With a bachelor’s degree in hand, what comes next? For many graduates, the answer is graduate school! However, most graduate schools, including those in the United States, require standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). But the GRE isn’t always a requirement. In an effort to broaden access to postgraduate education, many prestigious American universities are waiving the GRE requirement, opening doors to a wider range of qualified students. So, if you’re considering graduate school, read on to discover the top 20 institutions where you can learn from the best—without needing to take the GRE.
Top US Universities with No GRE Requirement
The GRE is typically required by most universities across the United States, making it a common hurdle for many prospective students, and finding such universities that waive the GRE requirement can be further challenging. However, to simplify your search, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 universities that don’t require the GRE, making your path to graduate education a little easier!
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Regarded as one of America’s finest and top-ranked universities, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a dream destination for tech students around the globe. With distinguished alumni such as Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist Richard Feynman and influential faculty like renowned linguist Noam Chomsky, MIT tops every chart.
Despite its high standards, MIT has opened its doors to graduate students who have not taken the GRE. While the GRE requirement is not waived for all programs, some notable exceptions include the Ph.D. in Mathematics and the Master of Science in Physics, making these programs highly accessible for qualified students.
2. Stanford University
The name Stanford University is no stranger to anyone. As one of America’s, and indeed the world’s, educational giants, Stanford boasts a strong reputation for offering top-quality master’s and Ph.D. programs in a variety of fields, from social sciences to engineering. The path to joining Stanford’s esteemed alumni network, which includes former politicians like Rishi Sunak and John F. Kennedy is now one step easier for some applicants. Stanford has now adopted a GRE-optional policy for many of its graduate programs.
This policy applies to several programs across different departments, however, if you aim to pursue an M.S. in Economics or a Ph.D. in Statistics, you may be requiring a GRE in general.
3. Harvard University
With an acceptance rate hovering below 10%, Harvard University is highly selective, admitting only the most outstanding students from a vast pool of applicants each year. However, Harvard recognizes that standardized tests don’t always paint the whole picture. So, to attract a wider range of top-tier candidates, many Harvard schools, including the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and the History Department, have adopted GRE-optional or No-GRE policies. This allows talented students to showcase their strengths beyond a single test score.
Additionally, while a Harvard education comes with a hefty price tag, exceeding $50,000 annually, there are ways to make it more affordable. International students can consider applying for scholarships offered by Harvard itself, or explore external scholarship opportunities.
4. Columbia University
As New York’s oldest institution, Columbia University is a private Ivy League university distinguished by its 21 academic schools and affiliated institutions spread across four campuses in New York City’s prime locations.
Among these schools, the Graduate & Professional Schools attracted over 21,000 graduates in the last admission cycle, with the Graduate Engineering School and the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, & Preservation being particularly notable. Due to this significant applicant body, Columbia has also implemented an optional GRE policy, starting with these schools. This change allows more students to apply based on their academic achievements and professional experiences, broadening the university’s reach and inclusivity.
5. Purdue University
With over 400 research labs, a global student body of over 100,000, and an alumni network exceeding half a million, Purdue University is a research-intensive public university with its main campus located in West Lafayette, Indiana. In academia, Purdue is mostly famous for its strong focus and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs.
Therefore, to attract a diverse and talented pool of students to these programs, Purdue has strategically waived the GRE requirement for many graduate programs in recent years. This is particularly true in some of its most in-demand STEM fields, including Computer Sciences, Finance, and Electrical and Computer Engineering.
6. University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA is a top-ranked public university known for its strong academic programs and research initiatives. Many UCLA graduate programs, including those in Biomathematics and English, don’t require the GRE, opening doors for international students without the hurdle of standardized testing. Even better? UCLA also boasts some of the most affordable graduate tuition fees for out-of-state students, at $33,238 per year.
7. John Hopkins University
Founded in the late 19th century, Johns Hopkins University is a pioneer among America’s research universities. With graduate school campuses spread across the globe, JHU offers a varied range of programs. Notably, many graduate programs, including those in Sciences and Business, waive the GRE requirement. This policy depends on the applicant’s qualifications and the specific needs of each program, ensuring a broader pool of prospective students.
8. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
Located in a city known for its historical museums, Georgia Tech is anything but outdated. As America’s leading public university, Georgia Tech advertises its state-of-the-art campus and highly advanced academic programs in STEM fields to promote learning and innovation. Some of these programs, notably the M.S. in Urban Design eliminate the GRE requirement, while the full-time MBA offers a waiver option. However, alternative application materials like a written essay may still be needed.
But the benefits extend beyond academics. As of 2022, Georgia Tech graduates average a whopping $114,000 annually after graduation, with even higher salaries in fields like MBA and Digital Media. This makes a Georgia Tech degree a powerful investment in your future.
9. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Coming next on our list is the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), a public university known for its affordable tuition (between $20,000 – $40,000) and optional GRE programs in many areas, especially engineering and sciences (like M.S. in Computer Science). While top-tier agriculture and business programs might still require the GRE, UIUC offers a strong alternative for grad students seeking a top-ranked education without the GRE hurdle.
