can be exhausting. But Yocket is here to support you every step of the way.
With Yocket Premium, you gain access to comprehensive assistance for securing admission to your preferred university. Yocket's expert counselors will guide you from program selection to visa application approval, offering unwavering support to help you achieve your dream.
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