Universities in USA Without GRE

Picture this: You are excited to pursue your dream of studying abroad. You have decided on your university choices and sorted your finances. 

However, when you start applying for admission, you notice that several universities are asking for a GRE score – and you either don’t have one, or you have one that falls short of the required score. If this sounds familiar, do not worry! This blog will explore the top universities in the USA without the GRE and alternatives to the GRE.

Table of Contents:

1. Top 10 Universities in the USA Without GRE
2. Top 5 Non-GRE Universities in the USA
3. How to Apply to Universities in the USA Without GRE
4. Frequently Asked Questions

Top 10 Universities in the USA Without GRE

Numerous top universities in the USA have started offering admission without a GRE for several graduate programs. While some universities have entirely removed the GRE from their admission process, some universities provide waiver options for the GRE.

Here are some of the top universities in the USA without the GRE for your MS and PhD and their admission requirements:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)
• San Jose State University
• University of Iowa
• Princeton University
• University of Chicago
• University of Michigan
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Purdue University
• University of Southern California (USC)

Top 5 Non-GRE Universities in the USA

Several top universities offer Master’s programs in the USA without GRE. These top universities evaluate your applications based on several factors. If you are planning to pursue a Master’s in the USA without a GRE, here are some universities:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a world-renowned university in the USA. Founded in 1861, MIT is known for its excellence in science, engineering, and technology. Several departments no longer require the GRE for their programs. Instead, MIT evaluates its students based on grades, essays, recommendations, and personal statements.

Programs without GRE	Admission Requirements
Electrical Engineering and Computer Science	2 Essays 3 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts IELTS / TOEFL scores
Civil and Environmental Engineering	Statement of Objectives 3 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts CV or Resume IELTS / TOEFL / C1 / C2 scores
Chemical Engineering	Statement of Purpose 3 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts IELTS / TOEFL / C1 / C2 scores
Aeronautics and Astronautics	Statement of Objectives 3 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts IELTS / TOEFL scores

2. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley)

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) is ranked 12th in QS World University Rankings 2025. The top-ranking university has 184 academic departments & programs. Founded in 1868, UC Berkeley is one of the top universities that have started waiving the GRE requirements for admission.

Programs without GRE	Admission Requirements
Architecture & City Planning	Statement and letter Academic Record Portfolio IELTS / TOEFL scores
Bioprocess Engineering	Statement of Purpose 3 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts Personal History Statement IELTS / TOEFL scores
Civil and Environmental Engineering	2 Essays Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts CV or Resume IELTS / TOEFL scores
Computer Science	Statement of Purpose 3 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts Personal History Statement CV or Resume IELTS / TOEFL scores

3. San Jose State University

San Jose State University, aka SJSU, is ranked 3rd in the Top Public Universities in the West by US News & World Report in the 2025 rankings. SJSU offers several graduate programs that do not require GRE scores for admission.

Programs without GRE	Admission Requirements
Aerospace Engineering	Academic Transcripts IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo scores
Chemical Engineering	Academic Transcripts Personal Statement IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo scores
Data Analytics	Academic Transcripts IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo scores
Biological Sciences	2 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts Personal Statement CV or Resume IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo scores

4. University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is a public research university founded in 1847. It has over 200 areas of study and 100+ graduate, doctoral, and research programs. With a 96% job and graduate school placement rate, the University of Iowa offers several programs that do not require the GRE for admission.

Programs without GRE	Admission Requirements
Mechanical Engineering	Statement of Purpose 3 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo scores
Chemistry	Statement of Purpose 3 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo scores
Electrical and Computer Engineering	Statement of Purpose 3 Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts CV or Resume IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Duolingo scores

5. Princeton University

Princeton University is the fourth-oldest college in the USA. Founded in 1746, it has 36 academic departments, 70 undergraduate and 10 master’s programs, 45 doctoral departments and programs, and 24 interdisciplinary/interdepartmental doctoral programs.

Programs without GRE	Admission Requirements
Computer Science	Academic Statement of Purpose Letters of Recommendation 2 Supplemental Essays Academic Transcripts Personal Statement CV or Resume IELTS / TOEFL scores Statement of Financial Resources
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering	Academic Statement of Purpose Letters of Recommendation 2 Supplemental Essays Academic Transcripts Personal Statement CV or Resume IELTS / TOEFL scores Statement of Financial Resources
Architecture	Academic Statement of Purpose Letters of Recommendation Academic Transcripts Personal Statement Portfolio IELTS / TOEFL / Duolingo scores

How to Apply to Universities in the USA Without GRE

Applying to top universities in the USA without GRE has become increasingly common, as several top universities have offered admission without GRE scores. Here’s how you can apply to top universities in the USA without the GRE:

• Identify universities that do not require the GRE for admission
• Select the program that aligns with your academic & career goals
• Several universities waive the GRE based on GPA, work experience, or research; check the details thoroughly
• Prepare admission documents such as a Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), CV or Resume, Academic Transcripts, and English language proficiency scores.
• Apply online on the university’s official website
• Attend interviews (if required by the university)
• Get the I-20 Form and SEVIS fee and schedule a visa interview

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pursue an MS in the USA without a GRE?

Yes, several top universities in the USA that do not have the GRE for MS allow students to apply without submitting their GRE scores. These universities evaluate applications based on GPA, work experience, recommendation letters, and other factors.

How do I find universities in the USA without a GRE for MS?

You must do thorough research and check the official website of your university and the program department. Many universities mention whether the GRE is optional, waived, or not required for MS admissions.

Is GRE required for Master’s in the USA?

Whether the GRE is required for a master’s program in the USA depends on the university and program. Many universities have made the GRE optional, while some still require it for their programs.

What are the top universities in the USA without the GRE for PhD?

Several well-known universities in the USA without GRE for PhD include Harvard University, Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Chicago, and the University of Arizona.

Are there alternative requirements for universities in the USA without GRE for PhD?

Yes, you may require a high GPA in your bachelor’s or MS degree, relevant research experience and publications, English language proficiency, and strong SOP and LORs with a sample or research proposal.

Does skipping the GRE affect my chances of admission to top universities in the USA?

If a university does not require a GRE, it will focus on other aspects of your application, such as academic performance, statement of purpose (SOP), recommendation letters, and work experience. So, skipping the GRE will not affect your chances of admission to top universities in the USA.