10. Cornell University
Cornell University offers a well-established reputation and a forward-thinking approach to academics. Similarly, they have also embraced a GRE-optional policy for cutting-edge fields like Archaeology and Atmospheric Sciences. Remember, the GRE requirement can vary by program. However, Cornell provides a compelling option for students seeking a top-tier education with several learning resources and career opportunities provided throughout.
11. Yale University
With international students making up over 30% of the student body and hailing from more than 124 countries, Yale University is a welcoming haven for students from abroad. This impressive diversity is partly due to Yale’s no-GRE policy for many of its graduate programs, including those in the highly sought-after Graduate School of Arts & Sciences. By removing the GRE requirement, Yale ensures that talented students from around the world have the opportunity to join its talented community based on their academic and professional accomplishments.
12. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania, a top-tier Ivy League university with a history spanning nearly 300 years, embodies a rich heritage that is evident in its over 180 tall buildings and historic landmarks, including the nation’s first student union and the first double-decker college football stadium.
In academics, UPenn has adopted a flexible GRE policy. Many graduate programs, including those in the highly regarded Wharton School of Business and School of Engineering and Sciences, have made the GRE optional.
13. University of Arizona
From tackling climate challenges in the Sonoran Desert to partnering with NASA on asteroid sample collection, the University of Arizona is always at the forefront of groundbreaking research across space exploration, sustainability, healthcare, humanities, and more.
As a leading public research university, UArizona offers a top-ranked education with a strong focus on practical experience. And the good news? Plenty of these academic programs such as M.S. in Data Science or Applied Mathematics are free of standardized tests of GRE.
14. University of Dayton
If you are seeking a Master’s in Civil or Chemical Engineering with a highly respected educational degree, no GRE requirements, and an affordable cost, the University of Dayton could be your optimal choice. Based in Ohio, UDayton is a private university renowned for its focus on experiential learning and affordability.
In addition to its engineering programs, UDayton also offers highly attractive business programs, some of which do not require the GRE. This flexible admissions policy, combined with a commitment to hands-on learning and affordability, makes UDayton a compelling option.
15. Duke University
From American President Richard Nixon to Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook, Duke University has nurtured numerous influential personalities. As one of America’s highly-ranked private research universities, Duke’s flexible academic policies help it stay competitive and produce top-quality graduates.
This includes a tiered GRE policy, with programs categorized as GRE-required, GRE-optional, and “Alternate Tests”. International students should carefully review the specific GRE requirements for their chosen program.
16. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University stands out for its sheer variety, offering over 170+ master’s and 94 doctoral programs, with many waiving the GRE requirement. Founded in 1876, it also boasts one of America’s largest student bodies, translating to a wealth of program options and resources. Additionally, TAMU is also known for its cost-effectiveness, and international students can explore scholarship opportunities like the George J. Eppright ’26 International Student and International Education Fee Scholarships.
17. University of Cincinnati
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati is a historic public university with a focus on affordability and modernity. For graduate students seeking a GRE-free option, UC waives the requirement for not only the Accounting Master’s but also the Mathematics Master’s, making it a standout choice in these fields.
18. University of Michigan
UMich is the US top-ranked public university that offers a winning combination of thorough academic programs and attractive campus life. Did you even know that UMich boasts the largest football stadium in the US? Yes, that’s true, but the victories extend beyond that. UMich has also adopted a flexible approach to standardized testing, with many graduate programs waiving the GRE requirement. This is excellent news for students seeking a top-tier education, especially for those interested in the highly-regarded Chemical Engineering Master’s program, which doesn’t require the GRE.
19. George Mason University
Located in Virginia, George Mason University (GMU) is a breeding ground for tech talent. Talking about its alumni success, many GMU alumni go on to work at top companies like Nokia, IBM, and Amazon Web Services (AWS). This success extends to their graduate programs, with GRE waivers for many post-graduate programs including Doctoral programs in Computer Science and M.A. Economics.
20. Florida State University
Wrapping up our list with a sunny Florida institution, Florida State University (FSU) offers a compelling option for grad students seeking a top-ranked education without the GRE hassle. FSU is currently waiving the GRE requirement for most Master’s and Specialist programs, with the exception of the College of Business. This policy applies to the 2025-2026 application cycle and is subject to change. Be sure to check with your program of interest for the latest admissions information. However, with its focus on affordability and a wide range of programs, FSU remains a strong contender for students seeking a well-rounded graduate experience.
Yale, UPenn, TAMU, or the great MIT—you can choose any of them and enjoy one consistent benefit: no GRE hassle. With these top 20 institutions waiving standardized tests to attract better applicant pools, it’s clear that the focus is shifting toward a more holistic evaluation of candidates. This trend is opening doors for talented students worldwide, making top-tier graduate education more accessible than ever before!
We hope that this article on the universities without GRE was helpful. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out our Guide to Studying in the U.S. and Available Programs for International Students!
